Minute 1: Get ready for Chicago with these race-day tips

Chicago’s course has produced seven world records, so if you’re racing there Sunday, this is a good weekend to become a little obsessive about the shortest route from A to B. According to “The Ultimate Guide To The Chicago Marathon (2026),” more than 55,000 runners are expected to start the race, with the race winding through 29 neighborhoods and crossing the Chicago River six times.

There are 20 aid stations, Maurten gels at miles 12.4 and 18.1, bananas later on, and 100 pacers covering finish times from 2:55 to 6:00. One thing worth watching closely is the weather. Chicago often starts in the 40s or 50s, but current forecasts point toward a warmer morning, so check again before race day and adjust accordingly.

Once you’re moving, our recent story “Small marathon tweaks that could add up to a faster race” has an easy way to avoid giving away free distance: run the tangents. Certified courses are measured along the shortest legal path, and taking wide turns over 26.2 miles can add up. Fueling can help you avoid giving that time back. If you don’t know where to start, many coaches suggest about 50 to 60 grams of carbs per hour, spaced roughly 30 minutes apart. It’s important you don’t deviate too far from whatever you’ve practiced in training, though. Mile 18 is a lousy place to discover that your stomach doesn’t agree with your new gel or snack.

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