Insights from a Six Star Finisher: Your guide to the Chicago Marathon

Kristyn R. Smith is a New York-based running coach, masters athlete, and proud Six Star Finisher.

A passionate runner with a wealth of marathon experience, Kristyn shares her insights, tips, and personal experiences to help guide runners preparing for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

What makes the Chicago Marathon special compared to other races you've been part of? 

As a New Yorker, I appreciate the Chicago Marathon for the ways it contrasts with, and complements, my hometown race. It offers a totally flat course, simple logistics, and all the energy and spectator support you'd expect from a Marathon Major. As an added bonus, there's no long-haul flight or jet lag that comes with the international races. 

My visits to Chicago have also brought plenty of memorable firsts. It was where I first saw one of the Great Lakes, and the lakefront trail is surely one of the best places to run in the United States. Then there's the deep-dish pizza. New York has a healthy rivalry with our Midwestern neighbour when it comes to claiming the title of best pie. Some people would give Chicago the crown. Personally, I'd classify it as the world's best casserole, but it's worth trying either way! 

Speaking of rivalry, pizza isn't the only New York-Chicago battleground. The popularisation of both city marathons was fuelled by the friendly rivalry between their early stewards, Fred Lebow and Bob Bright, during the 1980s. Rivalry aside, I love Chicago for the way it feels both comfortably familiar and intriguingly different. 

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone preparing for the Chicago Marathon for the first time? 

One of the best things about Chicago is that there aren't many surprises. The one thing that can catch runners out is GPS accuracy. 

Signals can be interrupted by tall buildings, elevated train tracks and even water, all of which feature along the course. In fact, the opening mile takes you through Lower Wacker Drive beneath the Chicago River, so it's almost guaranteed your watch will have a moment. 

My advice is to get comfortable manually lapping your watch at the official mile markers. You'll end up with much more accurate splits despite any GPS glitches. There are also several pacing apps that work well alongside manual laps, so it's worth experimenting with them in training. Nothing new on race day. 

What should runners know about race week in Chicago? 

One of my favourite things to do in Chicago has nothing to do with running. The architecture river cruise is a fantastic way to experience the city while staying off your feet before marathon day, and the buildings really are spectacular. 

If you're looking for more race-week excitement, there will be no shortage of shakeout runs and brand events. Nike, as the official race sponsor, hosts a packed programme throughout the weekend, so keep an eye on the schedule. There's a good chance you'll even meet some of your favourite Nike athletes along the way. 

What moment from your Chicago Marathon experience stands out most? 

I have quite the story from my second Chicago Marathon. 

That year I was accepted into the race's high-performance programme. I don't come from the typical sub-elite background. I didn't grow up playing competitive sports and instead spent years gradually working my way from a four-hour marathon to breaking three hours. Being invited into that field felt both overwhelming and incredibly rewarding. 

Unfortunately, things didn't go to plan. 

The first signs appeared the day before the race. I felt unusually tired, but put it down to travel and nerves. That night I barely slept, waking repeatedly, hot one minute and freezing the next. Still, I convinced myself everything was fine and headed to Grant Park. 

Standing in the reserved athlete tent, directly behind the elites, was surreal. Then the gun went. 

Within the first mile I knew something wasn't right. Imagine struggling in mile one after months of careful training. I kept telling myself I'd settle into the race, but I never did. For the rest of the marathon I debated dropping out almost every mile. I couldn't breathe properly, felt lightheaded, and the ground seemed to spin beneath me. 

I crossed the finish line nearly ten minutes slower than planned, having given absolutely everything just to get there. 

When I got home and still didn't feel any better, I finally tested for Covid. Three tests. Three positives. 

Had I known I was ill, I never would have started the race. Looking back, I can see all the warning signs, but at the time I rationalised every single one. Needless to say, it's a Chicago Marathon I'll never forget. My highest high and lowest low, wrapped into one unforgettable day. 

What is the one thing you hope every Chicago Marathon participant takes away from the race? 

Chicago offers a world-class marathon experience without ever feeling overly complicated. It's one of only three looped courses among the Marathon Majors, and one of only three flat courses. It's also produced seven men's and women's marathon world records, second only to Berlin. 

Whether you're chasing your first finish or your fastest time, Chicago has something to offer. It's approachable, exceptionally well organised, and one of the best marathon experiences you'll find anywhere.