Spectators lined the sides of the streets to cheer on the runners of the Illinois Marathon, showing their support by cheering for each and every runner and saying their name and words of encouragement as they ran by. I even overheard someone offering to hold a runner’s gloves for them if their hands were getting hot during their run, but it’s possible there was an ulterior motive as it was still a bit chilly on the cheering side. The signs and costumes on both spectators and runners made it a very encouraging and positive atmosphere. Here are some moments from the course: