Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ? ...

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17 Replies Last post: Mar 29, 2006 9:51 AM by midniterunner 1 2 Previous Next

twinmomrunner045

133 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Mar 24, 2006 10:49 PM

Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

I'm trying to find a BQ marathon, and I need a pretty fast course. I'd also like to have a great experience, since I'm unlikely to do more than a handful of marathons in my life. My one other experience was Cape Cod--a beautiful small marathon. Now I'm wondering about the other end of the spectrum. So...how about Chicago? Will the crowds slow me down too much? I need to shave 8 minutes off my last time to qualify (though admittedly CCM was fairly hilly), so can't afford to mess around too much.

BTW, other contenders are Mohawk Hudson River (closer to home, but very small at less than 500 runners) and Philly. I need something in October or November, and am coming from Boston (with two 4-yr-olds). Any advice is welcome. Thanks much.

NH Road Runner

27 posts since
Oct 8, 2004

1. Mar 24, 2006 10:55 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

If you dont want to stray too far from home the Bay State Marathon in Tyngsboro and Lowell is pancake flat and is a great place for a boston qualifier.

A little more scenic is Clarence De Mar in Keene NH. This is slightly more hilly, but still a good course.

Philly is also a great option.

Crowds will not slow you down in any of these. When you talk about the other end of the spectrum ... I would say Philly comes the closest and I would deem it to be a medium sized field I think in the neighborhood of 6000 runners.

twinmomrunner045

133 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

2. Mar 24, 2006 11:01 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

Thanks for the quick response. I can't do Baystate or Clarence Demar for scheduling reasons unfortunately, but am very interested in thoughts on Philly.

AndyHass

1,385 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

3. Mar 25, 2006 9:17 AM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

What's your approximate goal time? I have no experience running mid-pack at Chicago, but it is a big race. They start it on some wide roads though, so I would think you're not stopped too bad. The positive is no matter the wind, you're able to stay out of it behind other people.

crunningman

950 posts since
Jun 7, 2002

4. Mar 25, 2006 10:56 AM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

I've run 3 Chicago's. 3 BQ's!

The first one in 2002 where I ran probably 4,000-5,000 deep. I needed a 3:10. Ended up with a 3:05. Up until mile23 I was on a sub3 pace, but couldn't seal the deal.

I had no problem running the race I wanted. The biggest problem I thought was trying to contain myself from going too fast early on. Looking around, ahead, at first you think you aren't going to get anywhere, but then things just flow right along.

The only thing you might want to be careful of is going through the aid stations. Don't stop because if you do you might get plowed over. I've seen it happen. Just grab a cup, maybe slow down a bit to drink it and then get back on pace.

Good luck on your choice. Detroit or Grand Rapids are also other options as well.

swatkins077

111 posts since
Nov 22, 1999

5. Mar 25, 2006 2:18 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

The course at Chicago makes it amenable to a BQ. If you run with one of the pace groups you should be fine. Even contending with the crowd I was able to stay on pace the entire race.

twinmomrunner045

133 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

6. Mar 25, 2006 3:32 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

Thanks for the feedback. I only need a 4:00, and would run with a pacing group. This sounds promising....

PerfesserR

157 posts since
Sep 7, 2005

7. Mar 25, 2006 8:35 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by twinmomrunner:
I'm trying to find a BQ marathon,
...
So...how about Chicago? Will the crowds slow me down too much? I need to shave 8 minutes off my last time to qualify (though admittedly CCM was fairly hilly), so can't afford to mess around too much.

<HR>

In any large marathon (except those who have strict seeding corrals) you will have to contend with the walkers and 6-hour runners who think it's OK to line up with the 3-hour runners. Getting around these folks can cost you a LOT of time and energy. It was a nightmare at the Honolulu marathon, I felt like I had run a 50k just dodging the packs of walkers and slower runners, and my time reflected that. It's bad enough that they start at the front, but why do they have to travel in packs? Anyway, I know several competitive runners who ran Chicago this year and said that they would not ever run Chicago again, IF they were trying for time. I really want to run Chicago, but it won't be for BQ!
Find a nice, small marathon on a fast course, just make sure it's certified.

