No marathon, no problem: go run

The 2020 Chicago Marathon is officially canceled, but runners are finding ways to participate during what would have been the 43rd annual edition.

Race organizers are facilitating a celebration of race week with a free 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience, which runs from Monday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 11, at various locations in the city and suburbs.

Chicago runner Melody Calla has completed the Chicago Marathon four times, and she volunteers in the medical tents when not running. 

“I was not registered to run this year, but I’m volunteering. I definitely always enjoy giving back to something I enjoy! I look forward most to encouraging the runners, and also giving medical assistance if needed. Especially in these crazy times,” said Calla, who is a physician assistant.

Everyone is invited to participate in the virtual runs, with distances ranging from one mile to the half marathon. Registered 2020 marathon participants will be able to exclusively run a 26.2 virtual race. For more information and to register to participate, visithttps://www.chicagomarathon.com/virtual-experience/run/.

Runners can also attend free weekly timed runs all season long thanks to Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) and the Chicago Park District, who have partnered to bring “Go Run” events to various parks throughout the city.

All are welcome to run, walk or volunteer at the Saturday morning events. Distances include the mile and the 5K. Masks are required and runners must social distance during the runs.

Chicago runner Marcel Burke is a regular participant at the “Go Run” events. He enjoys coming out for the weekly events with his wife Brittish, son Mason and daughter Mellani.

“It sucks the marathon, the Olympics and many other events were cancelled in 2020. But I’m sure it gave people the opportunity to conquer other goals. We’ve been thinking out of the box to keep our entire family safely active during this time and it’s been gratifying,” Burke said.

For more info on the Go Run series or to register, visit cararuns.info/gorun.

Not all runners need an organized event to fuel their passion. New Eastside resident Erika Salgado Guerra and her husband Fernando are just running for fun. 

“I was registered for the marathon but I’m just running for fun. That means going for a run with my kids on their bikes or running at the end of the day to see the sunset. Or running to have an ice cream cone with my kids,” Salgado Guerra said.