On Oct. 13, Carman’s Chris Dick ran in the historic Chicago Marathon. In a word, Dick said that the experience was spectacular.
Chicago is one of six major marathons worldwide, including Berlin, London, Tokyo, New York, and Boston. Dick initially entered the lottery to get an entry to the Chicago Marathon in October of 2023, and to his surprise, he got in on the first try. Getting in on the first try is something that does not happen often, so he was thrilled to be going.
Standard Photo Submitted
Carman’s Chris Dick ran in the historic Chicago Marathon and beat his goal of finishing the race in four hours as he was clocked in at 3:58:00 on Oct. 13
This summer and early fall, Dick included a number of races around his sixteen-week training plan to prepare for the big day.
“The day came, and perfect weather conditions unfolded on a Chicago Marathon morning. It wasn’t too hot, and it wasn’t too cold, as it was just about right.”
Dick lined up with 52,000 other runners as coral F. Helicopters hovered above, and the national anthem was sung.
“Over one million people were along the course ready to cheer, and I was off with a sea of other people striding off,” said Dick. “The journey of marathon training always takes some sacrifices, but that’s part of the process. I often visualized what the experience of running a major world marathon would be like. And I have to say that this was by far the most energy, excitement, and support that I have ever seen and felt in a race. So many bands, continuous people lined streets, signs upon signs giving encouragement and cheer stations that gave me so much to be grateful for with so much positive humanity.”
Dick’s goal for this marathon was to finish in under four hours, and he accomplished that goal with a time of 3:58:00.
“Maybe I could have run faster if I hadn’t taken so many pictures and videos. I chuckle and hope others do too as those who know me, know I like to share my races on social media.”
Standard Photo Submitted
When it was all said and done, Dick felt that the training plan paid off for this result and that it was all worth it. He looks forward to possibly running in another world-renowned marathon in the future, but for now, he will continue running in the Carman area.
“A big thank you to the Chicago Marathon for an amazing experience, and thank you to my biggest fan and supporter, my wife Sheila. To hear her cheers in the spectator stands at the finish was definitely something I was looking forward to. Thanks also to friends, family and my Carman community, who offered many well wishes, messages and prayers of support.”
