The GLBT Frontrunners/Frontwalkers of Chicago once again outdid themselves as the favorite water station in the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Despite early Sunday temperatures in the 30s and 40s, volunteers handed out beverages with lots of good cheer. Many had fantastic outfits, including dancing drag queens and cute cheerleader men. The high-energy volunteers gave a spark to the runners, many of whom laughed and gave the thumbs-up sign. Many Frontrunners also ran in the marathon.
More than 37,000 runners competed in the 25th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon early Sunday. As even the mainstream media outlets noted, the route includes the heavily-gay Lakeview neighborhood, where the GLBT running group Frontrunners/Frontwalkers go all out every year with their water station. Located at Wellington and Broadway, the volunteers dressed up as male cheerleaders, in drag as dancing queens, and in other colorful attire to bring a smile to the runners’ cold and weary faces. Their energy was certainly catching, with loud music causing some runners to pick up the pace and give a big thumbs-up for the support.