Hot town, October city
Back of my neck getting dirt and gritty
Run' round, isn't it a pity
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
All around people looking half dead
Running in the streets hotter than a match head
Video covers it:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/09/marathon.irpt/index.html
Record high temperatures (88 with 90+% humidity)
1 Death
5 people still critical Monday morning
300+ taken by city to emergency rooms
unknown numbers taken by private ambulances
10,000+ abandoned before start
10,000+ people removed from the course and bussed to the finish
24,000+ finished
At 8 am, it was already 74 degrees and sweaty in the race coral. Normal high for Chicago in October is 60. During the race, it was a Darwinian competition at fuel stations; they ran out of ice, they ran out of water, the volunteers eventually stopped filling cups and just stood in front of racers pouring water over their bodies. Very disconcerting to watch people collapse mid stride. Every block there was at least one body on the ground.
I had a horrendous run. I completed the race in 4 hour 49 minutes. 80 minutes slower than predicted. I am very proud to say I did finish the full course. I was not stopped by the police, they were out in cars, helicopters and mobile loud speakers ordering people to walk because the race had been cancelled. I ran on, sprinting the last few miles to make sure I would finish.
After I finished, I was offered water, banana, and an apple. I took one bite of an apple, the sweet taste instantly set me off and I began to convulse and vomit. To the credit of the race, they had spotters every few feet who alerted medical personnel. I was whisked in a wheel chair off to an air conditioned medical tent. By the time I arrived, I felt amazing. The best I had felt in two hours. After a quick triage I was giving my first bag of ice and sent on my way.
In summary, my second marathon will become legend. I persevered and survived. All of my friends are healthy and home safe.
Fun thought, the 1st year LaSalle bank took over the race 19 years ago, they had heavy snow. Personally I would prefer snow versus heat. I can always put on more clothing.
30th anniversary Chicago Marathon 2007 survivor, celebrating life!
Shaun
All around people looking half dead
Running in the streets hotter than a match head