1. Bank of America Chicago Marathon
#1 Sports Event
One of the world’s largest big-city road races, the Chicago marathon sold out in a record six days for its 2012 iteration and has 45,000 registrants. Next: October 7, 2012
One of the world’s largest big-city road races, the Chicago marathon sold out in a record six days for its 2012 iteration and has 45,000 registrants. Next: October 7, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Bank of America Chicago Marathon
2. Arlington Million
#2 Sports Event
The prestigious horse race—reportedly the world’s first to offer a million-dollar purse—lures 32,000 international guests and is broadcast on national TV. Next: August 18, 2012
The prestigious horse race—reportedly the world’s first to offer a million-dollar purse—lures 32,000 international guests and is broadcast on national TV. Next: August 18, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Arlington Park
3. Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
#3 Sports Event (new to the list)
The world’s largest timed 8K road race drew a record-breaking 34,372 runners this year. Next: March 2013
The world’s largest timed 8K road race drew a record-breaking 34,372 runners this year. Next: March 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
4. Bike the Drive
#4 Sports Event
Presented by MB Financial Bank, the springtime happening sees 20,000 cyclists pedaling down a car-free stretch Lake Shore Drive and ends with a giant pancake breakfast. The Bike the Drive race was extended by 30 minutes this year. Next: May 2013
Presented by MB Financial Bank, the springtime happening sees 20,000 cyclists pedaling down a car-free stretch Lake Shore Drive and ends with a giant pancake breakfast. The Bike the Drive race was extended by 30 minutes this year. Next: May 2013
Photo: Courtesy of City of Chicago
5. Chicago Triathlon
#5 Sports Event (new to the list)
Billed as the world's largest, the Chicago Triathlon has more than 11,000 participants, 250,000 spectators, and sponsors such as Toyota and Cliff Bar. Next: August 24-26, 2012
Billed as the world's largest, the Chicago Triathlon has more than 11,000 participants, 250,000 spectators, and sponsors such as Toyota and Cliff Bar. Next: August 24-26, 2012
Photo: EricWynn.org
6. Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
#6 Sports Event
The race, which benefits breast cancer research, draws 10,000 runners to Grant Park and has a suburban sister race in Lombard the following day. National sponsors for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Chicago include Ford and Yoplait. Next: September 22, 2012
The race, which benefits breast cancer research, draws 10,000 runners to Grant Park and has a suburban sister race in Lombard the following day. National sponsors for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Chicago include Ford and Yoplait. Next: September 22, 2012
Photo: Modern Image Studios
7. L.A.T.E. Ride
#7 Sports Event (new to the list)
Presented by Sports Authority, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas, the L.A.T.E. Ride is the largest nighttime biking event in Chicago and one of the largest cycling events in the world. Described as "Woodstock on Wheels," the unusual and beloved local tradition whisks 8,000 national cyclists on a 25-mile path through the city. Next: Summer 2013
Presented by Sports Authority, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas, the L.A.T.E. Ride is the largest nighttime biking event in Chicago and one of the largest cycling events in the world. Described as "Woodstock on Wheels," the unusual and beloved local tradition whisks 8,000 national cyclists on a 25-mile path through the city. Next: Summer 2013
Photo: Sebastian Kowalski
8. AIDS Walk & Run Chicago
#8 Sports Event
Organizers expect 7,000 participants at this year's AIDS Walk & Run Chicago. The moving race has a new "Memory Lane" with photos and tributes of runners’ loved ones. Next: September 30, 2012
Organizers expect 7,000 participants at this year's AIDS Walk & Run Chicago. The moving race has a new "Memory Lane" with photos and tributes of runners’ loved ones. Next: September 30, 2012
Photo: Ed Negron
9. Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Polar Plunge
#9 Sports Event
The Geico-sponsored Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Polar Plunge benefits the Special Olympics, drawing 6,290 plungers and raising $1.5 million this year. Next: February-March 2013
The Geico-sponsored Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Polar Plunge benefits the Special Olympics, drawing 6,290 plungers and raising $1.5 million this year. Next: February-March 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Special Olympics Illinois
10. Pets Are Worth Saving’s Run for Their Lives
#10 Sports Event
One of Chicago’s largest pet-friendly affairs, Pets Are Worth Saving’s Run for Their Lives draws 3,500 participants—many with their four-legged friends. Sponsors have included Subaru and American Airlines. Next: September 23, 2012
One of Chicago’s largest pet-friendly affairs, Pets Are Worth Saving’s Run for Their Lives draws 3,500 participants—many with their four-legged friends. Sponsors have included Subaru and American Airlines. Next: September 23, 2012
Photo: Monaghan Photography
11. Race to Mackinac
#11 Sports Event
Presented by Veuve Clicquot, the ritzy event sees nearly 350 boats race 333 miles to Mackinac Island. The Race to Mackinac is the longest annual freshwater race in the world. Next: July 2013
Presented by Veuve Clicquot, the ritzy event sees nearly 350 boats race 333 miles to Mackinac Island. The Race to Mackinac is the longest annual freshwater race in the world. Next: July 2013
Photo: Michele Idstein
