So You Wanna Run Like the Wind (or at Least Not Walk Like a Weary Wombat) in the Chicago Marathon? A Totally Unofficial Guide
The Chicago Marathon - a glorious autumnal event where runners with legs of steel (and lungs that could power a small jet engine) conquer the Windy City! But before you lace up your sneaks and dream of podium finishes, there's this little hurdle called registration. Fear not, my fellow aspiring marathoners (or marathon-wishers), for I, your friendly neighborhood guide (who may or may not have finished a 5k once...ish), will walk you through the signup trenches.
The Two Paths to Chicagoland Marathon Glory
There are two main ways to snag a coveted spot in the Chicago Marathon. Buckle up, because it's about to get dramatic (well, maybe not that dramatic, but important nonetheless).
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The Lottery of the Brave (or the Non-Guaranteed Entry Drawing): This is where you, my friend, are essentially throwing your name into a giant fitness hat and hoping for the best. It's a completely random drawing, so dust off those lucky socks and maybe do a little pre-emptive celebratory dance for good measure. The application window typically opens in October and winners are notified in December. Pro tip: Don't be that person who submits a million applications. They'll see right through you (and disqualify you).
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The Guaranteed Entry Gurus (aka How to Avoid the Lottery Altogether): If you're not a fan of leaving your fate in the hands of rolling ping pong balls, then this is the section for you. There are a few ways to score a guaranteed entry, but they all come with their own little twists:
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Become a Charity Champion: This is where you combine your love of running with supporting a good cause. Many charities partner with the marathon and offer guaranteed entries in exchange for you meeting a fundraising minimum. Think of it as running for good (karma points included)!
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Qualify Like a Boss: This option is for the speed demons out there. If you've crushed a marathon in a certain qualifying time (think sub-4 hours for men and sub-3:30 for women), then you get to bypass the whole lottery business. Just be prepared to provide proof of your lightning-fast feet.
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The Past, The Proud, The Marathon Finishers: If you've conquered the Chicago Marathon in the past five years, and done it five times or more, then congratulations! You get a guaranteed entry like a shiny gold medal (well, not literally, but it's still pretty cool).
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Don't Be That Guy (or Gal)
The application process can be a bit overwhelming, so here are a few friendly reminders to avoid any marathon signup snafus:
- Read the Fine Print: This isn't rocket science, but there are rules and deadlines. Ignoring them could land you without a spot on race day.
- Don't Be a Copycat: We get it, you're really excited. But submitting multiple applications won't increase your chances and might just get you disqualified.
- Plan Your Charity Powerhouse Move: If you're going the charity route, choose a cause you care about and be prepared to put in the fundraising effort. Nobody wants to sponsor someone who just wants a free run (and the charities don't either).
So You're In! Now What?
Congratulations, marathoner-to-be! You've conquered the signup beast. Now comes the whole, you know, running for 26.2 miles part. But that's a story for another day. In the meantime, celebrate your victory (with something healthy-ish), dust off those running shoes, and get ready to experience the thrill (and maybe a few aches and pains) of the Chicago Marathon!
