I posted this on another forum in response to an inquiry about the Chicago course from a first-timer to the race who wanted tips about the course. I responded with the following tips and suggestions: ------------------------ 1. The best and loudest crowds come at the beginning of the race (miles 1-13). Its nice because you can enjoy the support of the spectators while you're still feeling pretty good, but all that amazing crowd support can get people too pumped up and they start too fast. 2. You'll cross the Chicago River several times on the course. The surface of the bridges can be pretty uneven and even a bit treacherous (especially, for example, if its raining). Race organizers will put out mats (usually colored red) that cover a small portion of the bridge surface. Look for these mats in advance and try to angle yourself in line to run across them. Alternatively, run on the sidewalks to either side of the road surface. 3. About a half mile into the race, you'll go into what looks like a short tunnel (its actually the Lower Columbus underpass). Stay in the middle if possible because both sidewalks in this area will be filled with people, um, de-fluiding. Its not quite as bad a problem as the lower bridge issue in NYC, but I prefer not to get wet feet that early in the race. 4. The end of the first mile is crazy hectic: its extremely crowded, there's a 90 degree left turn, you go into brief darkness through another underpass, and new for 2008, there are now two more 90 degree turns. Be careful to keep your focus (and your footing) through this section. 5. The last three miles run straight north on Michigan Avenue until you turn to ascend "Mount Roosevelt." Its long, straight and mostly devoid of spectators. It can also be something of a wind tunnel, typically, of course, a headwind. Whatever mental mantra or mind trick you might have to get through a tough stretch, this is the point to use it. 6. Assuming you have the gas remaining for a final kick to the finish, start it as soon as you turn right on Roosevelt about .25 miles from the finish. Yes, you will be climbing a small hill until you make the final left turn. But if you start your kick while climbing the hill, you might pick up 10-30 places over the many people who don't start their final kick until they've crested the hill. ------------------------ Any additions, corrections or debates are welcome!