CHICAGO, HOME TO THE NATION’S LARGEST, ENGAGED, SISTER CITIES PROGRAM, ANNOUNCES VIBRANT GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS AND COMMITTEE PLANS FOR THE 2024 CHICAGO MARATHON

CHICAGO (October 1, 2024) – The upcoming Chicago Marathon, one of the world’s premier athletic events, not only highlights the strength and perseverance of its runners but also serves as a powerful celebration of Chicago’s global connections. Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) is proud to honor this global event by showcasing the city’s deep ties with its international sister cities through a series of vibrant activities planned by several of its sister city committees.

This year’s marathon will bring together runners from across the world, and CSCI will support their journey with pre-race events, cheering stations, and post-race celebrations, connecting Chicago’s international community through a shared love of sportsmanship and cultural exchange.

Chicago Sister City committee events:

Milan Committee:

The Milan Committee will host Carb Up Chicago, an open-house-style reception for runners from Italy and their families. Taking place before the race, this event offers a taste of Italian hospitality as runners prepare to tackle the marathon. The committee will also host a cheering station on race day at the corner of N Wells & W Illinois Streets to support their fellow Italians.

Galway Committee:

Partnering with the Irish Consulate, the Galway Committee will celebrate marathon weekend with a pre-marathon reception at Corcoran’s Pub and Grill in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, offering food, drinks, and camaraderie. On race day, the Galway Committee will also set up a cheering station to support Irish runners as they conquer the marathon course.

Athens Committee:

In recognition of the rich history of the marathon, the Athens Committee, along with the Hellenic American Leadership Council and the Greek Consulate General in Chicago, will host a pre-marathon reception to celebrate Greece’s long-standing marathon tradition. Post-race, the Greek Consulate will present wreaths to the champions and host a special celebration for the runners.

Osaka Committee:

The Osaka Committee will bring the beat to the marathon with a cheering station featuring the Ho Etsu Taiko Drums at Mile 11, offering energetic support to all runners from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Lahore Committee:

The Lahore Committee will proudly support Pakistani runners with a cheering section dressed in Pakistan’s national colors, complete with flags, at a location to be determined. The committee aims to bring a burst of energy and national pride to the event.

Hamburg Committee:

The Hamburg Committee will host a pre-marathon reception for runners from Germany, helping them carb-load ahead of the big race. Post-marathon, the committee will continue the celebration with a boat ride on the Chicago Fire followed by a lunch at the iconic Billy Goat Tavern.

Bogota Committee:

The Bogota Committee will host a pre-marathon reception for Colombian runners at Little Toasted on October 11 from 2 PM to 6 PM. On race day, they will support their athletes at a cheering station located at 180 N. Wacker Drive.

Kyiv Committee:

The Kyiv Committee, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Running Club Chicago and Revived Soldiers Ukraine, will host a cheering section for Ukrainian runners at 100 S. Wacker. A special pre-marathon reception will also be held at Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen on October 11 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Special guests include Deputy Mayor Yermak of Kyiv and Roman Kashpur, the first Ukrainian military veteran to complete a marathon with a prosthetic limb.

Prague Committee:

The Prague Committee will cheer on Czech runners at Mile 19, across the street from St. Procopius Church. A private reception will also be held at the Consulate General of the Czech Republic for Czech runners and the local Czech community.

Toronto Committee:

The Toronto Committee will proudly support Canadian runners at a cheering station located at 2530 N. Clark Street, ensuring a strong Canadian presence during the race.

Vilnius Committee:

Lithuanian runners will find encouragement from the Vilnius Committee at their cheering station located at 811 W. Jackson Boulevard, continuing a tradition of international support.

These events serve as a reminder that the Chicago Marathon is not just a local event but a celebration of the global connections that run through the heart of the city. Each Sister City Committee plays a vital role in showcasing their culture and supporting their runners, reinforcing Chicago’s status as a city that champions global unity through sports, culture, and friendship.