The Chicago Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors, attracts runners from around the world. This year, the Lifelong Endurance team was heavily represented, hosting seven athletes and one coach-all with dreams of running their best race.

Athlete: Joe Guarino

Coach: Andrew Simmons

Time: 4:39:15

Race Accomplishments: Joe not only ran a 26 minute personal best, but he also ran a negative split race! According to Joe, "My goal was to be more consistent and improve speed and time. I stayed true to Andrew’s plan and it got me there. I had my fastest marathon. I ran the whole distance and finished strong."

Training Success: Joe explains that it was his long training miles, getting at least one run at 20 miles, that gave him the confidence to finish the race strong.

What is Next: The New York City Marathon

Athlete: Steve Burrows

Coach: Andrew Simmons

Time: 3:06:59

Chicago Accomplishments: Steve ran an almost 2 minute personal best and a negative split race!

Training Success: Steve struggled with an injury early in the season and had to take a long term approach to training. His hard work paid off with  a strong and consistent race.

Athlete: Ajay Nagpa

Coach: Andrew Simmons

Time: 3:25:59

Chicago Accomplishments:  Ajay took down his personal best by 18 minutes while running a negative split race!

Training Success: Ajay kept up with his training plan and worked hard to reach his goal

Athlete: Graham McMahon

Coach: Andrew Simmons

Time: 2:53:56

Chicago Accomplishments: Graham cruised through his home course of Chicago. He had a personal best time of almost 5 minutes, and finished with a big smile.

Training Success: Graham has been racing and training hard all season. He went into the race strong and confident.

Athlete: Michael Jovel

Coach: Andrew Simmons

Time: 4:26:14

Chicago Accomplishments: Michael ran a strong race and worked hard to stay consistent throughout!

Training Success: Michael dealt with a challenging summer filled with tough temperatures and changing schedules. He maintained his training with a diligent work ethic.4

Athlete (and Coach): Andrew Simmons

Coach: Nicole Camp

Time: 2:59:07

Chicago Accomplishments: Andrew ran his goal time of sub 3:00 and found the enthusiasm to encourage many other runners along the course. Andrew also ran his 1,000th Marathon Mile during the race!

Training Success: Andrew was flexible in his training as his focus was on both his adult athletes, and well as the youth team. This was Andrew's best race coming back from a previous injury.

Read more about Andrew's Race

Athlete: Jeremy Judge

Coach: Lexi Miller

Time: 2:47:55

Chicago Accomplishments: Jeremy ran a 12 minute personal best, as well as a negative split race.

Training Success: Jeremy was committed and consistent in his training, despite a busy summer of travel and a demanding teaching schedule. Jeremy has a positive attitude to life, which makes his approach to training fail-proof.

Read Jeremy's Race Recap

What is Next: New York City Marathon

Athlete: Garrick Chan

Coach: Andrew Simmons

Time: 2:34:13

Chicago Accomplishments: This was Garrick's first marathon, and he absolutely crushed it! He ran an incredibly consistent race, running his second half a few seconds faster than his first!

Training Success: Garrick has been making the transition from a collegiate track athlete to a road runner with some amazing success. According to his coach, he is a consistent and hard worker who always follows through and trusts the plan.