Seventh Annual “Final 10” a Huge Success
Close to 50 Heroes and guests joined us for the Final 10 Marathon Course Preview Run last Sunday. This event is designed to prepare our runners for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Mercy Home has the distinct honor of being situated on the marathon course at the beginning of mile 17, or about 10 miles from the finish line in Grant Park. The “Final 10” event then prepares participants for that more difficult last third of the course, so they can build more confidence for race day in October.
The run started at 6:30 a.m. in front of Mercy Home on Jackson Boulevard. The group was divided by pace and each group included one or two pacers who helped runners navigate the course safely and efficiently. At four aid stations positioned about 2 to 2.5 miles apart, volunteers served Gatorade and water (supplied by CARA).
Once runners reached Grant Park, they were provided with some incentive to run another 2.5 miles back to the West Loop. The finish line was at the CryoBar on Madison where runners were able to try cryotherapy, a process that helps flush lactic acid from the body and increases collagen production. Cryotherapy helps heal muscles, ligaments and tendons, decreasing recovery time for all levels of athletes. Stretch Lab was also on hand to help our Heroes recover from their long run and weeks of marathon training – right at the halfway point in their 18-week training journey.
Retail partner Dick Pond Athletics talked about the shoes, gear, and nutrition needed for the balance of training and race day. Their display featured all the latest models of running shoes as well as Goodr glasses, Sprints hats, Body Glide, and a variety of belts for carrying phones and other personal items on race day.
Heroes in attendance all had a fabulous experience and were grateful for the tips and tricks shared by veteran marathoners performing pacing duties or staffing the aid stations. We are so grateful for the contributions of all our volunteers and partners in making the day a fabulous one for our 2024 Heroes.
Photos: Final 10 Marathon Course - Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
