Chicago Marathon 2013 Volunteer Recap

The Chicago Marathon reflects a unique human experience along a journey of 26.2 miles. The capacity of the human heart reveals itself to those running along the streets of Chicago on this special day in October. Before the first sight of dawn, volunteers and workers are already busy setting up aid stations and course markings. Among this crowd were a few of my friends. Some were volunteering for their first time, and others for their twentieth. This day would be my fourth time volunteering at aid station #1. Ever since I ran my first marathon here in Chicago back in 2009 I’ve been back every year. I promised myself that as long as I lived in the area I would always be a part of this race. Whether my role is as a runner, volunteer, or spectator, I can’t bring myself to miss out on this magical day in the Windy City.

Five years I’ve been in the throes of the Chicago Marathon, and every time I still get chills. Watching the runners or being one of them, the effort involved is remarkable. The communication between the runners and those of us cheering them on is usually brief. Even so, there is much conveyed in those small moments when smiles are exchanged, high fives are given, or when two sets of eyes lock on to each other and much more is revealed then could ever be said. The excitement is contagious. The energy is electric. The people are amazing. This is the Spirit of the Marathon.

Aid Station #1 during set-up

Mixing that tasty Gatorade

The enjoyable frenzy that builds during the aid station set-up is wonderful. Everyone is as helpful as can be. Those who are familiar with the process are able to get things moving. That said, as a semi-pro volunteer, I rallied our Gatorade side of the street into action. I got the Gatorade jugs spread out along the street and began mixing the concentrates with water. Alternating between mixing the Gatorade in the jugs, opening gallons, and cutting bottles for makeshift pitchers, I was a busy bee. My friend “P” was happy to be volunteering for the first time and seeing her excitement added another charge of enthusiasm that helped the morning rush. Thanks to my experience and quick initiative to get the tables and Gatorade ready, we were finished setting up rather early. Arriving at 4:30am and working fastidiously we were all done and ready for the runners by 6:45am. The first runners wouldn’t be arriving for almost an hour at 7:37am. The volunteer captain Pat Onines even said that in all his years (20+) working this aid station he had never seen it set up so quickly. We had some time to chat and mingle with the other volunteers and I really enjoyed hearing about P’s first marathon. P had run her first marathon here in Chicago when she was only 16 years old. It surprised me not only because she ran it at a young age, but that she had such fond memories of that race even though she struggled tremendously to finish. That story of hers perfectly complimented a tweet I had seen earlier on twitter.

“It’s not the fastest, effortless run that defines you. It’s the run that you fight hard with to finish that etches character.” –Jen Benna

This day there would be close to 40,000 runners that would embody that same quote. Those lucky folks were ready to put themselves through pain for 26.2 miles. I could hardly wait to see them at mile 1.6 where I would have plenty of Gatorade to offer them. I would also gladly offer inspiration and motivation as best as my vocal chords would allow. The runners began running by and the onslaught of yelling and cheering began.

Runners on State street at mile 1.6

Once we ran out of Gatorade at my table we began offering high fives and more shouts of encouragement. After both waves of runners had gone through we cleaned up the mountainous piles of discarded cups in the streets with shovels and rakes. The street sweepers would be coming through soon and we would then be out of a job. I split up from my friends that were volunteering with me and went on to do my second duties of the day.

P handing out high fives

My second shift of the day was to run with my brother Marvin and other friends for a brief section of the race to get their spirits up and keep them running strong. I love doing this because where I see them at is precisely where most runners struggle and hit “the wall.” It takes a little coordination logistically and a patient eye to see them on the course and run alongside them for a little while. I got to mile 16ish via the “El” and ran into another friend, Betty, happily crewing and waiting for her friends running in the race. It was cool running into Betty and briefly catching up while we both were keeping our eyes on the course for our friends. It didn’t take long and I soon saw my brother. I said bye to my friend and joined my brother for a brief mile or two. After pacing with Marvin I was extremely happy that he was enjoying the race. He mentioned that he was loving the crowd’s energy and was even waving back and cheering with them too. It gave me goose bumps seeing him have such a good time. I felt like I was looking at a mirror knowing that his attitude at this moment was precisely how I love to feel when racing. I left him alone with the other 40,000 runners to enjoy their moment. I waited patiently for my next friends.

I ran with two more friends briefly and got ready to run with another good friend, Omar, who loves the neighborhood that lies next on the course, Pilsen. I saw him coming toward me and noticed he was looking down at the ground. I instinctively crouched low to catch his gaze. He saw me and as I stood up I could see his gaze and posture lift right up. Also a telltale sign was that he had a big smile emerging on his face. That got me smiling as I got right next to him. We chatted a bit and got into a rhythm. We didn’t say too much once we hit the crowds in Pilsen and it was perfect. The crowd had plenty to say and I was happy to be sharing the experience with Omar again for another year. Just running along the streets and seeing the other runners sharing the moment is what I love about the marathon.

Omar heading into Pilsen

It really doesn’t matter what your background is, when you are running a marathon, you are running with nature. The essence of exercising is at the core of the marathon, but when it is done collectively it brings such a flood of feelings that it really is unparallel. Sharing that moment creates a bond with those around you. Many people overlook the fact that the marathon is the only human activity in which thousands of people are essentially migrating together as a pack. One of the most captivating habits shared by other animals on this planet is only duplicated during a marathon. So if you have ever stopped and gazed at a flock of birds, a herd of wild horses, or a pod of dolphins and been mesmerized by it, that feeling of being one member in those groups and being aware of it, is undeniably incredible.

I left Omar to continue on his race and found a great section to wait for my next friends. I was seated on a median that was in the middle of a bridge. I had runners going by me on both sides. As I sat there cheering and gazing at the runners I couldn’t wish to be anywhere else. The day was perfect and I literally could have sat there the rest of the day and been completely happy. This is also where I received the most “thank yous” from the runners. It is so simple a gesture but whenever I see a runner struggling I immediately try to lock eyes with them and tell them to keep going. I know how uplifting a little motivation can be from a complete stranger. Seeing a runner walking and giving them enough encouragement to pick up their feet and start running again is absolutely the best feeling as a spectator. It’s as if I’m gently pushing on their back and letting them know their journey is tough, but definitely within their grasp.

The view from the perfect perch

As I was sitting and cheering on the bridge I decided that I had done my part today for the marathon. It was time for me to regroup with my friends who I had been volunteering with from earlier. I took one last look at the marathoners and smiled. I’d undoubtedly be back next year to relive the magic that is offered on Marathon Day in Chicago.