Since 1977, the race has overtaken the city’s streets every fall in a stampede of athleticism, grit, and antichafing balm. Here’s how all that pavement pounding adds up.
19.4 million
Collective miles run
1
Times it was downgraded to a half marathon (because of sponsorship woes in 1987)
$190
Increase in the registration fee over four decades
21°
Temperature at the start of the 1988 marathon, the coldest ever
6
People (all men) who’ve completed every race
5.1 million
Ounces of Goose Island 312 guzzled by runners at the finish line