The Chicago Marathon Spectators' Guide
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Oct 7, 2011 8:20PM
We don't all have the thighs, lungs, feet and will to keep moving for 26.2 miles continuous miles, and that's what makes the Bank of America Chicago Marathon so impressive. We often have friends who take on the challenge, and they deserve your cheers. But so do the strangers.
Furthermore, the weather this weekend will be gorgeous. Even Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he'll be out on the streets, "yelling at the top of my lungs as a bystander." Check out Benjy's race preview for more information on one of our city's largest and highest revenue-earning events.
Also, check out the marathon route and accompanying street closures. Your cars have to be moved out of the path before 1 a.m. Sunday morning. The Expired Meter has a parking and driving guide for those who'll need to get around.
We have some favorite spots to watch the marathon. Michelle suggests 18th Street in Pilsen, which is very popular, so get there early to stake out a spot. Chuck prefers to watch from the vantage point of Archer and Halsted -- with a flask. Chinatown goes all out with some great costumes and decorations.
Runners particularly need the encouragement on the last stretch of the course coming north on Michigan Avenue from 35th. Runners get plenty of encouragement in the beginning in the North Side and the Loop, but they could use some extra enthusiasm to get through those last miles.
You could also head to Mile Eight, where Volkswagen is sponsoring a concert at Cornelia and Broadway in Boystown. Three solid Chicago bands are performing: Secret Colours, All Eyes West and Archie Powell and the Exports. Plus there will be free coffee and waffles. Just because you won't be running the calories off, doesn't mean you can't carbo-load with the best of them.
What are your favorite spots? And speaking of flasks, perhaps you can make a drinking game eye-spy-ing for some of these things:
- People walking the course
- People losing their bowels on the course (it happens)
- Bleeding nipples
- Costumes! (See the photo gallery for some things to look out for)
- Barefoot runners (ouch!)
- Spectator Emanuel
- Marathoners with disabilities, including congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth
- Someone smoking while running