So, You Think You Can Run Like the Wind in the Windy City? ♀️♂️ (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not, But Thousands Did)
Ah, the Chicago Marathon. A glorious autumnal ritual where the streets transform into a human river of Lycra and determination (and maybe a few strategically placed Band-Aids). But with all those winding paths (pun intended!), you might wonder: just how many crazies brave the course each year?
The Numbers Game: How Many Actually Toed the Starting Line?
Well, buckle up, because here's where things get interesting. The Chicago Marathon is no small fry. It's a big cheese, a heavyweight, the Beyonce of marathons (okay, maybe not Beyonce, but you get the idea). Over the past few years, participant numbers have been steadily climbing. In 2021, a respectable 26,112 runners crossed the finish line. But that was just a warm-up!
In 2022, things got a little crazy (in the best way possible) with a whopping 39,420 finishers. That's almost 40,000 people saying "see ya later" to their inhibitions and hello to a serious case of quad-burn!
And the Winner Is... Everyone Who Finished! (But Seriously, Who Actually Won?)
But hold on, there's more! The 2023 Chicago Marathon absolutely smashed records with a mind-blowing 48,574 runners completing the course. That's nearly 50,000 people pushing their limits and proving that anything is possible, even if it involves running 26.2 miles (or, as some people like to call it, very far).
Of course, there's always gotta be a winner (or two, or three). But let's be honest, the real victory lies in just showing up and putting one foot in front of the other, even if that other foot feels like it's made of lead by mile 20.
So, there you have it! The next time you find yourself cheering on the sidelines of the Chicago Marathon, remember: you're witnessing a small city's worth of people achieving something truly epic. And hey, maybe next year, you'll be one of them! (Just kidding... unless?)
