Just running this iconic race is a thrill, but mile eight of the course has to be the unequivocal champion of celebration: it’s early enough in the race for almost all participants to still be excited to be running (this definitely changes the farther you go). There are a ton of spectators cheering (not always the case) and there are highly costumed, highly synchronized, highly passionate squads of cheerers doing elaborate routines while pumping pop music. Chicago may be flat, but it’s still downhill from here. (Zach Freeman)
