Everyone knows that coming up on Sunday, Oct. 11, is the famous Chicago Marathon, one of our city’s proudest and greatest events.
BUT…in the Did You Know category, did you know that there is an equally cool run, also with thousands of runners, the day before in Chicago?
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It is called the Abbott Chicago International 5K and is run the Saturday before the marathon. Has been for many years.
What makes the Abbott Chicago International 5K so special? Simple, the runners!
They are from all makes and models (so to speak). Young and old, fit and not-so-fit and, best of all, representing an incredible myriad of countries. Different countries’ flags and signs are held by spectators along the way, sometimes even held by the runners themselves, and they represent an almost endless array of different colors and cultures.
You will hear all kinds of enthusiastic cheering.
“Viva Mexico!” can be heard, as well as “Colombia!” “France,” “Go Paraguay!,” “Let’s hear it for Chile!” “Australia rules!,” “Senegal!,” “Bra-zil!,” “Peru!,” “Long live Italy!,” “Japan!,” “Taiwan!," and “Bolivia!”—just to name a few of the many, many countries represented.
Certainly, Ukrainian runners and fans will be out in full force, and who knows? Maybe we will even have Israeli and Palestinian runners, running together in solidarity. Wouldn’t that be great to see?
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But this is not a political run. Quite the contrary, in fact, as the feel-good spirit of camaraderie and togetherness dominates the atmosphere along the way. If you are looking for a good Saturday morning (Oct. 10) pick-me-up, grab a cup of coffee and head out to watch this spectacle of colors and nationalities.
Not many people know about this race. It doesn’t get all the publicity that the next day’s Chicago Marathon does, but for entertainment value and feel-good spirit, it takes a back seat to none of Chicago’s many great running races.
The race starts near Columbus Drive and works its way to Wacker Drive heading north before turning around on Wacker at the river and heading back south to the finish line.
Wheelchair racers start at 7:25 a.m. and the runners at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10.
For more information, check out this website.
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