The 2022 Chicago Marathon is on Sunday, Oct. 9. The marathon is 26.2 miles, starting and ending at Grant Park which starts at 8:35 a.m., and will go through 29 neighborhoods along with 6 Chicago River bridges. The runners will also be able to see dozens of beautiful Chicago landmarks including the Chinatown gate, the Chicago Board of Trade Building, Marina City, and many more.

The Chicago Marathon has been going on ever since 1977, so this Chicago Marathon will be the 45th. Last year, the Chicago Marathon hosted a smaller field with only 35,000 runners, but this year there will be 40,000 runners. One of the amazing runners that’s participating in the 2022 Chicago Marathon is science teacher Jessica Garcia. Garcia shared her marathon experience with NSN:

Is this your first marathon? If not, which marathon would this be for you?

“I lost count… Maybe 11.”

What’s your pre-marathon ritual/preparation?

“This year I’m trying something different. I’m drinking a green smoothie before the race. But I always have my mom braid my hair. The tighter the braid, the better the race.”

What/Who has inspired you to run the Chicago Marathon?

“I’ve been running Chicago since 2013, with few exceptions. I run with a nonprofit called Students Run Chicago. We mentor Chicago youth and train together for different distance races. The marathon is the culmination of our season. I do it for the kids. It’s not my race. I run with them.”

What advice would you give someone who will run this year’s Chicago Marathon? 

“Have a post-race plan. Don’t walk any more than you have to.”

The estimated 40,000 participants of the Chicago Marathon will have 6 hours and 30 minutes to pass the finish line.

More than 170 charity organizations will be featured in the Chicago Marathon, from the American Red Cross Charity to the Chicago Parks Foundation. The great thing about the Chicago Marathon is that if you are participating, you’re able to fundraise for any of the 170+ organizations and charities!

Come join the expected 1.2 million spectators to support the 40,000 runners at Grant Park, or at any position in the marathon map seen above. You can also support Garcia and her amazing nonprofit, Students Run Chicago here.