26.2

Tears at the finish line.

A hug after finishing

Almost there.

Finishing with one shoe.

Fighting to make the last few steps.

Super heroes cross the line.

Warning juggler approaching.

5 years Bitches!

Where is the wrestling match?

Anatomy man.

Bacon man.

Family finish.

A little help to the line.

Sunday, October 7, 2012: The end is near

I was on assignment for Nike Sunday at the Chicago Marathon shooting a first time marathoner.

I got up at 3:30am to be in Pilsen by 5am and the day began. With an estimated 45,000 runners and 100,000 spectators the stage was set for some great photos and a lot of fun. People come to the marathon for all kinds of reasons from the elite runners going for their best times to the first timers and those running for a cause just trying to make it to the end of the race.

In another life, in the late 70's, I ran in the Mayor Daley Marathon with a bunch of cross country buddies. We only ran half because it was right before our regional meet and did not want to take a chance on the recovery time but I can remember that day like it was yesterday.

By far some of the best moments of the day are the first timers in the last 100 yards as they head for the finish line. Of course the people in costumes take it to another level of entertainment. Here are a few moments I captured as I hung out at the finish line.

-john

All photos © 2012 John Konstantaras