Here’s your “how to watch” guide for Chicago Marathon spectators

It is almost here.

One of Chicago’s most significant and popular events, our very own Chicago Marathon, is nearly upon us.  Approximately 50,000 runners will head out on Sunday, Oct. 11, in a spectacle of humanity that–if you haven’t seen it—you definitely should make it a point to. 

As a longtime spectator and volunteer (never ran it—sorry, but 5K or 10K is the limit for me!), I have many suggestions that might help the first-time, or even some of our more “seasoned” spectators.

Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter

1. Get there for the start. Not necessarily at the starting line, but somewhere early in the race, like down a bit north on Columbus Drive. Nothing like the energy, anticipation, and excitement of the beginning of the race.

2.  Bring a cup of coffee and a snack. The coffee, in particular, is a must-have for the early morning watch. (Runners take off at various stages beginning at 7 a.m)

3. Go to the bathroom before going out! Washroom facilities are few and far between. Not even any good out-of-the-way trees to use if in complete distress.

4. Try to move to a couple of different locations. By heading west as the race goes on, or towards the end somewhere south on Michigan Avenue, you can catch the runners at different stages. It kind of gives you a different feel at each location, and the runners appreciate the cheering on!

5. Speaking of runners appreciating the cheering… from miles 17-23, things can get a bit lonely for the runners. Not as many spectators in Chinatown or more obscure southwest locations, so if there is any way you can get out to those areas (map available at website linked at bottom), that is where the runners really need that extra encouragement.

6. Marvel at the elite runners. Many come from Kenya, but others as well, and they are truly amazing. Cardiovascular machines they seem, going just as fast in mile 26 as they are at the beginning of the race. I get tired just watching them run!

Read more on Chicago Star

• Better than the Chicago Marathon? This run just might be

• You can’t beat the Chicago Riverwalk—in October

• The amazing “Haiti Ladies,” next-level food packers!

• Our Chicago Bears go from one extreme to another

• Three must-watch TV series that you may not have heard of 

7. The finish line route along Michigan Avenue, near and just south of Roosevelt Road, is pretty cool to be at. You may have to battle some crowds (not that bad, though) to get to the race finish line, but once you are out there, it is not too hard to find a spot along the fence for cheering on the runners in their final mile. Hint: The farther south you walk, the easier it is to find a spectating spot.

8.  Underrated? Later in the day, or even into Monday and Tuesday, you will see lots of runners (mostly from out of state and out of the country) walking the streets of Chicago proudly wearing their medals. Many stay the extra couple of days to soak up our fine city. If you do see them or cross paths with them, give them a quick “Congratulations!” or “Nice going!” I am sure they would appreciate it.

9. Final Thought: Most significant is that the runners are of all shapes and sizes, ages, sexes, nationalities, skin colors, religions, etc. It is a true cross-section of what our country—actually our world—is all about. I say world because many runners come from other countries to Chicago for this famous race. It has a real international flavor! Everyone is there to cheer each other on in an upbeat and positive atmosphere. To see this varied group of people, both runners and spectators, having a shared joyful experience, even if for just a few hours—let’s just say, in today’s current world and political climate, it is refreshing to see.

Full information is available on this website.