Chicago Marathon

I covered the 30th annual Chicago Marathon today. It was another one of those random things I decided to try out -- not running the marathon (I'll save that for next year), just covering it! I met this woman at a networking event organized by FAN-Chicago; she was a TV producer/broadcaster in the Philippines and is now working on producing her own show, which will premiere on TFC sometime in November. Anyway, I told her I'd love to work with her sometime. So, last week she asked if I could do a story on a group of Ancop/Gawad Kalinga runners. Without even asking what it was exactly that she wanted me to do, I agreed. THEN a couple days ago, I found out I had to go on-camera!!!! Omigosh! I didn't need to look 10 lbs heavier than I already am! I'd rather roll down a hill in a port-o-potty!
It's not that I feel inept, it's just that video cameras have never really been friendly to me. Oh well...another random weekend job to add to my list! I wasn't even sure if she'd use my little stand-upper spiel. I decided if I were to make a fool of myself, I might as well have fun doing it!
So, on to my coverage of the Pinoy runners, aptly called GK Heroes. Last year, 75 Ancop members ran the marathon and raised $50,000 -- enough to build 50 homes in the Philippines, or an entire GK Village. This year, because of the the issues within Couples for Christs (the driving force behind Ancop), participation in the marathon was considerably low. Still, Ancop and CFC members hope to raise enough to build another village.
I was most inspired by a couple from Naperville, Pita and Ros. Both are in their 60's and first-time marathon-ers. They said 26 miles seemed like nothing compared to the what they will get in the end: satisfaction of knowing they helped build homes for their kababayans.

It gave me goosebumps to see the Philippine flag being waved in support of this year's GK Heroes:

Ah, and as a sidenote: what other nationality would have two guitarists serenading runners along the race path? I bet if we could plug a karaoke machine on the sidewalk, someone would be belting out "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (As long as it's not Alyssa Alano, I don't mind!)

Seriously though, talking to the runners (especially the more senior ones) made me realize I have no valid reasons NOT to join next year's run, only lame excuses.


P.S.

After writing this, I heard on the news that one guy died while running the marathon and hundreds more had to be rushed to the hospital. Watching from the side, it did seem runners were in pain trying to make it to the finish line. It was an unusually hot, humid day! I thought I was going to black out just biking home...and this was at 5 p.m.