From drag shows to makeshift breakfast buffets and a chicken costume, spectators bring energy to Chicago Marathon

Cheers, music and cowbells are not Chicago’s typical Sunday morning soundtrack, but little was typical about the city streets during the 46th Chicago Marathon.

Savannah Payne, of Lakeview East, enticed her friends to join her on the crisp fall morning by turning a bus stop bench into a breakfast buffet equipped with pancakes, fruit salad and coffee.

“I want to be here the whole time. It’s cool watching people do something that’s really hard,” said the 25-year-old, who was cheering on her cousin and a handful of friends. She was also garnering inspiration for her first half-marathon next month.

When the first wave of runners passed North Sheridan and West Diversey around 8 a.m. Sunday, the typically sleepy sidewalks were lined with spectators who got to see newly minted world-record-holder Ruth Chepngetich sprint by.

The Kenyan athlete shattered the women’s world record less than two hours later. Finishing in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 56 seconds, she shaved nearly two minutes off the previous world record set by Ethiopian runner Tigst Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Chepngetich also won the 2021 and 2022 Chicago Marathons and was runner-up last year.

The Chicago Marathon is a place where runners are known to fly. After Sunday’s race, three of the four fastest women’s times recorded have been on Chicago streets. Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically died in a car crash in February, also broke the men’s world record last year.

Many credit it to the city’s flat terrain, but the crowd’s infectious energy and encouragement may help runners keep pace too.

Icona Pop’s “I Love It” blasted from the speakers in the Northalstead neighborhood. The intersection of Belmont and Melrose was transformed into a drag show. Performers shimmied to encourage runners approaching mile nine.

Other spectators were on the lookout for a specific runner.

Perlita Hains, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, screamed and jumped up and down as her son Lance Hains was nearing the 15-mile mark. She’d been chasing him all morning and that was her third time catching him on the course. The 22-year-old ran to raise money for muscular dystrophy, a disease he’s watched his younger brother Levi, 18, grow up with.

“He has a big goal of running under three hours and he’s right on base,” said the mother of three, visibly emotional.

While Perlita Hains’ voice was enough for her son to notice her, many relied on posters — ranging from humorous to cheeky — to catch their friends’ and loved ones’ attention.

“Hurry up. Jason! Seven hours of commercial-free football starts soon!” said one poster waving in Greektown.

“Speedy, sexy and single,” said another in Lincoln Park adorned with embarrassing photos of a runner.

Some supporters, like David Alexander, opted for more creative means to be noticed. The 56-year-old Evanston resident was dressed in a chicken costume to ensure that his niece Grace Parks, 35, wouldn’t miss her cheering party.

Parks traveled from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, to run the race. Her children Lucy, 8, and Augie, 6, accompanied as cheerleaders. The elder daughter proudly mentioned that she had also occasionally joined her mother for a milelong training run.

“I love you! I love you!” Parks said as she ran past her family, stopping to plop a kiss on her children’s foreheads.

Originally Published: October 13, 2024 at 4:42 p.m.