This is a general thanks on behalf of the runners to all the volunteers and spectators at the Chicago Marathon.
To the 10,000 volunteers: Thank you. The race would never be run without you. I hope you all received as many “thank you”s as we received “congratulations.”
Spectators, you were phenomenal. We ran as much on our own energy as yours. When our skin blistered, you offered high fives. When our nipples chafed, you demanded we channel our inner Kenyans. When the pounding of the concrete became unbearably monotonous, you offered free beer as a joke between aid stations. While spending the final miles pondering objects we would rather cram into body cavities than continue running, you provided a final boost to the finish.
Volunteers and spectators, you made the marathon worth running. What we will remember most about it will be the pain and the people, and the pain is almost gone now. You were absolutely fantastic. Thanks again.
-MATTHEW WAGGENSPACKCommunications junior