The Magic of the Chicago Marathon

This year, I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day at the Chicago Marathon, not as a runner, but as a photographer soaking in the incredible energy & support that make this event so special. As a former runner myself, I’ve always loved the rush of crossing that finish line, but there’s something uniquely magical about being on the other side, capturing the raw emotions of both the runners & the crowd.

Originally, I had planned to watch some friends run, but the marathon has become one of my favorite sporting events of the year. The energy on the course is unmatched – from the heart-pounding moments as runners push through the toughest miles to the cheers & high-fives from supporters lining the streets. There’s a sense of community that you can’t find anywhere else, & it’s honestly one of the most inspiring sights to see.

During my time on the course, I captured some of my favorite shots, including one of my fave celebs, Claire Holt, who was kind enough to repost my photo! It’s moments like these that remind me of how sports bring people together & create lifelong memories.

The support on the course is something you just have to experience. It’s not just the runners pushing themselves – it’s the spectators who cheer with everything they’ve got, offering encouragement & motivation to keep going. There’s a sense of camaraderie, a shared belief in pushing limits, & a celebration of human determination. That’s the true magic of marathons.

I may not have been running this year, but I walked away from the marathon feeling more inspired than ever. There’s a reason the Chicago Marathon is one of the most iconic events of the year, & I can’t wait to be back next year, cheering on these incredible athletes & capturing the passion that fills every step of the race.