I noticed this morning that the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon just sold out, closing registration 25 days faster than last year. The registration STARTED on the 1st of February! Over 45,000 people will be lining up in Grant Park at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 7th to run in the Windy City. This will be the race's 35th anniversary, and it doesn't even start for 241 days !
I like to think I plan ahead, but this is just amazing to me. I suppose that since this is one of the premier marathons in the country that still doesn't have a restricted entry system in place (think New York City / Boston Marathon), that it is a highly sought after run, and I do have to admit that I might like to run it myself one day.
But that IS a lot of people though. My first (Cowtown) currently has a little over 19,000 people signed up at this point, and the Ft. Worth Marathon isn't anywhere near as prestigious as Chicago. I suppose that "big city" marathons just attract very large crowds these days.
I have kind of mixed feelings about races this big to be honest.
Participating in a larger marathon certainly has name recognition, so people will know what you're talking about. And at this point in my running, making a goal race something "name worthy" (so to speak) is a nice touch.
Another kind of nice thing about a larger event is just the opportunity to run with and test yourself against a large group of like-minded people. I tend to do the overwhelming majority of my running alone, so it is interesting and a bit invigorating to be around THAT many people doing what I love to do.
On race day, I'm primarily out there to compete against all the men in their early 50's who were complete couch potatoes less than a year ago, unable to string 2 miles together at a time without nearly killing themselves, and 30+ pounds overweight. In other words, myself. Because even though I'll be around a lot of people, it will still be myself that I have to deal with most of the time.
Yet I do also get a lot of enjoyment out of passing other runners on the course, especially in the latter half to quarter of the distance...and especially in the last couple of tenths of a mile at the end to cross the finish line. Even though I won't be setting any record of note, and the odds of me either knowing the people I'm passing or every recognizing them if I see them again will be slim, I still get a "rush" out of pushing myself hard at the end and blowing past a few of my fellow runners.
Of course there ARE downsides to that many people, including taking a while to cross the start line, and erratic runners who dart in front of you or slow down (A LOT) all at once for no apparent reason. Then there are the small groups of those using the Run/Walk method, which just add to the clutter early in the race before people are settled into their pace.
The water stops can also be a bit of a "cluster" at times, with all the people who (at least sometimes) seem almost desperate to "get that cup", and they all have to funnel into one relatively small area where they will at times slam on the brakes to take the drink. I have to admit that I'll be carrying some water bottles on my belt just so I can avoid that hassle (at least in the early miles).
But even those things are minor things in the minds of a great many people apparently (as they are to me)...I can think of at least 45,000 people right off the top of my head (and 19,000 more a bit closer to home).
So what do you think...especially those of you who have done a few marathons..?
Do you like the large crowds or find them frustrating..?
Do you enjoy large spectator crowds, or could you care less about them..?
I decided early on this year that I was going to do my first marathon next year (planning to do 3 or 4 half-marathons this year). I only have about one full year of running in since my "comeback" and, since this is a lifestyle change for me, there was no rush to sign up for one just to do it. I want it to be part of the journey and not my ultimate goal, after which I might be tempted to return to the couch.
ReplyDeleteWhen I do one, I want to feel ready and confident (and want to smoke Jared from Subway's time by over an hour). :) There was an outside chance (maybe 5 - 10%) that I would do a marathon late in the year, and if I did, I wanted to do the Chicago one. I think it would be exiting to run through a city with which I have a connection and with tons of spectators cheering us on
I guess there is no decision to make now, but I will know for 2013 to register EARLY.
I do find the large crowds annoying, but there is something to be said for participating in a "big" event. I did a 5k this past weekend that had almost 2000 participants and, in many ways, it is more exciting than one with 100 people.
The log jam at the beginning, with people lining up near the front then stopping almost immediately is annoying, but I blame that on the organizers. Newbies don't know any better and need to be given clear instructions over a PA system loud enough to be heard. To be fair, almost every other aspect of the race was great.
Sounds like you have a solid plan...and finishing your first marathon in under 4 hours 13 minutes sounds like a very "doable" goal to me as well.
DeleteI know when I first started my fitness journey, it was just about losing the pounds, and I was only after 20 pounds (which seemed like an excessive goal). It's funny that I didn't really 'complete' the weight loss goal, then look for another (running a marathon)...it was just that one thing sort of blended into the other.
I can't wait to see what's coming next though, and it's hard to imagine it will be a trip "back to the couch". I hope your training continues to go well, and your half-marathon plans do too.
