Abbott World Marathon Major – Chicago (3rd of 6)
Since 2006, Abbott Corporation has sponsored a marathon series competition named World Marathon Majors. There are 6 marathons worldwide that have passed the requirements specified by Abbott to become a World Marathon Major. These marathons are (in alphabetical order): Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, and Tokyo.
Elite athletes compete by running several of the six marathons within a year, and earning points toward the World Marathon Major competition based on individual marathon finishing results.
Amateur runners can also strive to complete the World Marathon Majors within a lifetime, as a significant marathon running accomplishment. Runners can track their progress toward this goal on the Abbott World Marathon Majors site by claiming major marathon results on-line. Upon completion of the sixth of six world major marathons, finishers get a very nice Six Star medal and certificate, and are officially added to the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finishers listing. Currently there are just over 6,000 runners worldwide who have completed all six world marathon majors.
Below are some highlights and facts about the Chicago Marathon.
Race Name: Chicago Marathon
Race Date (general): first or second weekend in October
Race Info: Chicago Marathon
Number of Race Participants: approximately 45,000
Race Distance: 26.2 miles, just over 42 kilometers
General Race Course Description: same start and finish point course through downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, and through many neighborhoods near downtown Chicago. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park near the Navy Pier. The course is quite flat but crosses several bridges in downtown Chicago.
Race Entry Options: time qualifying or charity only. Persons can enter via a lottery, time qualifying in a previous marathon, or via charity.
Items of interest: The Chicago Marathon in its current format and course began in 1977. Due to the flat course and potential to be cool, it is a course that has resulted in fast times for elite runners and amateurs. As one of the six world majors in a city with lots of things to see and do, it has become a popular destination race for runners in the US and worldwide.
Happy Running!