(The bulk of these events were compiled by Cass Gunderson with a little bit of help from some other writers). 

The buzz around the Chicago Marathon is tangible leading up to the race. Whether you’re supporting a friend or the runner trying to figure out how you should approach the big day yourself, we’ve compiled a list of events and information the whole city of Chicago can participate in.

What’s the route again?

Nike Chicago created a map that can help you spectate. Find that here.

How do I track a Chicago Marathon runner?

Tracking your runners is a great way to know where they are so you can prepare to cheer for them. And, let’s face it. They’ll most likely have phones on them, so it’s also a great way to know when to text some encouragement along the way.

You can download the app to track your runner here. Or you can track your runner on the Marathon’s website, but tracking on the website is not yet live.

Where can I buy official Chicago Marathon gear?

The marathon gear this year is particularly sick and there’s no way you’ll want to run the race without walking away with something to show your friends. Chicago pride abounds in the designs, color and art.

• Oct. 8 and 9: The Marathon’s expo Abbott Health & Fitness Expo 
• Nike Chicago, Nike Running Bucktown and Online through Nike
• All Chicagoland Fleet Feet Sports locations

Where and when are the shakeout runs? 

The shakeout run is a great tradition that marathoners embrace. Within two days of your race, it’s a great idea to keep your legs moving, even during your taper. These runs also build community, get blood to those muscles and help you work through those pre-race jitters.

Friday October 7:

• 6:30 pm: November Project / The North Face: fun run & speaker event
• 5:36 pm: Nike’s shakeout run is full, but sometimes people get off of waitlists and end up getting in. One can hope 🙂
• 5 pm: Fleet Feet: shakeout run and Ten Junk Miles broadcast at Lincoln Square Fleet Feet 

Saturday October 8:

• 8:30 – 10 am: Runner’s World shake out run with Bart Yasso
• 9:30 – 11 am: Run, Selfie, Repeat shake out run with Kelly Roberts at the Westin
• 10 am – 12 pm: Fleet Feet Lincoln Square shakeout run with Meb

Where can I cheer?

There’s something incredibly special about cheering in a group during the Chicago Marathon, whether that group has live music, is a charity that you care about or just a bunch of people you like to sweat with – everything, including marathon cheering – is better with friends.

• November Project: Join this group for its hug-filled cheer station at mile 22. 
• CrossTown Fitness: cheer station at mile 13 (corner of Morgan & Adams), (Bonus from CTF: Get 50 percent off all CTF gear for Marathon weekend and race participants can bring their bib for free 3 classes in 7 days package.
• Fleet Feet: At North and Wells, Fleet Feet has been hosting runners for their training all season at its locations across the city and Marathon day will be one BIG celebration. Expect some fun and an Elvis sighting.
• The charity mile: Mile 14 is also referred to as the Charity Mile. This is where a number of charities set up their cheer stations.

Where can I get my medal engraved?

When you’ve put in months of training, hours of foam rolling, dozens of versions of your race-day playlists (by the way, need a playlist?), you deserve a medal that’s customized for your journey. Luckily, there are plenty of places to get your medal engraved to fit your journey.

• Sunday Oct. 9 from 11-4 pm: Nike on Michigan Avenue for Nike+ members (you can become a Nike+ member by just downloading the Nike+ app and creating an account)
• Sunday Oct. 9 from 12-4 pm: at Fleet Feet Old Town (details here)
• Sunday, Oct. 9 3-5 pm at Universal Sole in Lakeview. RSVP here. 
• Monday Oct. 10, from 12-7 pm: at Fleet Feet Sports Fleet Feet Lincoln Square and Fleet Feet South Loop. (details here).

Anything else I should know about for post-race celebration?

• Sunday Oct. 9, from 10 am – 3 pm: Equinox’s regeneration pop-up at the Park Grill at Millenium Park, 11 N. Michigan Ave. will provide complimentary mini massages, stretching and foam rolling with trainers and compression boots. Equinox members can also enjoy a post-race brunch.
• Monday Oct. 10 6:30 am: get in your first workout post marathon with the November Project at the Field Museum. RSVP here. 
• Monday Oct. 10, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm: The day after the marathon Universal Sole is hosting a Burgers & Beer Fun Run, with more medal engraving included as part of the evening’s festivities.
• Monday Oct. 10 from 6-8 pm: Find us at sweetgreen in River North for a post-marathon celebration. We’ll be working with the restaurant to celebrate with up to 150 people (subscribe to our emails and watch for details).

How will you be spending your marathon weekend?