Running for the Benjamins: The Chicago Marathon Payday
Let’s talk about the Chicago Marathon. Not the grueling 26.2 miles, the crowds, the sweat, or the post-race pizza. Let’s talk about the real reason people run marathons: the money.
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| How Much Money Does The Winner Of The Chicago Marathon Get |
The Big Bucks
Now, you might be thinking, “I run for the joy of it!” or “I just want to finish without dying.” Well, bless your cotton socks, that’s admirable. But let’s be honest, a little extra cash never hurt anyone. Especially when it’s a cool six figures.
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The winner of the Chicago Marathon doesn't just get a shiny medal and a lifetime supply of Gatorade. They also get a whopping $100,000. That’s enough to buy a pretty sweet car, a down payment on a house, or a whole lot of therapy to recover from the race.
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But wait, there’s more! If you’re feeling extra competitive and happen to break the course record, you can add another $50,000 to that prize money. So, not only do you get bragging rights, but you also get a nice chunk of change to show for it.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
Is it Worth It?
Now, before you lace up your running shoes and dream of a life of luxury, let’s do a quick cost-benefit analysis. Training for a marathon is no joke. It takes time, dedication, and a whole lot of energy gels. You’ll probably need new running shoes, fancy compression socks, and maybe even a personal chef to fuel your training.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
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So, is it really worth it? Well, if you’re an elite runner with a shot at winning, the prize money could definitely sweeten the deal. But for the rest of us mortals, the real reward might be the sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing the finish line.
How to Become a Marathon Millionaire (Probably Not)
Okay, okay, we’re just kidding. Getting rich from running is a long shot for most of us. But if you’re still dreaming of that big payday, here are a few tips:
- How to train like a pro: Hire a world-class coach, eat nothing but kale and quinoa, and sleep 12 hours a night.
- How to find a sponsor: Be really, really good at running. Or be related to someone who is.
- How to deal with the pressure: Develop a strong mental game and learn to meditate while running at a 5-minute pace.
But seriously, the best reason to run a marathon is for the personal challenge and the sense of accomplishment. So go ahead and sign up for that race, and don’t worry about the prize money. You’ll be rich in other ways.
How to...
- How to calculate my marathon pace: Use an online pace calculator or a running app.
- How to prevent chafing: Apply anti-chafe balm or lubricant to your skin.
- How to fuel my marathon: Eat a carbohydrate-rich meal the night before, have a light breakfast on race day, and take energy gels during the race.
- How to recover after a marathon: Rest, hydrate, and eat plenty of protein.
- How to find a running buddy: Join a local running club or post on social media to find a training partner.
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