Pounding the pavement isn’t for everyone, so even if you aren’t one of the 45,000 runners hitting the streets to participate in the Chicago Marathon this year, you can still find a ton of ways to enjoy race day. From the starting line to photo finish, here are some top spots where you can fuel up and keep your sideline stamina while cheering on the athletes stepping up on October 11.
The starting line
Wish your runner luck then head nearby to Toni Patisserie for an espresso and pastry. This little taste of Paris in the Loop offers an array of delicious European-style tarts and breakfast pastries. Grab an almond danish to go as well as a frothy cappuccino, and head over to State Street to catch runners right before they hit the two-mile mark.
Raise your glass
If cheering is your sport of choice, head to Boystown, where the crowd is loud and the entertainment is lively. You’ll need to refuel as well, so grab a few rounds at DryHop Brewers after all the runners pass by. If you're saving celebration for post-race, hightail it down near North Avenue and Wells Street. Aid station 07 is one of the livelier ones on the course, thanks to the large cheering section of diehard runners near Fleet Feet.
Double the fun
Just past the half-marathon mark is a prime location for catching the action twice without traveling far. Racers at Halsted and Adams streets will feel that runner’s high after flying by 13.1, but after looping west in the hot sun, they’ll need some extra cheers at Jackson Boulevard and Halsted Street. If you’re needing a bit of fuel too, grab a gyro at Mr Greek Gyros, a Greektown late-night staple that is just as tasty in the daylight.
Caffeine kick
Need a little buzz to kick it into high gear? Pilsen is the perfect spot for a caffeine jolt and festive entertainment to perk you up. West of the course is Bow Truss. If you want to be in the center of the action, post up with a cup of joe at Cafe Jumping Bean or La Catrina Cafe on 18th Street. Watch as runners fly by and live mariachi music and dancers welcome them to the neighborhood.
Thirst quencher
If you’re parched after the long hours of cheering and high-fives, stop in at Kung Fu Tea to quench your thirst. Get a second wind with a frozen passion fruit slushie or coconut milk tea. With add-ins like tapioca pearls or herbal jelly, these tasty takeaways will give you that end-of-the-race pump-me-up you need.
Almost there
If you’re meeting a runner post-race, it’s best to make sure you head back downtown toward the finish line. Post up at the Bank of America Cheer Zone at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road to give runners that last kick they need up the final hill. Celebrate afterward at Flo & Santos with some much deserved carbs and the most delicious (and potent) beer a runner will ever enjoy. Trust us, a plate of pierogi and a pint truly taste better when you’ve got a medal hanging around your neck.
Additional reporting by Madeline Wolfson