The race is one of the largest marathons in the US and in the whole world. It was founded in September 1977 with 4,200 runners. At that time it was the largest marathon in the world.
It starts and finishes at Grant Park and visits 29 neighborhoods of the beautiful city of Chicago, its beaches and gardens. The fast and flat course is great to set a personal best. Several world and US record have been set in Chicago in the past.
What also makes the race great is the 1.7 million spectators encouraging the participants along the way.