9ultras

26 posts since
Apr 9, 2005

8. Mar 25, 2006 8:52 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

Why don't you try the Lakefront Marathon, just 90 miles North of Chicago, in Milwaukee.

Two years ago, it had the second fastest median time of all major marathons in the U.S., and that was with a headwind!

It is chip timed, has a little over 2,000 runners, is certified, and is a mostly flat net downhill course.

It is just big enough to get excitement from that, but not too big for other runners to be in the way.

They have a much bigger % of BQ's than Chicago.

crunningman

950 posts since
Jun 7, 2002

9. Mar 25, 2006 10:00 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by PerfesserR:
Anyway, I know several competitive runners who ran Chicago this year and said that they would not ever run Chicago again, IF they were trying for time. I really want to run Chicago, but it won't be for BQ!<HR>

This is an interesting comment. I ran from the "Competitive Corral" and had no problem keeping pace at all during the 2005 race. My goal was sub2:55.

1st Half: (1:26:51) - 6:37 pace
2nd Half (1:27:31) - 6:40 pace
Finish: (2:54:22) - 6:39 pace

What were their reasons?

okierunner

6 posts since
May 17, 2005

10. Mar 25, 2006 10:11 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

I would certainly recommend Chicago as a good race to try to qualify for Boston. The crowds should not slow you down and it is a fast course with a great deal of crowd support. Also, the "big-race" experience will get you ready for the crowds in Boston. Good Luck

klrja

6 posts since
Feb 17, 2003

11. Mar 26, 2006 7:04 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

Chicago all the way.

Wide streets, extremely spirited crowds, and very respectful entrants in terms of placement. It's a great great marathon, my favorite by far (OK, Boston was not bad). Logistically simple, and this year (2006), they are running it a few weeks later due to McCormick Place availability, which is good very weather wise.

You will not be disappointed running this marathon. A remarkable experience. Good luck with your decision, BUT RUN THIS RACE.

PerfesserR

157 posts since
Sep 7, 2005

12. Mar 27, 2006 9:02 AM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by crunningman:
This is an interesting comment. I ran from the "Competitive Corral" and had no problem keeping pace at all during the 2005 race. My goal was sub2:55.

1st Half: (1:26:51) - 6:37 pace
2nd Half (1:27:31) - 6:40 pace
Finish: (2:54:22) - 6:39 pace

What were their reasons?

<HR>

I should have said competitive MASTERS runners, not that fast. Anyway they cited the crowds.

jtv079

252 posts since
Jan 13, 2006

13. Mar 27, 2006 10:45 AM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

I would recommend Philly (Although I must admit that I have never done Chicago). I have run Philly twice. It is a fast course, with some slight hills. It is well organized, and has 5,000-8,000 runners. A good medium sized race, enough runners so that you are always running with several other runners, but not overcrowded. Since it is in mid Nov, it generally has good weather (40-50F). Some Oct marathons can be warm at times. Philly can be cold, if anything.

Good luck. Philly might also be on my list this year.

FYI - also if you have ever run the Philly Distance Run (half), it shares much of its course with the marathon. If you do decide to do Philly, I would definitely recommend the PDR.

hubitron

140 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

14. Mar 27, 2006 3:23 PM

in response to: twinmomrunner045

Re: Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

I second jtv. I've done Philly twice as well (weather was perfect both times). The first time, I paced my wife, who snuck under the wire with a 3:39:xx. I qualified for Boston there last year. We will both be at the starting line in Hopkinton in just three short weeks.

The field at Philly is small enough that there is very little trouble at water stops, and there are enough spectators to be encouraging, and keep you moving. The course is scenic and fun. Highly recommended!

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Mar 24, 2006 10:49 PM

Chicago marathon--too crowded for BQ?

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