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Three, Two… Run! Chicago Marathon Veterans Share Words of Wisdom for First-Timers
The 47th annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon is set to take place this Sunday.
Race organizers said more than 50,000 runners are expected to cross the finish line, with participants coming from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
As nerves begin to set in for first-timers on the course, WTTW News caught up with some Chicago Marathon veterans (and a couple Olympic marathon champs) for some words of wisdom.
“My piece of advice would be to really enjoy the race. Have fun, relax, you’ve done all the hard work, and now it’s time to have a party and enjoy the crowd and the atmosphere. I also would say make sure you take advantage of every hydration station. You’ve got to go through there, get something to sip on, so that you stay hydrated and energized for the race.”
-Allison Foster, Flossmoor resident, nine-time Chicago Marathon finisher
“Be a little guarded with your pace. There’s so much excitement leading into race weekend and mother nature, the weather is going to be very accommodating, so you want to make sure you don’t get carried away with the crowds and excitement. You want to stay in your pace and your training. Make sure you stay in your routine that you did training and replicate that in your first marathon. You can always come back and try to run faster, but you want to be a little conservative, enjoy it, and learn from your first race.”
-Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon executive race director
“First of all, have fun, but when you’re about to cross the finish line, make sure you don’t look down at your watch so they can snap some great photos of you crossing the finish line with pride and not you looking down at your Garmin.”
-Isabel Gheytanchi, gifts and events officer with Girls on the Run Chicago
“What I always recommend for marathons is, think about a marathon — if it’s the first time — like life. You’re going to find different obstacles and different things throughout that course, just pace yourself. You’re going to have people cheering you, supporting you, all around the race. Hydrate. Carb load days before. There are a lot of great Italian restaurants around the city and best of luck!”
-Felipe Ospina, co-chair of the Bogota Committee with Chicago Sister Cities International
“All I can say is believe in your training, don’t try anything new that you haven’t tried before, make sure you have double or triple knots in your shoelaces and enjoy the experience of 26.2 miles.”
-Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic gold medalist in the marathon; 32-year record-holder in the American Women’s Marathon, set in Chicago in 1985
“Just soak it all in. Even when you’re tired, or even when you feel like you have nothing to go, just take in the vibes from the entire city and use it as an engine and it’ll get you to the end.”
-Andres Orbe, River North resident, four-time Chicago Marathon finisher
“There’s no shame in walking the aid stations. You need the water, and you need the fluids. If you take in a little too much water or Gatorade, you can always cut back. But if you don’t take enough, then you can really put yourself in a deficit. I think a big beginner mistake is not hydrating enough, not fueling enough, but if you can do that, you’re going to find yourself feeling shockingly good in the final 10K.”
-James Diamond, manager of coaching and training programs with the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA)
“Run those tangents. There are 40 turns on this course, so make sure you’re running the tangents so that you’re not running more than 26.2 miles. Have a ball out there! Take in the crowds because they are like no other on the race series.”
-Deena Kastor, Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon, 2005 Chicago Marathon winner
“You’ve been training the whole summer so you’re ready for it. The only advice I would say would be to enjoy the race itself. Just to be in that big of a herd running through downtown Chicago with all the architecture and different people and all the fans on the side cheering you on, it’s amazing. It really pumps you up and it’s a great day, especially when you finally get across that finish line. It’s awesome.”
-Michael Ahern, Chicago Fire Department lieutenant and five-time Chicago Marathon finisher
“Make sure you enjoy it. It’s a brilliant weekend. It’s a brilliant day. Just make sure you soak it all in. Take plenty of fluids on the course and just go out there and give it your all.”
-Paul Fahy, West Loop resident, 2024 Chicago Marathon finisher
“First piece of advice is not to go out too hot. Chicago is a major. It’s the best city in the world, so vibes are going to be high at the start line. It’s a long race. It’s 26.2 miles. So you just want to pace yourself and just soak it all in, but don’t go too hard because you have a long way to go. It’s a blessing to be able to run 26 miles and do it in the best city in the world.”
-Jaylen Hall, South Loop resident, two-time Chicago Marathon finisher
