Writing Sample: Frigid Weather Poses Threat to Chicago Marathon
Original Date of Publication: 10.14.09
Nearly 35,000 runners gathered early Sunday morning at Grant Park to take part in the 32nd annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Runners piled on the layers for the 26.2 mile race in mid-thirty degree weather.
The first pack of runners took off at 7:30 a.m. from the start line. Around 1.5 million spectators lined the course, stretching as far north as Wrigleyville and as far south as Chinatown.
Not only was the course crowded with spectators cheering on family and friends, but shed layers of sweatshirts and pants also littered the course where runners had come and gone. All pieces were collected from the course and donated to a local charity.
Low temperatures may have kept hospital visits down this year as well. Only 14 runners were taken to the hospital, all due to minor injuries, which is down from last year’s 61 medical calls.
Olivia Gay, 19, took part Sunday, running the first marathon of her running career. An avid runner for nearly nine years, Gay started training for the big day back in June, following the guidelines posted on the marathon’s website.
She admits she was nervous going in, due to odd weather in the days leading up to the event, but excited as well to take part in the experience that is the Chicago Marathon.
“I knew there was around 40,000 participants and that the course was supposed to be covered with spectators, but it seemed much crazier than that,” Gay said. “All I could see was a mob of people in front of and behind me at any given time on the course.”
The experience was surreal and inspiring for both those watching and running. Samuel Wanjiru, winner of Sunday’s marathon, not only holds bragging rights for first place, but also beat the record for the fastest marathon run on American soil.
Beating the 1999 record of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 42 seconds, by just one second, Wanjiru nearly lost the record by celebrating and waving to spectators just before crossing the finish line. Wanjiru received a bonus $100,000 for breaking the record.
Runners reunited with family and friends just past the finish line for celebration of their tremendous feat. Despite the cold temperatures it was a successful day for many at the marathon. Who knows what we will see next year, snowfall or a heat wave and sunshine? You never know in Chicago.
