Chicago during marathon weekend
 

I am going to Chicago to watch a friend of mine run the marathon the weekend of Oct 13. Neither of us have been to Chicago and would greatly appreciate some information, including:<BR><BR>1. which airport would you recommend flying into if we are staying downtown?<BR><BR>2. we have a room already reserved (not sure which one as she did the booking) but I want to check for a better price as we are now looking at $259 per night. Any suggestions for websites besides priceline?<BR><BR>3. will we need to rent a car? I live in NYC and don't own one, so am used to getting around on public transportation. Is it as easy in Chicago?<BR><BR>4. what are the must sees and dos while we are there?<BR><BR>Thank you in advance for your kind help.<BR><BR>

1. Doesn't matter - either Midway or O'Hare - take a cab from Midway or the el from O'Hare to downtown.<BR>2. Check out hotwire.com<BR>3. NO - no car!<BR>4. Hancock Observatory for drinks, Art Institute, Field Museum, Michigan Avenue for shopping, an architectural boat cruise, Second City, Cub game, pizza.

Midway is slighty closer to downtown (although you are probably not staying downtown) but Ohare has more flights.<BR>You can do much better than $259 especially if you are staying over the weekend. Depending on where you are going will determine if you need a car. if you are going to stay around downtown, the gold coast/rush st area, lincoln park and river north area you don't ned one. There are no "must see' but plenty of interesting areas/activities. What interests you?

Just a few suggestions for your questions:<BR><BR>1) Either airport would be okay, but I would probably fly to O'Hare if you're staying downtown. Both are accessible to downtown and they have train lines that go downtown if you want to take public transportation. Midway is smaller and is southwest of downtown but still wouldn't be too bad.<BR><BR>2) I would call the individual hotels and ask them their rate. Sometimes you get a better rate.<BR><BR>3)You won't need a car if you stay downtown. It's not worth it to park it, because you can catch the El, bus, or taxi at any time.<BR><BR>4)Since I live in Chicago I think everything is great and is a must do...but I would say it depends on what you're into. If you like musuems go to the Art Institute or Field Musuem. Navy Pier is fun, although it can get boring after a while. Definitely walk up the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue, to see all the shops. <BR><BR>These are just a few ideas. If you want some more let me know. Enjoy your trip!<BR>

Just wanted to add that while you can usually do much better that $259 for room by using hotwire, priceline and the like, this may not be the case for Marathon weekend. It is a huge event in Chicago and it may even be too late to get another room for the weekend, not mention that many hotels raise their price for that weekend and certainly don't run specials the weekend of the marathon. Hotels know they will be booked, they don't have to offer lower rates to attract people, you may be stuck this late int he game unfortunately.<BR><BR>Agree on no car! Cab from O'Hare to downtown about $35 from Midway about $30, hotel shuttles or airport limos will be cheaper depending on how many people. Once into the city, you will be fien with cab, walking and the EL.<BR><BR>Agree with things to do list and would add, Lincoln Park Zoo and personally I liek the Museum of Science and Industry better than the Art Institute or Field Museum, but they are all good. If the weaather is nice, spend some tiem at Navy Pier and jsut walking along the lakefront as well. (no I don't mean the cheesy shops at Navy Pier, I mean actually walking along the pier and absorbing the great skyline view adn maybe eating at Riva's Restaurnat or ahving drinks out there). The dinner cruises are also nice and you might take in some blues music as well.

Pat - <BR><BR>A game at Wrigley in mid-October? Not likely. :)

Doubt it: Aaahhhh! You got me! There's always hope for a miracle, no? Or, better yet, wait till next year.

It sounds like everyone pretty much gave you the same info so I won't repeat what the others have said. However, I wouldn't rule out getting a cheaper hotel room Check quikbook.com and 877chicago.com. You might be able to find something cheaper. Have fun!

Doesn't the marathon offer any discounted rates?? I would also check that out - But they might also have filled their block since it is getting pretty close.

Chances are very slim that you'll find any bargain rates at hotels that weekend. Further, you may not want what's available!

Pam - <BR><BR>Look at www.chicagomarathon.com. A lot of hotels have blocks of rooms for the marathon - most are noted to be sold out, but not all, and a few are less than the $259 you guys are at now.<BR><BR>I also topped a thread from last year where a bunch of us gave advice about spectating. I'm actually running NYC in November (and am very excited about it!. Any tips for your hometown marathon?<BR> <BR>Chicago is a great marathon for runners and for fans. It's gotten a little crowded the last few years but you'll both have a great time.

Thank you all for the information. My friend who is running in the marathon was given a list of 8 or so hotels that were close to the start. She tried some of the others, but they were all booked. I thought I'd still give it a try.<BR><BR>As far as things to do, I love to explore and shop/window shop. Not really into the bar scene or museums, although I never rule anything out. I'll try anything once or twice...<BR><BR>Anyway, I will try the sites you guys have given for hotels and see what I can do.<BR><BR>Thanks again! :o)

My wife and her frineds ran Chicago last year.<BR><BR>As a spectator, I was able to get email text messages sent to my phone with her splits and info on the leaders. I just checked,,and they aren't doing it this year..bummer<BR><BR>Do you know that you can send motivational e-postcards for chaicago to runners? http://www.chicagomarathon.com/2002/tier2/extra/postcard.html<BR><BR>The crowds are incredible..many with very large balloons.<BR><BR>We prearranged where the spectators would be...even which side of the street. I with a large pole( golf ball pole) and tied a shirt on the end. Knowing what their approx times would be, I kept the flag waving at a height of about 10 feet.<BR><BR>IT is almost impossibe to see a specific runner early in the race(unless they are elite runner)..just sooo many people all looking the same. IT is much easier for your friend to fnd you if she knows where to look.<BR><BR>Has she run a marathon before...does she know about wearing her name on her shirt or arms? Any idea of what time she is looking for?

Dick - I believe this is her first marathon. I don't see her very often, which is why I wanted to go watch her run. Not sure about her times, but will definitely find that out ahead of time for timing purposes.<BR><BR>I guess I'll also need to get something tall and obnoxious for her to spot me in the crowd.<BR><BR>As neither of us have ever been to Chicago, it's hard for us to figure places for me to be. I guess we'll just have to pick some mile markers and hope for the best.<BR><BR>

Pam,<BR>I'll look to see if I still have my notes from last year...but it will help to know her expected time. If she runs fast...some spots will be harder to do. If she runs slower, it will be easier to see her in several places.<BR><BR>She probaly already knows, but just in case....she should write her name in large letters down her arms or across the front of her shirt. Spectators will encourage her by name.

Dick - thanks for the tip. I will let her know to write her name on her.<BR><BR>Laurie - thank you for the quikbook.com idea. I reserved a room in the same hotel she had for 259 for 159!