The sun was shining. It was cool and brisk. This Chicago Marathon, yesterday, broke attendance by athletes: 53,000 runners. Past years have seen 40,000. And we were part of the crowd cheering them forward on their adventure. It began with police making certain the streets were cleared so bicyclists and runners would have plenty of safe, clear space. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergFirst up are the paraplegic bicyclists. I am humbled by their ability to race for 26.2 miles. Indeed they are stronger and more determined than anyone. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergThere are many different bicycle designs that race past. Incredible engineering. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergAfter the bicyclists the Elite Runners entered the Chicago Marathon. See the link here for the race results. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergThe Elite runners seem to be racing in the air as they pass me. Jacob Kiplimo, from Uganda, in the front, was the winner. It was only the second marathon he’s entered! Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergFollowed by the Elite men runners were the Elite women. Hawi Feysa Gejia, from Ethiopia, was the winner. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergThroughout the 29 Chicago neighborhoods are emergency and Water/Gatorade stations. Here at 5am the setup began for water and Gatorade. 10 tables on both sides of the road for water, along with 15 tables on each side for Gatorade. Many, many, many volunteers worked to make sure the Chicago Marathon was safe, and ready for the athletes. Copyright 2025 Pamea BreitbergReady and waiting. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergTo keep the volunteers motivated prior to and throughout the race is a DJ. He trains the volunteers on the day’s duties and pumps up the music. Along with him were cowbells and other noise makers. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergThat semi-trailer contained most of the tables and liquids and DJ equipment. The trash bags here were garbage from the setup prior to the start of the race. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergHomeland Security aided the Chicago Police Department to make for a safe race. No ICE agents were involved. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergMany spectators cheered the runners. Here, a mom nurses her baby while waiting to cheer on a loved one. Many, many signs were waved to encourage the runners, although I think they moved past too quickly to really appreciate what was said on the signs. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergEmergency vans and News crews were integrated in between groups of runners. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergIf you haven’t a large Marathon, the runners toss spent cups on the road. Volunteers regularly swept them to the curb to clear the road as able. By 1pm you would never have guessed that a major, 53,000 event had happened on Chicago streets. All streets were clean and immaculate. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergSome drink the cups of water and some toss the water over their head. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergCopyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergSo proud to be part of the encouraging crowds yesterday. It was another, actually the 47th, incredible world class Chicago Marathon. Copyright 2025 Pamela Breitberg
