If your friends are running the Chicago Marathon, cheering them through 26.2 will guarantee you receive a “Best Friends Forever” title.
Your friends have been training for the last four months to run 26.2. Whether it is their 1st marathon or 16th marathon, they are nervous of the unknown journey ahead of them. So please show up and cheer for them as loud as you can while you understand the following:
Dos and Don’ts of Chicago Marathon Spectating
Dos
Know what your runners are wearing
Cheer as loud as you can
Let your friends know exact location where you are cheering. (Mile X on your right or left)
Make a poster
Bring noise makers
Bring balloons or other decorations so you can easily be seen
Congratulate runners for completing the race when they cross finish line
Bring a portable charger / drinks and snacks for yourself
Bring goodies for runners such as Kleenex, Paper towel, Vaseline (put it on popsicle sticks), small water bottles, snacks (Pretzels, banana, orange slices, etc.)
Don’ts
Stand in the way of runners or cross streets without race marshals permission and please respect the course (This could injure runners, so please do follow the directions of volunteers)
Yell “ALMOST THERE” unless you are standing at the corner of Roosevelt and Columbus. No, we are not almost there unless we see a finish line.
Call or Text Runners during their race.
Ask runner’s finish time unless you are their running coach. But rather congratulate them for completing the Race. (Runners will tell you if they PR or BQ.)
Back up from your plan. Runners are counting on you. Hoping to see you on the course. So please show up if you say you will be there.
On behalf of all marathon runners, I thank you for supporting runners on Marathon Sunday.
See you on the course!!
