Run, don’t walk, to the 2005 LaSalle … on second thought, make that walk to the 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday. Perish the thought of running. Because there will be a lot of spectators, like 1.2 million of them.
Leave the running to the 40,000 participants. Perhaps you can mosey, or saunter, from spot to spot and cheer your favorite runners on. Or better yet, take the “L.” The 26.2-mile marathon route winds past 11 CTA stops. Last year, 5,000 spectators bought a day pass and followed the course by train, said marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski.
And when you’re sick of walking, stop by the many block parties happening on race day and see if you can talk your way into some food. Listen to a mariachi band in Pilsen and watch the lion dancers in Chinatown. Party like a rock star–or a blues guitarist–along Broadway between Addison Street and Diversey Parkway. There will be 60 spots (doubled from last year) along the course with live music and entertainment.
We chatted with marathoners and event organizers, and these are their picks for the most popular spots to watch the race this Sunday:
START HERE: Mile 0
Pinkowski said there isn’t a more spectacular spot to check out the race than on Randolph Street, watching the sea of runners below you on Columbus Drive cross the starting line. It goes without saying that there also isn’t a more difficult location to stake out a spot.
WALK HERE: Near mile 5
Perhaps the section of the Chicago Marathon with the most greenery, spectators can watch from Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Diversey Harbor. A reggae band will be playing there too.
PARTY HERE: Near mile 7
One marathoner called this turn around in the Lakeview neighborhood–Inner Lake Shore Drive to Addison Street, then south on Broadway to Diversey Parkway–the stretch with the wildest and craziest fans. Expect a lot of street parties, a lot of ruckus and a lot of people cheering.
EAT HERE: Near mile 17
The route goes through the heart of Little Italy on Taylor Street. In addition to the bevy of fine cafes and bakeries, a deejay will be spinning music from Italy on the corner of Taylor and Laflin streets.
LISTEN HERE: Near mile 19
Mariachi bands and dancers add a colorful flair on 18th Street between Ashland and Racine avenues in Pilsen.
WATCH HERE: Near mile 21
Even the most experienced of marathoners will begin to feel the heat at this point, but lion dancers from Chinatown will try to invigorate their spirits for the home stretch. Watch here at Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue.
SIT HERE: Mile 26.2
Head to the finish line at Columbus Drive and Roosevelt Road. If you’re one of 725 people who paid $75 for a reserved seat at the finish line (sold out), you’re set. Otherwise, grab one of the 3,000 free bleacher seats. Get there really early though–the winner of the marathon will arrive around 10:05 a.m. If not, watch from two jumbo television screens set up in Grant Park.
The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
When: Sundayrace begins 8 a.m. at Columbus and Monroe Drives in Grant Park
For information: www.chicagomarathon.com
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kpang@tribune.com
