I spectated the Chicago Marathon again this year. This time I took the train down, which was awesome! Except the trains stop running by mid-day so I couldn’t stay at the race as long as I’d liked.
My stake out was at mile 13. Right by the train station. SCORE! But holy security Batman. The place was swarming with NTSB agents and bomb-sniffing dogs. Sigh. I got there just in time to see the lead group of men come through…but of course did not have my camera ready so this straggler (I use that term loosely. I think he runs faster than I can ride my bike) will have to do.
The crowd grew thicker as the fasties passed through followed by the pace groups.
I spotted so many friends, or shall I say they spotted Mr. Pumpkin.
First was Jay, then Chris, Lisa, Pete, Terzah(BQ!), Amanda
Bummed that I missed Tara!
In hindsight I should have just stayed at 13 because when I got to 16.5 the crowds were so thick, I got nowhere near the edge of the course. But music was good and spirits were high so there’s that.
Runners crossing the river on Adams at mile 13.
Willis (Sears) tower from Greek Town.
The start/finish line were ticketed affairs for security purposes so I got nowhere near them. It’s always fun to change it up and be on the ‘other’ side of the barricades and see the love and support of the family, friends and fans cheering: They schlep signs, balloons and little ones all over the city, share bags of food because they won’t leave their outposts and scour runner tracking (which worked very well this year). The first time I ran Chicago, I was blown away by the crowd support. It drives home the point that none of us executes a marathon alone. It truly takes a village. Even if you come to Chicago to run by yourself, the fan support is so there. Nobody is alone. I love this.
Have you spectated a marathon?
How fun! I do love spectating at races, especially when I have friends in there to cheer on. I’m sure they loved seeing you out there!
I have! The Disney marathon this year – that inspired me to train for MCM this year 😉 I will be up in Chicago this coming March yay!
I love Chicago so I think it’d be fun to be there to watch that one. I’ve actually never spectated a race other than when my husband was doing Triathlons.
I’m jealous! I love the energy at marathons. I’m hoping to go spectate NYC- lots of friends running it, and I’ll need that inspiration before my race!
I’ve worked at races, but never actually spectated. I feel like I’d be so jealous of the runners the whole time!
Did they offer early Metra rides this year? I know they have in the past, but they really need to get a clue and offer more later trains. Like, every weekend. Ha ha. 🙂
I have spectated two marathons this year! It’s so fun! 🙂
We watched on TV – when the kids get older, I’ll take them in to the City one year to watch in person.
We love to spectate! We spectated the Buffalo Marathon this past May and it was a lot of fun! Mike and I hope to run the Chicago Marathon someday, hopefully you’ll either be spectating or running it!
I’ve never run or spectated a marathon – maybe I should attempt at least one!!!
I have spectated a few. When I spectate VCM it kills me not to be running in it. It does get you fired up. No wonder your finger is itchy for 2014.
So cool! I have only seen a half marathon that went thru my neighborhood.. fun to see all the runners & a lot of older ones in the front of the pack! 🙂
It’s always so inspiring to spectate a marathon. The one that did it for me is the Canberra marathon – a double loop course which is amazing for spectators to get to see all the runners a couple of times. It was the one that inspired me to give a marathon a go and it’s the one I’m thinking of signing up for next year.
I love spectating Chicago! It’s such a rush to try and hit as many spots as possible!
I was thinking of all the Chicago racers on Sunday, green with envy that the no shutdown effected their race like it did mine. Glad you had a nice dry day to spectate!
I haven’t had the opportunity to spectate at a BIG marathon, but have volunteered and spectated at the Victoria Marathon a couple of times now. So fun and energetic and especially great when the weather is good and the race is a close one!
What a fun experience! I’ve never spectated a marathon before.
It’s so sad that we have to have so much security for a run. But I totally get it. Just a sad state of affairs IMO.
Cute pumpkin sign!
I’ve never watched a race before. I think it would be interesting but I’m afraid it would be one of those sports that I love to do/play but not watch. Like baseball.
I’ve never spectated a marathon, but I’m headed to DC next weekend, I was suppose to run the MCM10k, but had to drop out for health issues, so I’ll be spectating that and the MCM. Super excited!!
Love the photo of Adams bridge, I haven’t spectated in a while! My kiddos want to do a fun run that’s coming up, so maybe that will be my chance.
Been thinking of you, hope everything is going better for you health wise!!!! xo
Spectating races is fun but man is it hard for me to watch! I just want to get out there and join everyone!