Chicago this year will be my 5th marathon, and it was also my first (in 2010). For a first marathon, it was wonderful. The crowds are so inspiring! The energy is off the charts!
ReplyDeleteBut I so prefer the smaller race. For all the reasons you listed.
This year, though, I'm running with my sister, and I left the decision up to her. And really? I'm getting more and more excited about it every day :)
Sounds like you're going to have a blast in Chicago...I wish you and your sister all the best !
DeleteI ran the half at the Philly Marathon last November - it was the biggest race I'd ever been in. The spectators were fabulous and really energizing. It was a little daunting to navigate - fell in love with my Nathan belt that day!
ReplyDeleteI haven't run a marathon but I do think I'd probably do a "big" one if I make the leap someday. I'd want that crazy crowd support to help carry me!
Chicago was my first and only marathon to date. I enjoyed it but you are right it was crowded but I enjoyed the masses. It helped me to keep going.
ReplyDeleteWith all those people surrounding you in a larger race, I can see how it would provide incentives to keep making progress toward the finish line. Especially in the longer races, the people watching (and conversation listening) can be a pleasant diversion as well.
DeleteI'd like to run Chicago one day. Coincidently, it occurs the same weekend as my hometown marathon each year.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind the crowds much. It does make for a slow start, but it is a little more fun to have runners around toward the end of the race, and there are more crowds to cheer you on.
I haven't done a marathon yet, but it will be interesting to see how Wineglass goes. It isn't a very big race, but hopefully there will be some spectators. I do enjoy people cheering you on especially if I hit a rough patch during a race.
ReplyDeleteMike and I are doing the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago half marathon and I'm a little worried about the large crowd, hopefully I will be alright!
I'd be willing to bet that you and Mike will have a blast at the RnR Chicago Half, and it will be a very positive experience. With a little over 5 months still to prepare, I'm sure you'll both Rock it !
DeleteI've run a few... never a huge one like Chicago tho.
ReplyDeleteI'll take a trail marathon any day
I hope to do a trail run one day. There isn't a lot of trails in my local area (at least that I'm conscious of), but it does sounds like a whole new world of running compared to a road race.
DeleteThe two marathons I have run were both big ( RNR San Diego and Nike Women's Marathon) The perks were definitely that they were organized since they had been running for a few years and had some great sponsors, and LOTs of crowd support. But I definitely didn't feel that special and they are VERY expensive. I think "big" local races is where I'll stick from here on out.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean by "VERY expensive". When I was running a few races in the 5K and 10K distances back in the 80's, $25 or $30 dollars was a big bucks race. It takes some getting used to in order to be willing to fork over $100+ dollars for some of these.
DeleteI;m fortunate enough to be one of those 45,000 registrants. It didn't take much form e to decide because item #2 on my bucket list is to run all five marathon majors, this being the first. As for large vs small marathons, I've ran both Toronto Marathons, one at 25,000 and the other at 15,000. Outside of the first 2 km, I really preferred the bigger one. I found it it better organized, had more sponsors (better pre-race convention) but most of all, the inclusion of big-name athletes,
ReplyDeletejust knowing that we're all running the same race and seeing them blow by us mortals (n their way back of course) is an indescribable feeling. It leaves me in awe and wanting to see how far and fast I can push myself despite knowing that I'll never be at their level. To me, that;s inspiring.
Oh and the crowds cannot be beat. For me and for now, I definitely prefer the bigger ones.
Congratulations on getting in Stan...it should be an awesome experience. Just the energy in the crowd with that many should be amazing !
DeleteMy first half marathon was in May 2011 at the Pasadena Kaiser Foundation, with approximately 8,000 runners. My time was 2:46 and I really wasn't too focused on time, but just to finish it. Then I went on to run several other half marathons, and my 6th for the year was my best PR at 2:06 at the Holiday Half Marathon at the Fairplex in Pomona.
ReplyDeleteI realized my potential and signed up for the Los Angeles Marathon (March 18). But as my OCD got the best of me, I also signed up for the San Francisco Marathon (June 29), and the Long Beach Marathon (October 7), and Santa Barbara International Marathon (November 10), as well as a handful of half marathons in between.
I've been enjoying all these runs, especially meeting folks at the starting line, finishing line, and online through RunKeeper and Facebook. It's truly an life changing experience, especially after losing over 40 pounds, and now close to my high school graduation (1983) weight and waist size (175lbs. and 32").
