Deena BustilloPLAY Writer

It’s too late to register for Sunday’s Chicago Marathon, but don’t let that get you down. The city is gearing up with a bunch of special events for runners – and even those who would only be seen running away from registration.

A free health and fitness expo will be held Oct. 19 and 20 at the McCormick Place Convention Center, with 175 exhibitors equipped with the latest shoes, gear and gadgets.

The Park Grille restaurant at Millennium Park is offering a $26, two-person spaghetti and meatball dinner special to celebrate. It is a perfect way to celebrate, even if you aren’t really in need of the carbo load.

Other dining hot spots are also offering specials this weekend to kick off the festivities. And if spectator is more your speed, just come down and watch the action Sunday, along with an estimated 1.5 million other people. The race starts at 8 a.m. in Grant Park then weaves its way throughout the city, ending at about 2:30 p.m. in the South Loop.

So, remember all those dusty home movies that Mom has boxed up in the attic? The ones where you can barely talk and just eat and wimper a lot? Have her ship them out immediately because the Beverly Arts Center of Chicago is ready to transform these hilarious old memories into crisp recollections of yesteryear.

Bring in a maximum of five home videos, and the team there will clean and inspect them for you for $25. Then, next month (Nov. 19) come back and watch your movies, along with a slew of other people’s recorded ancient history, for the Home Movie Day finale. If nothing else, the holidays are coming and what would the parental unit really like better?

– Deena Bustillo