As of 4.23, Chicago Marathon is full, but ...

[kevinspradlin]

www.chicagoaa.com/news/chimarathonfull.html

Bank of America announced today that registration for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has closed as 45,000 runners have signed on to complete the 26.2-mile race, marking the event's established capacity. A limited number of entries are still available through affiliated charities and tour groups.

"It is encouraging and rewarding to see the intense commitment from running enthusiasts across the globe registering for this race more than six months in advance," said Bank of America Illinois Market President David Rudis. "We are proud to match their enthusiasm by continuing the tradition of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, clearly one of the greatest running events in the world."

[glow=red,2,300]Runners who missed the deadline and are still interested in registering for the 31st running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon may do so through one of the event's 65 charity partners or affiliated international tour groups[/glow]. More information on entries available through these organizations is available on the event web site, [glow=red,2,300]www.chicagomarathon.com[/glow].

[frojoe23]

I would love to go back out and run Chicago again, but the schedule just hasn't worked too well for me. Usually, the marathon is on GAR weekend or the weekend after. In '06 it was two weeks after the GAR. I was hoping that with the massive heat problems that they experienced last year, they would decide to move the marathon back a little more. I still have my fingers crossed that when the Trials qualifying window opens, Chicago is in mid to late October. But of course, if I'm ready to go, I'll probably have to choose between GAR and Chicago and I'm sure it will be a trip to the windy city!

[flyinghighrunner]

Yea, well, this blows my plans....I was trying to be financially responsible and wait for my tax rebate to post before I registered.....gotta start to look for another fall race. Top of my head thinking Wineglass or Steamtown. New York is on the list, but I'm not sure I want to do that one yet (no good reason). Open for some other suggestions.....

[Justin]

What about Philly? It's a little later in the Fall, but I've heard it's a nice race.

[kevinspradlin]

I agree with Justin. Haven't heard a bad thing about this place. We've have 4 of our club runners run at Philly in the last 2 years, 3 of them in their marathon debuts. 1 of 4 qualified for the Olympic Trials and the other 3 did very well. Philly's where I suggest Matt Fields go this fall for his first one.

[brant]

Richmond is a good marathon also. It is a week before Philly.

[flyinghighrunner]

I already did Richmond, it was nice, but hills were unexpected...fans great and the miles by the James River with changing leaves falling was awesome. I don't plan on doing it again soon though, but Phily might be nice. I also assume Marine Core is full....no more lottery I guess? Also, I am definitely doing Pittsburgh next year as it is definitely back. They are toying around with the idea of moving it to the fall which I hope they don't do.

[kevinspradlin]

Matt, 3 of our 4 club runners who have run Philly in the past two years have set PRs at the distance. It's a runner-friendly course and the weather, despite being the third week of November, is typically conducive to a good time. Sure, you're going to get your snow and stuff at times, but better that than 70+ degree temps!