Chicago Marathon

Today was the annual LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon! I love this event. 40,000 runners run 26.2 miles through Chicago. 1.2 million people line the streets to watch. It is fun, exciting and truly inspiring to watch this event.

The picture to the right is the lead pack. Two-time defending champion Evans Rutto was going for the three-peat. Felix Limo won the race in 2:07:02.

2004 Olympic Marathon Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor(below) won the women's race in 2:21:25. It was her first marathon win, and the first time an American has won the Chicago Marathon since 1994.




What was wonderful about the race are all the various runners who participate in the race. My friend Stacie and I watched all of them go by.










What was the most inspiring were the people bringing up the rear of the race. At a point when Stacie and I were the only ones on this block, we were cheering these women on to the finish. Since we were close to the 8 mile mark, I hope these women finished.


We clapped and cheered, and encouraged everyone - especially those who wore their names on their shirts. Many of them were so happy when we called out their names, cheering them on. Canadian runners were especially happy to see me, as I was wearing a Canada hat today. They felt very at home with a Maple Leaf in the crowd.

As I said I love this event. It inspires me to be a better runner. Who knows I may even tackle a marathon in the next year.

:-)Charlie