So You Signed Up for the Chicago Marathon... Now What? (AKA The Deferral Dance)
Let's face it, registering for a marathon is a lot like asking your crush out on a date. There's a thrill, a touch of nervousness, and maybe even a silent prayer they'll say yes (or in this case, that your body will cooperate). But what happens when those pre-race jitters turn into full-blown "oh crap, I can't actually run 26.2 miles" freak out?
Fear not, fellow runner (or should we say, wannabe runner?), because there might be a way out of this long-distance commitment (without the emotional baggage of a break-up). Enter the magical world of DEFERRALS!
Defer Your Dreams? You Got This!
The good news is, the Chicago Marathon offers a deferral option for those who just aren't quite ready to lace up and conquer the Windy City. But hold on to your running shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind.
-
It's Not Like Hitting Snooze: Deferring doesn't mean you get to sleep in on race day. You'll have to officially cancel your entry for 2024 (don't worry, it's not a rejection, just a postponement). The upside? You'll be guaranteed entry for the 2025 race! That's right, avoid the lottery drama altogether!
-
Kiss Your Refund Goodbye: This one stings a bit. Deferring doesn't come with a financial pat on the back. You won't get your entry fee back, but hey, at least you're not stuck with a fancy Chicago Marathon participation medal collecting dust in your attic.
-
Deadlines? We Don't Need No Stinking Deadlines... Actually, We Do There is a deadline to defer, folks! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 9th, 2024. Miss this date and you're officially signed up for the 2024 race (better get training!).
Defer or Don't Defer? That is the Question
So, how do you know if deferring is the right move for you? Here's a handy dandy flowchart to help you decide:
- Is your internal monologue a constant loop of "I can totally do this!"? Stick with the 2024 race! You've got this!
- Did a surprise encounter with a rogue donut box derail your training plan? Defer and conquer those cravings before conquering Chicago.
- Did you accidentally sign up for the marathon instead of the 5k? Defer (and maybe invest in a bigger calendar).
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Deferring allows you to chase your marathon dreams on your own terms, minus the stress of lottery applications. Just remember, great things come to those who wait (and train)!
