The 2011 Chicago Marathon

Several of you have asked me what my thoughts are about this year's Chicago Marathon falling on the day after Yom Kippur. This may come as a surprise but I don't have a problem with it. This is a much different situation than this year's Ironman World Championship in Kona falling on Yom Kippur or when NYRR scheduled Queens Half Marathon on Rosh Hashana a few years back. This year's Chicago Marathon is on the day after Yom Kippur. Is it the best idea to run a marathon after fasting (no food or water) or 25 hours before the race? Definitely not. I am not a medical professional but I think you could run a marathon the day after a fast day. You have to be 100% on top of your nutrition and hydration. I would also suggest eating  substantial pre and post fast meals. I would not expect to PR but you could finish the race. If you're looking to PR or BQ, I would suggest finding a different fall race.