Is the Chicago marathon worth it?

[skwcm80]

I originally planned for Chicago to be first full, this morning a friend was trying to talk me into picking another full. because we could find another full that is a) cheaper b) guaranteed entry for both of us.

I kind of had my heart set on Chicago but she is making some compelling arguments. Should I scrap Chicago and look for another one? Is there one anyone would suggest?

[chitownbelle]

Why don't you apply for the lottery and if you get in, run it, if you don't, choose an alternative. Chicago was my first and definitely worth it, but I live in the city, so it's very different. I've run it 3 times and am not surprised how big it's gotten. If they do anything like NYC, you'll get accepted after so many years of being denied in the lottery anyway. Can't hurt to apply and see if you get in. Any other race you choose around the same time will probably still have entries available at the time you find out you may be denied from Chicago.

[ebeth]

Yes

[jordylee]

For a first marathon? Abso-freakin-lutely.

[clseale]

Mar 1, 2014 23:26:35 GMT -5 jordylee said:

For a first marathon? Abso-freakin-lutely.

This. I feel like it's probably worth it more for your first, than your 10th. I definitely enjoyed it, and I'm glad it was DH's first.

[runaways]

I loved it. It would be a great first marathon.

[skwcm80]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll enter the lottery. Hopefully she does too, I'd hate to have to make the trip alone.

And sorry about all of the typos in the op. 

[runaways]

Mar 2, 2014 10:41:04 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

Thanks everyone. I think I'll enter the lottery. Hopefully she does too, I'd hate to have to make the trip alone.

And sorry about all of the typos in the op. 

I don't know how the Chicago lottery will work but for Houston you can enter as a team, so I think if one of you gets drawn you both get in or else neither of you does.

[skwcm80]

Mar 2, 2014 10:45:42 GMT -5 runaways said:

Mar 2, 2014 10:41:04 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

Thanks everyone. I think I'll enter the lottery. Hopefully she does too, I'd hate to have to make the trip alone.

And sorry about all of the typos in the op. 

I don't know how the Chicago lottery will work but for Houston you can enter as a team, so I think if one of you gets drawn you both get in or else neither of you does.

Thanks for mentioning this, I completely forgot to consider this option. 
You would think I'd learn my lesson. We didn't enter the Nike Women's half as a team and none of us got in, but another group of ladies all got in. I may be a little bitter still.