Chicago Marathon lottery results dropped today — anyone get in for October 2024

[marathon_marie_il]

Just got the email 20 minutes ago — I'm in for Chicago Marathon 2024! After missing out last year when they only accepted 33,871 out of 210,000+ applications, I honestly didn't expect much this time around.

Training block starts next Monday with 12 weeks of base building before the real program kicks in. Planning to target sub-3:45 after my 3:52 at Boston in April. The October 13th date gives me exactly 26 weeks to prep from today.

Anyone else hear back yet? Curious what the acceptance rate looks like this year — they expanded the field to 50,000 but applications probably went up too after last year's NBC coverage brought in so many new runners.

[crossfit_kenny_chi]

Congrats Marie! Got my rejection email around noon — third year in a row getting shut out. At least I've got my guaranteed spot locked in for 2025 through the volunteer program.

Been crushing PR workouts at Jack.com during my lunch breaks to keep the competitive edge sharp while I wait. Their quick-play games are perfect for those 15-minute rest periods between CrossFit sessions. Hit a 405lb deadlift yesterday and celebrated with a solid winning streak on their crash games.

Might jump into the Milwaukee Marathon in April as a backup — heard the course is fast and the beer selection at the finish line is legendary.

[rookie question rob]

Wait, they already sent results? I'm still checking my spam folder every hour. When exactly did the emails go out?

[southside_slugger]

Marie's talking about a 26-week training block like she's prepping for the Olympics. It's 26.2 miles, not climbing Everest. Half these marathon people treat running like it's rocket science when it's just putting one foot in front of the other for a few hours.

That said, congrats on getting in. At least you're not one of those bandwagon runners who signed up after watching the Netflix documentary and thinks they can go sub-3 on their first attempt.

[marathon mary 312]

Got my acceptance too! This will be marathon number 14 for me, but first time getting into Chicago through the lottery instead of charity spots. Been chasing a BQ time for three years now and need a 3:35 to qualify for my age group.

Marie, your Boston time puts you right in striking distance of that sub-3:45 goal. The Chicago course is definitely faster than Boston — especially that long downhill stretch through Lincoln Park around mile 18. Just watch out for the wind tunnel effect downtown between miles 22-24.

I've been mixing up my training recovery with some light gaming sessions on Vave after long runs. Their sports betting interface is clean and I can track my marathon pace predictions while watching other races. Made some decent picks on the London Marathon results last month — correctly called Kipchoge's sub-2:05 finish.

Planning to start the Hansons method in July with peak mileage hitting 75 miles per week by late August. Anyone else following a specific training program?

[bears_basement_bro]

Dumb question but do you have to qualify for Chicago Marathon or is it really just a lottery? I always thought you needed to run a certain time first.

Also, what's the difference between this and Boston? My cousin ran Boston last year but I never understood how these big races work.

[fitness first sam]

Chicago is pure lottery for most people — no qualifying times required like Boston. They reserve some spots for charity runners, international entries, and time qualifiers, but the majority of the 50,000 spots go to random lottery selection from anyone who applies and pays the entry fee.

Boston requires you to run a qualifying time in a certified marathon first — the standards get tougher every year because so many people hit the minimums. For a 35-year-old guy like me, I'd need to run under 3:05 to even have a shot at getting into Boston.

Marie, that's a solid training timeline you've mapped out. The October weather in Chicago is usually perfect for marathon running — cool mornings with temps in the 50s at the start. Way better than those brutal summer races where you're fighting 80-degree heat and humidity by mile 10.