Chicago Marathon Organizers Ready, Set
CHICAGO (CBS) – Organizers of Sunday's 34th Annual Bank of America Marathon are racing against the clock to finish preparations.
Runners from around the world – about 45,000 of them -- will take part. The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the mid- to high-70s, which is definitely on the warm side for running 26 miles.
Organizers say runners need to dress accordingly and remember to drink fluids. They think they have the rest covered, CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez reports.
The banners are flying. The barricades are up. Workers are in high gear preparing for the Chicago Marathon. This year's expected to bring a beautiful but warm day.
The race medical director says temperatures are considered mild. But if that changes, organizers are ready.
"We educate (runners) in advance via email, via message boards that are on the screens, flag systems," Dr. George Chiampas said.
That flag system took effect after the 2007 marathon had to be shut down early due to intense heat and high humidity -- conditions that would now warrant a red flag.
Look for plenty of water and Gatorade at 28 stations. There will be 21 medical aid stations, including the hospital and ICU tents already in place.
Runners along the lakefront today found conditions comfortable.
But organizers, who held a news conference Thursday, honored nine runners who have run all 33 marathons. One of them will run marathon number 34 at the age of 82.
