Chicago goes Lottery

[Robinandamelia]

Chicago has changed their entry process, guaranteed entry (3:15 for men; 3:45 for women) or lottery

http://www.chicagomarathon.com/particip ... guaranteed

Registration opens March 5 and guaranteed entry only available until April 7.


I'm not suprised based on what happened last year. Great event that's for sure.

[Jogger Barbie]

Thanks for the information. DH and I had talked about doing Chicago this year but now that it's a lottery we may re-think. He could probably get a package through Marathon Tours, but just like New York, that would be a big premium. Hmmmm...

[Dr. S]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

That really sucks! I know they've had issues with registration in the past 2 years but as someone who always travels with her husband for races, it was one we loved to do and we're sure of both getting in at the same time........ urgh I hate change lol

[Jwolf]

Wasn't this inevitable?

[scrumhalfgirl]

Interesting! Chicago is still on my some-day list (though it looks like my BFF might not stay there for much longer - should have done it last year!).

[Pat29]

No surprise there. I would still like to do this one at some point.

[La]

As long as they don't use the "three strikes you're in" system that NYRR used to use (or some other formula that's different for local, US and international applicants), you might actually have a decent chance of getting in.

ETA: it would be cool if they used a system like Nike Women's Marathon where if you register as a group and one person's name is drawn you all get in. I would think that there are many people who wouldn't want to run unless at least one other person (spouse/friend) also got in the same year.

[Jwolf]

I guess they wanted to keep it simple for now but I predict age-group qualifying times some time in the future.

[dgrant]

Interesting. I still think it would be better for the sport to have these races drastically increase the registration fee (>$400) rather than use a lottery to thin the herd, but delay registration until a three or four months before the race.

[canalrunner]

They do have a qualifying standard. Flat standard for men and women. No age groups. Age issue aside. It is a lot easier than the new New York standard and a bit easier than Boston--especially for the youngsters. (Pat could run Chicago this year!!!)

Chicago Marathon Time Qualifier
Men who have run a verifiable sub 3:15:00 marathon and women who have run a verifiable sub 3:45:00 marathon on or after January 1, 2012 can guarantee their spot in the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon during the lottery entry period.

At any time from Wednesday, March 5, at 12 p.m., to Monday, April 7, at 12 p.m. U.S. Central Time, qualified runners can create a registration account and submit for verification their qualifying performance. Proof of performance must be submitted in the form of an official finisher certificate or official results page. Upon verification (within three business days), entry into the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be approved and processed.

After April 7 at 12 p.m., it will no longer be an option to register as a Chicago Marathon Time Qualifier.

Notes:

•For men, marathon finish times of 3:15:01 and above will not be considered; for women, marathon finish times of 3:45:01 and above will not be considered
•Times run prior to January 1, 2012 will not be considered
•Finish times at race distances other than a marathon, such as a half marathon or 50K, for example, will not be considered
•A verifiable time is one run on a certified course, such as by USA Track & Field (USATF) or a similar governing association; considerations will not be made for non-certified races, weather or course conditions

[rambo999]

Interesting. I still think it would be better for the sport to have these races drastically increase the registration fee (>$400) rather than use a lottery to thin the herd, but delay registration until a three or four months before the race.

Are you nuts?!
Better for the sport, how? So that the rich can only go to these events? If that's the case then Chicago Marathon would be like an exclusive private club.

[dgrant]

Interesting. I still think it would be better for the sport to have these races drastically increase the registration fee (>$400) rather than use a lottery to thin the herd, but delay registration until a three or four months before the race.

Are you nuts?!
Better for the sport, how? So that the rich can only go to these events? If that's the case then Chicago Marathon would be like an exclusive private club.

It's already USD$185-$210, so considering travel and accommodation costs I'd say we're already there. There are plenty of $50 marathons around, so I think Chicago is already drawing from a pool of runners who say "This race has extra value to me." The high price might help create a market for another local marathon. Chicago used to have a second marathon that died due to poor organization rather than lack of interest.

As for being better for the sport, I believe the trend toward having to register for marathons 6-10 months in advance promotes injuries. It asks people to commit (emotionally/financially) to an extreme endeavour long before they can reasonably evaluate their fitness to go through with it.

A huge operation like the Chicago Marathon is not going to willingly give up a guaranteed $6 million revenue in March... unless it could maybe instead draw $12 million in August.

[barebuns1]

I guess I keep it on my bucket list! but as part of my "b" list along with New York.