The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Oct 7, 2004 11:00PM

Getting up early on a Sunday? Running 26.2 miles on a single day? Not exactly Chicagoist's cup of tea. But we will be out there cheering on the runners -- especially Billy, Josh, Danielle, Mike, Martha, Anne and Michael.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon begins Sunday morning at 8:00am near Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park and winds throughout the city. The course (PDF) as summarized on the marathon's site:

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon begins in Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain and travels north through River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville, before heading back downtown. The race continues south through some of Chicago's most historic and diverse neighborhoods, including Greektown, Little Italy's Taylor Street, the Hispanic Pilsen area, Chinatown, Bridgeport, the Gap District and South Commons. Runners return downtown along picturesque Lake Shore Drive, the Museum Campus, Soldier Field and Lake Michigan, with a spectacular finish back in Grant Park.

The 26.2 mile route ensures plenty of locations to watch the race, and the official marathon spectator guide (PDF) provide many suggestions.
You can also make customized signs to show your support for your favorite runners.

RedEye takes a look at the race by the numbers. Some highlight:

$125,000
Prize money for 1st place finishers for men and women divisions.

Not bad for a day's work -- even more than Sammy Sosa makes!

40,000
Number of people who have registered for the 2004 Chicago Marathon.

Well, it is the Bears' bye week!

14,606
Participants this year who have never run a marathon.

Do these people know what they're getting themselves into? Even if it is a flat, fast course...

225
Massage therapists scheduled for the event.

For happy endings?

100
Kegs of Michelob Ultra ordered for the marathon.

Since when do marathon runners care about carbs? Hopefully, this is for post-race celebration and not during the race.

64
Percent of out-of-state runners who registered for the marathon.

Guess the course does pass all the highlights of the city!

Now remember runners -- it's left foot, then right foot. About 46,000 times! And don't expect Chicagoist to be handing out any vaseline.