Our insider's guide to running the Chicago Marathon

THE FINAL OF THE CHICAGO MARATHON

What awaits you in the last 10 km

MICHAEL: This part of the course is quite difficult. You must run away from the finish line before you can return to the finish line. If it's a hot day, you'll feel it the most down here. In Chicago, people often hit the wall before the 20 mile mark, so some boulevards are littered with broken runners. Keep it together. Hang in there, dear life. If you were hoping to try out Malort during your visit to Chicago, and if at this point you're completely screwed and have given up on all your time goals, then the final section before the South Loop is your best chance of finding it on track.

SEAN: As the start of the final 10km is one of the furthest sections of the course from the start/finish, this is also one of the rare times where the crowds are slightly lighter. Use this time to check in with yourself. How is your breathing? Are your shoulders and arms relaxed? NO? Shake them out a little! It won't be long before the crowds get bigger and louder. So take the time to restart and prepare for the final sprint.

At mile 22 you enter an out and back portion of the race. On the other side of the street you will see runners in front of you. You have a little less than a mile left before you turn back. So focus on your race. When you're not concentrating on running the tangents, stay on the right side of the street to avoid watching runners across the street.

Miles 24-26 are a straight line along Michigan Avenue. With every step the crowd becomes denser and louder. If you want the extra boost, head right to run past the crowd. At the end you have to turn right anyway, so you might as well stay on that side of the road.

You turn right and reach the only hill on the route. It's short, less than a quarter mile, and on any other run you might not notice it, but today it's going to feel like a mountain. This section is known as “Mount Roosevelt” because you walk on Roosevelt Road and it really feels like a mountain. Put your head down and focus on good form because once you get to the top, turn left and when you look up you'll be greeted by a gentle descent to the finish line!