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Step 1
Begin your planning to run the Chicago Marathon by January. You don't need a qualifying time to enter, but your chances of participating are greater the earlier you apply. Most of the 45,000 participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Step 2
Use the first 5 months of the year to establish a solid mileage base of 25 to 35 miles a week before you begin specific training for the marathon.
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Step 3
Start your specialized marathon training in early June. Increase your weekly mileage by 10 percent each week and build toward at least 2 long training runs of 18 to 22 miles. These long runs should be spaced at least 10 days apart during the first 3 weeks of September.
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Step 4
Apply to participate in the Chicago Marathon on the marathon website (see Resources below). Get your application and entry fee in by March 1 if possible to guarantee a spot. If you are en elite runner with a recent qualifying time of 2:31 or better for men or 3:01 or better for women, you may participate in the Top 100 program with special access and logistical support.
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Step 5
Raise money for your favorite charity and guarantee yourself a marathon number. Over 5,000 charity athletes run in the Chicago Marathon on behalf of various charities, including the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training and other groups listed on the Chicago Marathon website.
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Step 6
Get an experienced running coach and an enthusiastic group of running companions by participating actively in your charity's official Chicago Marathon training program. Other training support is offered on the Chicago Marathon website.
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Step 7
Enjoy the marathon experience. By preparing your body properly to run the event you should be able to focus on the race, the crowds and the city and enjoy the 26th mile as much as all the others.
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Step 8
Savor your accomplishment afterward by making sure that you receive your Finisher's Medal after the race. If you do not receive it send an email with your name, bib number and address to: marathon.office@abnamro.com.
