Thanks!
I ran a half where it started snowing around mile 6 or so. It was actually quite a lot of fun right up to until it got slippery! Of course, you Chicagoans have some
serious snow, so maybe that's not the best thing to wish for. I was reading the history of the race, and it apparently happened before.
The finish!
Actually, several sections were pretty cool. Running right through the heart of downtown at the start, in among the skyscrapers, was awesome. The crowds were super-thick there, and it really provided a nice boost. Chinatown was neat, with big crowds, and several churches we passed had big groups out singing and providing support. I also enjoyed running on sections of Historic Route 66, and starting and finishing in Grant Park. Also, one of the big downtown buildings had "26.2" spelled out in huge numbers using lit windows, which was neat to see as we were waiting to start. Overall, crowd support was great, the organization was excellent (LOTS of water and aid stations, especially in the second half), and it was a fun experience, despite the heat. If you're OK with the 'big race' environment, Chicago is a great choice for a first marathon, especially for a local. It's world-class but also uniquely a Chicago event.