There’s a lot of unknowns in Chicago right now. What will the National Guard do? Where will the next immigration raid be? Now, as rumors swirl, locals wonder whether Sunday’s Chicago Marathon could be a target.
Still, local officials are encouraging Chicagoans to turn out. The marathon is one of fall’s most dependable events, taking place here annually since October 1977. Turns out, Chicago is an excellent place to host a marathon thanks to its geographic flatness.
A Flat, Ingenious City
Illinois is the country’s second-flattest state (after Florida) due to erosion by glaciers 800,000 years ago. Somewhat more recently, that flatness led to urban innovation.
After Chicago was founded in 1837, the Chicago River quickly turned into an open toilet. The flat landscape caused the river-toilet to trickle into the drinking water of Lake Michigan. Famously, we turned that around. Literally.
In 1885, Chicago became the birthplace of the skyscraper. With no mountainous views, Chicago architects like Louis Sullivan constructed their own skyline.
A Runner’s Dream?
Over 50,000 runners will experience that skyline during the Chicago Marathon, passing from the Loop through Northalsted, West Loop, Pilsen, Chinatown, Bronzeville, and South Loop. And lucky for them, the flat course helps endurance and pacing — key for attaining personal best times.
Chicago is among the flattest World Major Marathons and considered by RaceID as the second-best flat marathon overall.
But runners beware: A flat course isn’t necessarily “easy” if you’re used to hilly terrain.
This Year’s Race
So far, the Park District says it hasn’t heard about potential immigration activity during the marathon and hasn’t shared guidance with park staff.
On Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson said he feels “strongly” about the city’s ability to host, adding 3,000 runners from Mexico are signed up to attend.
Hopefully everyone will get to come out, celebrate, and enjoy our good ol’ Midwestern flatness.
