Chicago Marathon Course Preview, CH 3: Miles 17-21
Below is a brief mile by mile breakdown of miles 17 through 21 of the Chicago Marathon Course, what to expect, and how to make the most of them.
If you are running the Chicago Marathon, you’ll find this helpful.
To begin reading about the marathon course, mile by mile, start with the Chicago Marathon Course Preview, Ch 1: Start to Mile 8.
Mile 17 : Jackson Blvd
After what felt like hours (and maybe was) of constant sun, we finally have reprieve of a shady block-long tree-lined residential neighborhood. It doesn’t last long, but it’s a nice change with nice homes. Enjoy the break from the sun if it’s a sunny day or enjoy the beauty of the block (or both). There will be spectators cheering you on. Thank them directly, or be grateful for their support internally. This is as much a day for them as it is for you.
This stretch is all straight east. Settle in, find your rhythm, and appreciate your place in this journey.
Mile 18 : Little Italy
Finally, we take a turn as you hang a right on Halsted. Again, we’re going to explore just a little bit more of Greek Town. Keep an eye out for the National Hellenic Museum on your left.
After running down Halsted for a few blocks, you’ll take another right onto Taylor Street coming into Little Italy. It’s another neighborhood that we don’t spend much time in, but notice the Italian shops and cafes, the green, red, and white colors, the flags, and the painted fire hydrants. If you’re not in a rush, stop for a slice of pizza if you wish.
Mile 19 : Mile 19
After you leave Little Italy, turning left on Loomis, you’ll eventually cross Roosevelt Road. Nod your head as you pass. The next time you see this road, you’ll be running up what veterans call a mountain (by Chicago standards). And trust me, it will feel like a mountain after 26 miles.
Continue down Loomis, running down some of the most unassuming streets of the course. That’s not a bad thing. Listen for the cheers of residents from their windows, make conversation with the runners around you (if you and they are both open to it), and find your strength hidden underneath the fatigue. Fatigue is partially an illusion your brain creates to keep you safe. Recognize that here, find your drive, because you’ll need to call back upon it in a few miles.
Mile 20 : Pilsen
Everyone’s favorite neighborhood. The energy is (almost) unmatched. Downtown doesn’t count, because there are just so many people so of course it’s loud (which is fun), but Lakeview might be the only other neighborhood to give Pilsen a run for its money in terms of heightened excitement, party vibes, and an authentic “Chicago” feel.
This vibrant neighborhood is home to one of the larger Mexican-American populations of Chicago. And like any good Mexican fiesta, the party doesn’t stop, whether you’re front of the pack or party pace.
If you are listening to music, this would be a good time to turn it off, take the earbuds out, and engage with the community around you. Take this opportunity to feel stronger and lighter than you have for hours.
Mile 21 : Twists & Turns and Ups & Downs
The Chicago course is pretty simple. For the most part, you’re either going north, south, east, or west. You can keep a pretty good internal compass for much of the race. But the western part of the course may start to throw you off. Not only are there fewer landmarks to guide your position, but there are several turns you make, when much of the race previously was seemingly “straight ahead.” If you haven’t been thrown off before now, Mile 21 will test that. The physical challenge is fine. But you will have some turns that come quickly, there will be a street that very clearly goes diagonally (a rarity in Chicago; this one runs southwest), a sharp turn that if traveling any other way than on foot would feel slippery, you’ll cross Halsted twice in this mile, and for the 5th time in the entire race, and some inclines that feel way to close together to be the “flat” Chicago Marathon course.
Just at the end of this mile, you’ll cross the river (again, and for the final time) and this bridge will feel like a sick joke after the nearly 21 miles before you. It’s not long, but you’ll feel it.
I like to think of this mile as the obstacle course section of the marathon. There’s no danger or risk, you just want to keep your head up.
And that concludes Chapter 3! Stay tuned for Chapter 4.
For a breakdown of chapter 2 of the Chicago Marathon course, read here.