Thank you Michael for your inspiring blogs. I always look forward to getting your email, and corresponding with you through RK and/or FB. Thanks for being a friend.
Wow Marty...when you start the "buy in" process to the whole marathon thing, you don't go halfway do you..? ;-) With four marathons scheduled this year (and a few other shorter races) you have a pretty full calendar. I look forward to following your progress throughout the year, as you put in the miles and take on the challenges.
DeleteI agree with you that the lifestyle is much different than carrying around the extra weight and wearing "fat boy" pants. And there is nothing wrong with having a 32" waist line again. :-)
Your friendly, positive "virtual" presence and dedication to fitness is an inspiration to us all. I just hope I can keep up...
Honestly, I have only done 1 and it was only a field of about 1500. It was about right for me. My second will be Toronto, with a slightly bigger field....but not by much. The bigger races don't have much appeal for me. I admit to being a bit I intimidated by the larger crowds.
ReplyDeleteAbout 1500 people sounds like enough to have some company on the course, without feeling like you are in a large stampede...I can see that. I've never run a distance greater than 15K in small race (and that was 20 years ago), but it DOES have a different feel.
DeleteThe first time I won Boston, I led the race the whole time and didn't notice how many people were following me.
ReplyDeleteRight...
In Mississippi, our biggest race is the MS Blues Marathon which capped at 5000 (I think, can't quite remember). I definitely preferred the bigger crowd to my first marathon which had only a few hundred. I was alone for much of that race.
I get frustrated with clock blockers and every race has them. I would hate to train hard for a BIG race like Chicago and then have to fight through the crowds just to keep the pace your corral is SUPPOSED to be running. I imagine the bigger the race, the more clock blockers there are.
Too funny Jason...before I looked to see who had written the comment I halfway thought one of the Kenyans had stopped by to visit. :-)
DeleteClock Blockers...I don't think I'd heard that one before.
I would imagine your upcoming Ultra will have a smaller field by quite a bit. Good luck buddy !
I saw that Chicago was almost full on the Friday before it filled and panicked and clicked the registration button. It's been on my bucket list and I feel as I age, I'm not sure how many more of these marathons I want to do anymore so I without really giving it a thought, I registered. Now I'm not so sure I want to do it. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteI've done both large (Boston, Portland, San Diego RnR to name a few) and small (Tucson, Carlsbad a couple weeks ago, Duke City (back in the day when it existed - haha)) and I have to say that I much prefer larger marathons over smaller ones. I know in Tucson it was crazy windy and I was trying so hard to find a group to block the wind but I couldn't. I also like the diversity of people to "watch" and in a smaller race you don't get that. I don't like being out there alone much...if I'm going to suffer, I much prefer a large group suffering with me! :)
Oh...and as for spectators, I never gave that much thought before as I just plug in my headphones and pretty much do my own thing...but after you experience the crowds in Boston, which can be 10 deep at times, you think ever race after has NO crowd support. Ha. I actually now like the crowd support, I find it something to distract yourself sometimes when you need it.
ReplyDeleteHye, you're intro about yourself just hooked me right in...I will tellyou, you DO NOT look fifty something!!!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to run a "big" race...recovery from a recent hip surgery...but am looking forward to it in the near future...I am in the lottery for NYC, and have a few halfs in planning...I guess I will find out whether I like the crowds or not.
there is a HUGE 10K in the area here that we run however, and there are people just loaded and cramped everywhere holding signs, ringing cow bells etc...and i have to say it is extremely motivating...they cheer for everyone, and if you wear your name on your shirt...hey will keep calling you out. Kinda motivating!!
I am a new follower and a newbie blogger...I enjoyed reading your posts and look forward to reading more about you!
The best crowd is the crowd that cheers. I once ran a big race where the streets were lined with silent people. It was so strange that they all bothered to show up but couldn't over any encouragement. I'll take a handful of encouraging people over hundreds of silent people any day.
ReplyDeleteI don't like dealing with large races - busy packet pick-up, difficulty parking, the need to budget lots of extra time before the race to deal with crowds... I'm not a people person, and big events spark my anxiety. Of course I can see how it would be tough to go miles without seeing anyone toward the end of a marathon. Maybe 30 people ran the 30-mile race I ran in November, and I didn't see any other runners after mile nine.
You ran a 30 MILE RACE...? That is so cool, I had no idea you had completed an "ultra" distance...guess I need to catch up on some of your blog posts. :-)
DeleteOnce I "conquer the Marathon" (somehow survive ;-), I would like to tackle an ultra distance at some point. Neat.