Marathon Pundit: Happier scenes from Sunday's Chicago Marathon

Yes, from Mile 16 on there were a few frightening scenes that I discussed in my post last night--I saw roughly a dozen unconscious runners being treated on the side of the road--but early on there were a lot of fun things I saw and my digital captured those images. Click on any image to make it larger.

Hey, look at all those cups on the street!

Although I usually work the day after the Chicago Marathon--I like the attention I get from my co-workers--I scheduled today as a day off. And what did I do? Answered a number of e-mails, text messages, and phone calls assuring people I was okay. Then I went running--five miles, very slow--a good way to work out the lactic acid of my legs.

A text message I received from a co-worker asked me this question? "Is this supposed to be fun--or something horrible?" Although pain and fatigue are part of running a 26.2 mile race, the sense of accomplishment after completing the event, and getting cheered on by onlookers makes the endeavor fun in a way that only a marathon runner can understand.

The image of yesterday's race put forth by television news is one of runners collapsing everywhere and going into convulsions. Certainly that happened to too many participants, but by the last 10 miles, most of the runners were like me--dropping their pace--or walking it in.

Now to the fun part, which I only touched upon in last night's post. My photographs may not be perfect, but I was usually running when I took them--while my hands were dripping with sweat. Ansel Adams didn't have to put up with such conditions.

Chicago is a political town, so it's no surprise that a couple of Ron Paul supporters turned out on State Street to gain some name recognition for their guy, as you can see in the upper right hand corner.

The gay community is very supportive of the marathon, and "Boystown" didn't let the heat slow "the guys" down.

Every August, Chicago's Fleet Feet Sports sponsors the "Elvis Is Alive 5K" in Lincoln Park, near the site where the top photograph was taken. Naturally Fleet Feet sponsored this Elvis impersonator, who was eagerly giving high-fives to runners--but not me. Dave Zimmer, the owner of Fleet Feet did high-five me, so I can't say I left the scene empty-handed.

The name of the Pilsen neighborhood goes back the the 19th century when Bohemian immigrants were the dominant ethnic group there. Despite encroaching gentrification, the area has been heavily Mexican-American for decades, and the south-of-the-border feel was a perfect match for yesterday's hot weather. Although I have one complaint. How come there wasn't a mariachi band in Pilsen this year?

Chinatown is probably, outside of the finish line, my favorite part of the Chicago Marathon course. It's crowded with race supporters, it's loud, and there are always a couple of dragons to ward off evil spirits.

Of course, off-street festivities are nice, but having a cheering section out there is better. Special thanks to David Watkins of Evanston, and John Stranick of Chicago's North Side for spotting me among the thousands and yelling out, "Let's go, John!"

Of course the best fans are your own family, and Mrs. Marathon Pundit and Little Marathon Pundit were there at Mile 24.

The aftermath of the cancelled-for-most people Chicago Marathon is a developing story, one that I will be keeping an eye on. Chicago has a viable bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, and there is speculation that yesterday's unfortunate events could damage the city's chance's to host the games for the first time. It probably won't, since elite athletes, while not immune from the effects of high heat and humidity, are much less likely to suffer in the way some of the "back-of-the-packers" did on Sunday. Besides, the 2004 Athens Olympic men's and women's marathons were run in conditions similar to yesterday's weather in Chicago.

As for myself, I'm going to try to run a spring marathon, and then compete in next year's Chicago Marathon.

Related posts:

Shirts of the Chicago Marathon

A participant's view of the cancelled Chicago Marathon: UPDATED

Thanks for the link:

locussolus

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