I’ve run the Chicago Marathon five times since 2002, but cheered even more often—and so has my husband Matt, who’s a semi-pro spectator at this point. (And hugely helpful in crafting this plan; in fact, we’ve even written a guide to spectating.) Thanks to a looped course, an orderly street grid, and the city’s extensive public transit system, it’s possible to see runners multiple times whether driving, taking the train, or biking. No matter how you plan to navigate Chicago, you’ll need the Chicago Marathon app, which offers real-time race-day tracking and a detailed course map. Provided you can get reception, you’ll see exactly where your runner is on the course with astonishing accuracy. (Free for iOS, Android.) You can search for runners by bib number or name, and star them in advance for easy access later.
The stops below are designed to give you enough time to spot your runner at any location, even for runners on the faster side of average—say, a 3:45 marathon. However, if you’re spectating someone like Clayton Young—who’s targeting the American marathon record of 2:04:43 in Chicago this year—you might need to pick fewer viewing points or move a lot more quickly. General rules of marathon spectating apply—the brighter your colors and your runner’s, the better.
Consider bringing a flag, balloons, or other colorful items even a fatigued marathoner can spot from far away. And make sure you explain beforehand where you’ll be, including which side of the street. The Chicago Marathon website has good spectator info, if you want to craft your own plan—or, just follow one of these. (Click the links on each suggested stop to pull up a Google Map if you’re on the move.) The elevated “El” train has sections that run above and underground, allowing you to bypass race-day street closures.
Here’s what you need to know: Spectating on four wheels works best if you have someone to drive, drop you off, and search for parking—but it’s still possible alone. Divvy is the bike and scooter share system for Chicago. Here’s what you need to know: Finish Line!
Head west to State Street, then ride north to Harrison and drop your Divvy. If you have time and want to brave the finish line, walk or run south to Roosevelt Road and east to the finish line. Or, go straight east through gates 6 and 7 to runner reunite at Butler Field.
Cindy is a freelance health and fitness writer, author, and podcaster who’s contributed regularly to Runner’s World since 2013. She’s the coauthor of both Breakthrough Women’s Running: Dream Big and Train Smart and Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, a book about the psychology of sports injury from Bloomsbury Sport. Cindy specializes in covering injury prevention and recovery, everyday athletes accomplishing extraordinary things, and the active community in her beloved Chicago, where winter forges deep bonds between those brave enough to train through it.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
