We asked readers for their tips for first-time runners of the Chicago Marathon, which is on Sunday. Here's what you told us, lightly edited for clarity:"Put your name on your shirt. People will scream it."— Carol Cal"Leave the headphones at home. Run near the curb and soak in the million people th at want to scream support. ... It's not a race. It's a victory lap for all your hard work."— Josh Mitzen"Eat a lot of donuts the night before. You'll need the sugar."— Dennis Sneyers"Know what side of street your loved ones are on. Listen to the crowd, it’s electric."— Kyle David"Pick up your feet on the bridge. I have run in the race twice and both times tripped on the taped-down carpet going over the bridge in the first two miles."— Jodie Lynne"Just run like you practice in the neighborhood. Don’t focus on the other runners."— Kenneth Leggin"If you ever hit a moment of ‘I hate this, I want it to stop,’ just take it slower or walk and soak up how freaking incredible the accomplishment is."— Meg Rog"The finish line is broadcast on the TV news. Have someone record you."— Linda Burrows"Follow the painted tangent line as much as possible. Otherwise you’ll add up to another half mile before the finish."— Josh Bass"Avoid the Malört shots."— Jenn MC"When you go under the first tunnel, the guys use it as a urinal. Watch out for water stations, they get really slippery. Watch out for the crowd, they will walk in front of you just to get across the street."— Lisa Kosobudzki"Take an 800 mg ibuprofen at mile 15."— Marcus Evans"Wear a sweater in the morning that you’re willing to donate. It's cool early waiting at your corral."— Luisa Salad-bar"Bring some nutrition. I couldn't believe that they ran out of gels at the first aid station in 2024."— Jason Bussell Related 2026 Chicago Marathon — what to know, how to watch The Chicago Marathon is this weekend. Here’s why it’s distinctive and attracts runners Lane Tech grad Henry Kozlowski set to run 48th Chicago Marathon in his high school gym shorts Read all our marathon coverage ...read more read less