Do you know what it takes to run 26.2 miles? Yeah, me neither, but one of our students who ran in this year's Chicago Marathon, does and gave us a recap of the experience below. The 30th Annual Chicago Marathon, held this past Saturday, October 7th, is an internationally renowned race that attracts runners from all over the world. The Chicago Marathon (not unlike U of C) is unique in several ways. First the race is often the site of record-breaking finishes for both its professional and amateur runners. The course also offers its participants some spectacular views and an excellent tour of the city's diverse neighborhoods and landmarks as the course winds throughout the entire city. Runners get to see everything that Chicago has to offer ... or least as much of it as you can fit into 26 miles. Finally one of the most common comments heard every year is the great support the Chicago crowds provide and this year was no exception! More than 1.5 million spectators lined the streets, cheering not only for their friends and family, but also for the more than 35,000 runners -- just another example of how great Chicagoans are!
Katy Welter, a 2L, described the "marathon experience" in this way:
"I began training for the marathon at the beginning of Spring Quarter, my 1L year. I wasn't getting outside very much and wanted to enjoy Chicago's lakefront, only a mile away but out of my sight throughout the year. Since I worked in the Law School Clinic this summer, I had a great opportunity to spend the summer training in Chicago for Chicago. Training got me up early in the morning and forced me to make smart decisions about my health and diet on weeknights and weekends. Training added a dimension of physical self-discipline that complemented my academic commitment. I crossed the finish line proud to have made good on such a long commitment. I'm already scouting out my next marathon!"
Kristin Love, a 2L, made the marathon a family affair:
"My dad and I ran our fourth (and hottest!) Chicago Marathon. The spectators were wonderful, as always, and I enjoyed running Chicago's flat and fast course through some of my favorite neighborhoods. Pilsen (on Chicago's west side) was particularly excellent with mariachi bands and tasty orange slice, which gave me an extra boost of sugar that I needed to keep plugging away at the race. Some law school friends turned out to cheer fellow law students and others congratulated us when we proudly wore our marathon t-shirts and jackets to class on Monday after the race. Midweek after the marathon, I was back on the beautiful lakefront running trail for a training run. Next up is Chicago's 50/50 in a couple of weeks.
Congrats to Katy and Kristin -- check back for a photo of the Law School folks who participated in the marathon this year!