Marathon Madness

The Chicago Marathon took place today and with the race route going down my street, it certainly made its presence known. As a matter of fact, I woke up bright and early at 9 am to the sounds of a rock band on the street corner. Super, I understand the need to keep the runners pepped and entertained, but there's no way you will make it to mile 22 just one hour after the start of the marathon, for crissakes. After a few valiant attempts to roll over, I decided to just climb out of bed and watch the marathon.

By this time, it was around 11 and the sun was beating down on the crowd outside. Runners were streaming past, and with temperatures in the high 80s and pushing 90, they were streaming sweat and mostly looking haggard and miserable. The Chicago Marathon is considered one of the easier competitions for marathoners because of the city's level terrain, but with the heat and humidity at record highs, no race records would be set today. Actually, runners were dropping like flies, collapsing on sidewalks and clamoring for water at the hydration stations. One man died and about a hundred others were taken to the hospital. Around noon or so, the race was called off and runners were told to return to the finish line. That pretty much killed my newly inspired goal of running the '08 marathon. (Damn global warming.)

Meanwhile, the elite runners had finished the race in dramatic style. I particularly enjoyed the live updates posted on the marathon website for the women's race:

10:35am - The men's winning time is confirmed as 2:11:11.

In the women's race, Pirtea still holds the lead, 25 seconds up on Adere. She can see the finish line and appears a sure winner. But Adere is sprinting like crazy.

10:37am - Pirtea is waving to the crowd. She has no idea that Adere is coming on like a jet plane. Adere is sprinting as if this is a 200 race. Pirtea thinks she has won. She has no clue of the danger. Adere is closing with every stride. She overtakes Pirtea just 50m from the line. Pirtea responds, but it's too late. Adere is charging for the line. This is incredible. Adere has retained her title. Pirtea is stunned. She collapses at the line. Notably, at 40K Pirtea had a 30 second lead. Kate O'Neill takes third.

And that kids, is why you never let down your guard.