Home / Guides / Featured / I Ran 19K Just Cheering At the Chicago Marathon

I Ran 19K Just Cheering At the Chicago Marathon

In This Article

As one of the six World Majors, Chicago is a bucket list marathon for many runners. While I haven’t been lucky enough to get an entry yet, my boyfriend, George, did for the 2024 race. So, as the kind girlfriend I am, I went along to support him — and you can bet I packed my training shoes.

As a runner myself, I decided that the easiest way to see him was to hit as many cheer locations on the marathon route as possible. Running from spot to spot, this also meant I got to soak up the marathon atmosphere without actually running it.

George was aiming to pace his half marathon at around an 8:15/mile, so, using the ChiMarathon app, I worked out where he’d be, when — and how fast I’d have to pace to get there before him.

The Route

Katherine Brook's strava route as she ran 19K to cheer the Chicago Marathon.
Katherine Brook

Luckily, there are quite a few out and backs on the route, just a block apart, which made some points very easy to get to. However, I also chose a few spots that were a race against the clock — but what runner doesn’t love a challenge.

All in all, I ran 19K, just under the 13.1-mile distance of the Chicago Half Marathon held in June. 

Mile 2: West Jackson Boulevard

After waving George into his pen, I headed to my first location, on West Jackson Boulevard, just over 2 miles in. I still had about an hour before the race kicked off, so I found myself a spot on the side of the road and watched the sun come up as I waited patiently for the first runners to come through.

You could hear the runners before you could see them. The streets echoed with the sound of thousands of feet pounding the pavement and the roar of the crowd cascading like a wave between the buildings. 

I waited with anticipation for George to round the corner. Trying to spot him in a sea of runners was not an easy task. My biggest recommendation is to make sure you know what they are wearing — ideally something bright! 

Finally spotting him, I gave a quick cheer and then made a dash for my next cheer point.

Runners at the Chicago Marathon
Katherine Brook

Mile 4.5: Lincoln Park

To avoid the crowds, I headed down parallel streets to the race route where possible. I ran along South Clark Street until I intercepted the race just before the runners entered Lincoln Park.

I arrived at the checkpoint about a minute before George, just in time to see him pass me with a big smile on his face. I had a little more time here, so I cheered on a few other runners before…

Mile 10.5: North Sedgwick Street

Running down North Clark Street, I popped up at my third stop opposite a live band playing well-known classics to get the crowd and runners hyped up. This time, George spotted me, waving and smiling as he flew past me. 

Katherine Brook running to cheer the Chicago Marathon.
Katherine Brook

Mile 14: North Halsted Street

To get to my next location was another sprint. I ran up West Armitage Avenue and onto North Halsted Street, which I followed until I intercepted the race again, just before mile 14.

I hadn’t accounted for the time I’d lose waiting at the traffic lights. Luckily, I found some speed in my legs and reached the race just before him.

runners in the chicago marathon
Katherine Brook

Mile 17-21: South Halsted Street to Chinatown

The next few points were closer together and easier to reach, as there are a few out and backs separated by a block. I ran across the road and waited for him on the parallel street, just before mile 17, on the corner.

A quick thumbs up from him and a ‘COME ON G!’ from me, he was onto the next section of the course, which is almost a horseshoe in shape, so I ran along South Halsted Street until I intercepted the course again just before mile 20, in time to see George coming around the corner.

I then bolted down West 18th street, took a right on S Canal Street and ran a block until I reached the race route again, just after 21 miles. The path was quite clear here, so I could run alongside him, cheering him on for a hundred metres or so.

The race route then went into a small out and back, which gave me time to head down West Cermak Road, towards S Michigan Avenue.

runners at the chicago marathon
Katherine Brook

Mile 25: South Michigan Avenue

I waited for George at mile 25, one of my favorite cheer spots of the day. There was so much emotion. Runners were laughing, crying, walking, sprinting, and families were chanting, motivating and encouraging their runners to the finish.

When I finally saw George, I was a little bit emotional too; the next time I’d see him he would be a Chicago Marathon finisher. 26.2 miles later. 

Mile 26.2: Grant Park

My final stop would be in Grant Park, in the Runners Reunite area. Unfortunately, unless you have special access, you can’t actually go to the finish line — a shame but understandable with so many runners. 

The atmosphere in the park was exhilarating, with thousands of runners being reunited with their families and friends, re-fueling with food after their race.

runner at the finish of chicago marathon

When I finally found George, he had a medal around his neck and a very well deserved beer in his hand. He did it – and earned a PB too.

Check out my route on Strava and watch my reel of the day on Instagram

Half marathon news, reviews, and discounts right to your inbox

Half Marathon Guide's 'Perfect For'

Let others know what makes this race so special.