Where to Cheer for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

We’ve spent a lot of time this week talking about the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We’ve already told you HOW to cheer – an important skill if you plan to be race-side – now we want to tell you WHERE to cheer.

If you live in Chicago or know anyone who does, your life will be impacted by the race. There are plenty of ways to embrace the day, but if you don’t want to go out and cheer alone, there are  groups abounding that have done the organizing for you. We reached out to Chicago’s running expert – the CRW’s Carolyn Gardner who got us the scoop on cheer stations for Chicago’s 26.2 miles.

Nike

In typical Nike fashion, the brand that already helped thousands of runners train for the race is doing marathon day BIG. They’ve put together cheer stations at two different spots on the course. You can start your day cheering in Boys’ Town and take the Red Line to China Town to catch your favorite runner one more time.

Word on the street is that Nike can help you accurately track your runner and will also keep you feeling upbeat with DJs and complimentary food trucks.

Boys’ Town: 3460 N. Broadway

RSVP: here

Chinatown: Wentworth & 23rd

RSVPhere

And when it’s all over, Nike+ members will have access to the Finisher’s Lounge on the fifth floor of Nike Chicago on October 11from 9 am – 9 pm. 

Nike Chicago: 669 N. Michigan

RSVP: here

CRW

Your favorite running CRW is helping you take it through the finish line.

Cheer station: Lincoln and Sedgwick – Meet in front of Stanley’s at 8:30 am

Fleet feet

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.

Cheer station: North Ave and Wells

3run2/Go city Runners

These two groups will camp out at Three Aces Brewery starting at 8:30 am.

Cheer station: 1321 W Taylor St

November Project

Your favorite outdoor free fitness gang, the November Project, is sure to do something crazy for marathon day. Maybe they’ll show up with spray-painted t-shirts. Maybe they’ll have Crazy posters and signs. Whatever happens, they’re sure to bring the cheer.

Cheer station: Clark and Fullerton (on Clark)

CrossTown Fitness

On Race day, CrossTown Fitness is pulling its community together to cheer for runners in the west loop. You can expect refreshments and surprises. Bonus: Runners can bring their Marathon bibs into Crosstown Fitness and get a complimentary congratulations packages that includes a smoothie and three classes to use in seven days.

Cheer Station: Morgan and Adams

The 14th mile AKA the Charity Mile

Mile 14 is also referred to as the Charity Mile. This is where all the big charities set up their cheer stations.

Cheer mile: starts at Adams & Loomis.

 

Whatever you’re doing on Marathon Sunday, find a place and a way to celebrate these marathoners and their achievements. They’ve dedicated themselves to months of training and hundreds of miles, All we have to do is show up and shout.

Endurance Move

About Jeana Anderson Cohen

Jeana Anderson Cohen is the founder and CEO of asweatlife.com a premiere wellness media destination that creates content and community to help womxn live better lives and achieve their goals. Before founding health-focused companies Jeana earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison - and fresh out of college she worked on the '08 Obama campaign in Michigan. From there, she created and executed social media strategies for brands. aSweatLife fuses her experience in building community and her passion for wellness. You can find Jeana leading the team at aSweatLife, trying to join a book club, and walking her dog Maverick.