"I have mixed reviews on this race and need to explain my star ranking. My experience was unique because I had a bike accident at mile 15 and spent time in an ambulance getting bandaged up before continuing. Support from the EMS and race marshalls was wonderful.

I would do this

Ran the fun run with my niece and nephew. Kids' loved it and usually get a medal or some kinds of prize, tshirts some years, and popsicles. What's not to love?? The 5K follows and is a great flat course. Water stations along the way and the start/finish is the same

Chicago is one of, if not the best marathon. The crowd is packed along the route, cheering on all of the runners the entire time. The course is almost entirely flat. The volunteers and workers are incredibly supportive and helpful and everything runs like clockwork. This was my 4th time running