Marathon fans: Read this—before going out to watch the race!

It is almost here.

One of Chicago’s most significant and popular events, our very own Chicago Marathon, is almost upon us. Approximately 50,000 runners will head out on Sunday, Oct. 12, in a spectacle of humanity that—if you haven’t seen it—you definitely should make it a point to.

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

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 and move to a couple of different locations. By heading west as the race goes on, or toward the end somewhere south on Michigan Avenue, you can catch the racers at different stages. It kind of gives you a different feel at each location, and the runners appreciate all the support and 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 the Chinatown or more obscure Southwest locations, so if there is any way you can get out to those areas (map available at website listed at the bottom), that is where the runners really need that extra encouragement.
6. Marvel at the elite runners, many from Kenya, but other places as well, as they are truly amazing. They seem like cardiovascular machines, going just as fast in mile 25 as they are at the beginning of the race. I get tired just watching them run!
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 end location, but once you are out there, it is not too hard to find a spot along the fence for cheering them on 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 and enjoy our fine city. 

If you do see them or cross paths with them, give a quick “Congratulations!” or “Nice going!” I am sure they would appreciate it.

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Final Thought:  Most significant is that the runners come in 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, for sure!

Everyone is there to cheer each other on in an upbeat and positive atmosphere.

To see such a varied group of people, both runners and spectators,  having such 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 very refreshing to see!