Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Race FAQs

Q: How much is the registration fee?
A: Online registration is $65 through August 7th, paper applications are $70 through August 1st, and in-person applications are $75 at the Health and Fitness Expo that is held race weekend.
Q: What sorts of activities will be going on at the Expo?
A: There will be great deals on running gear from over 30 vendors, seminars run by John "The Penguin" Bingham and Coach Jenny, food samples, and more!
Q: Can anybody come to the Expo?
A: Yes, the expo is free and open to the public; CDC runners are required to attend for packet pick-up.
Q: When and where is packet pick-up?
A: Packet pick-up is Friday, August 8th from 11 am to 7 pm and Saturday, August 9th from 9 am to 6 pm at the Health and Fitness Expo, which will be located at the Chicago Hilton and Towers at 720 S. Michigan Ave.
Q: What must I bring to packet pick-up?
A: You must bring your confirmation email to packet pick-up.
Q: Can someone pick up my packet for me?
A: Yes, they just need a copy of your confirmation email.
Q: What do I pick up during packet pick-up?
A: You pick up your race packet (bib and timing device), t-shirt and goody bag.
Q: Can I register race weekend?
A: Yes! If race registration has not reached its cap of 15,000 participants, race registration is available race weekend at the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, August 8th, and 9th.
Q: What do I do if I find an error in my registration packet?
A: Please notify the Information Desk at packet pick-up and the error will be fixed.
Q: Where can I get a course map?
A: A course map will be available on the CDC website as soon as possible.
Q: How do I confirm that I am registered for the race?
A: You can confirm your registration by following the "Confirm your registration here" link under the "Registration" section on the CDC website.
Q: Where can I get advice and tips to prepare for race day?
A: Please refer to the "Training" section on the CDC website.
Q: Where can I find hotel accommodations?
A: The Chicago Hilton is the official sponsor of the CDC. A complete list of hotels is available under the "Hotels and Travel" section of the CDC website.
Q: How old must I be to race?
A: If you are between ages 14-17, you must have parental consent.
Q: Where can I purchase running gear?
A: You can buy top-of-the-line running gear at www.johnbingham.com.

Race Day FAQs

Q: When should I arrive to the course on race day?
A: It is recommended that all runners arrive to the vicinity at least an hour before the race, and to the start line at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the race. Those looking for a pace team should arrive about 20-25 minutes before the race begins.
Q: What time is the race?
A: The start is at 6:30 am with a wheelchair start at 6:25 am
Q: Are strollers, bicycles, or pets allowed on the course?
A: No.
Q: Are any ear buds or headphones allowed on the course?
A: No.
Q: Are walkers allowed on the course?
A: Yes, as long as they can keep pace with the 4 hour course closure.
Q: Is there packet pick-up on race day?
A: No.
Q: Can I register on race day?
A: No, there will be no race day registration available.
Q: How many people will be participating?
A: The race is capped at 15,000 runners to ensure that all runners are safely accommodated on the course.
Q: Will there be pace teams? What different paces will be available?
A: Chicago Endurance Sports will be providing paces of *1:25, *1:35, *1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00, 3:30, and 4 hours.
* These paces will enable you to qualify for a corral spot at the Chicago Marathon.
Q: Are there starting corrals at the CDC?
A: No, it is a self-seeded start.
Q: Are there aid stations and port-o-potties along the course?
A: There are 8 aid stations with 2 port-o-potties each on the course situated approximately every 1.5 miles.
Q: What will be served at the aid stations?
A: Water and Gatorade Endurance.
Q: Will there be energy gel on course?
A: No, but there will be Clif Shot Blocks in every participant goodie bag.
Q: How long do participants have to complete the course?
A: Runners have 4 hours to complete the course, which is an 18:19 per mile pace.
Q: What does the course look like, and where does it go?
A: The start line and finish line are both located on Columbus between Balbo and Roosevelt. In between, the course highlights the beauty of Chicago's south side along Lakeshore Drive.
Q: How do I get to the course via public transportation?
A: Please refer to "Directions and Parking" located under "Hotels and Travel" on the left side menu of the CDC website.
Q: How do I get to the course by driving?
A: Please refer to "Directions and Parking" located under "Hotels and Travel" on the left side menu of the CDC website.
Q: Where should I park if I'm driving?
A: Please refer to "Directions and Parking" located under "Hotels and Travel" on the left side menu of the CDC website.
Q: What happens if I can't finish the course?
A: There is a sag vehicle on the course that will pick you up and assist you. There is also medical assistance available if needed.
Q: What happens if I can't race on race day?
A: You can still go to the Expo and get your shirt and goodie bag… and please take advantage of volunteer opportunities on race day!
Q: Is the race fee refundable?
A: No.
Q: Who is eligible for medals and awards?
A: All CDC finishers receive a big HONKIN' medal; there are also awards given to the top 3 finishers in each age division, specified on the CDC website.
Q: How do I volunteer for the CDC?
A: Information about volunteering is available under "Contact Us" on the CDC website; please contact Dani Chitwood at danichitwood@gmail.com in regards to signing up as a volunteer.
Q: What do I receive after the race?
A: Everyone receives a bottle of water, Gatorade and post-race snacks.
Q: What happens after the race?
A: Everyone is welcome to attend the post-race party, located in Lower Hutchison, in celebration!

For any other questions, please feel free to email Beth Salinger at bsalinger@johnbingham.com.

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