#1 Sports Event
Due to the Boston Marathon bombings, event organizers implemented heightened security measures—including watchtowers near Buckingham Foundation—for this year’s Bank of America-sponsored race in October. The security was largely undetectable, though, and didn’t mar the experience for the two million spectators cheering on the runners. A record 39,115 runners finished this year—up from 37,475 in 2012. Next: October 12, 2014
#2 Sports Event
Horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe trot out at the Arlington Million, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world—and the richest. Reportedly, it was the first horse race to offer a million-dollar purse. Some 32,000 guests attend annually, and the race is broadcast on national TV. Next: August 2014
#3 Sports Event
The world’s largest eight-kilometer road race, the Bank of America-sponsored event had its largest number of registrants ever this year: 40,000. The event’s festive atmosphere doesn’t hurt its appeal, with many runners dressed in funny costumes, and a post-party where runners get drink tickets attached to their bib numbers. As 90 percent of participants are from Chicago and its suburbs, the event also has a strong feeling of community. Next: March 30, 2014
#4 Sports Event
About 30 miles of Lake Shore Drive are closed off to car traffic on the morning of the massive happening. To raise funds for the Active Transportation Alliance, some 20,000 cyclists pedal the clear stretch of Chicago’s iconic road. Next: May 2014
#5 Sports Event (up from #6)
This year 7,600 breast cancer survivors and supporters donned pink to walk or run in the world-famous 5K. The event took place on Mother’s Day for the first time this year, and the Daley family served as honorary chairs. The event inspired 10 TV segments, and corporate sponsor Wade Miquelon of Walgreen’s got the front page of The Sun-Times's Splash magazine the week of the race. Next: May 11, 2014
#6 Sports Event
One of the country’s largest triathlons, the event draws 7,000 athletes and is presented by Toyota. This year’s athletic affair introduced a new competition called the “Chicagoland Tri Series,” and there was also a new team challenge. Next: August 24, 2014
#7 Sports Event (up from #8)
This year’s event set a record: it raised $400,000 by the time the race stepped off. Additionally, its sponsorship dollars more than doubled from 2012. Performer CeCe Peniston appeared at the post-race festivities, and a record 324 volunteers assisted with the event. Next: October 2014
#8 Sports Event
Chicago’s largest nighttime biking event sets off at 1 a.m. and wends through a dozen neighborhoods, lures some 8,000 cyclists, and includes fun contests such as “Best Decorated Helmet.” Because of a changeover in event management, this year’s event was said to have some rough patches including disorganized registration. But organizers are working to iron out the kinks for next year. Next: Summer 2014
#9 Sports Event
Presented by Geico, the chilly outing benefits the Special Olympics. It invites athletes to leap into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan in the wintertime; this year, it drew around 6,300 plungers and raised more than $1.7 million. Next: February-March 2014
#10 Sports Event
One of Chicago’s largest pet-friendly affairs, Pets Are Worth Saving’s Run for Their Lives drew a record 5,000 runners—and 2,500 pups—this year. Sponsors included Purina Pro Plan and Commonwealth Edison. Next: Spring 2014
#11 Sports Event
With a 333-mile route, the event is billed as the world’s longest annual freshwater race. This year’s competition saw 301 boats and 2,472 crew members racing to Mackinac Island. Participation is by invite from the Chicago Yacht Club, and Veuve Clicquot is the presenting sponsor. Next: July 19, 2014
