Chicago Marathon 2012: Why Race Appeals to All People

The 2012 Chicago marathon is set to take place on Sunday, October 7. This unique race is perfect for people of all abilities and ages, giving it a widespread appeal.

People from all over the planet will be partaking in this marathon, bringing the very best athletes in the world to the same place on the same day.

Let's take a look at how this great event appeals to all people.

For all information on the Chicago marathon, you can click here.

Serious Runners

Some of the best runners on the planet will come to Chicago to compete in the main event. In all, runners from all 50 states and over 100 countries will compete in the event.

The course spans 26.2 miles and there is a six hour and 30 minute limit, so clearly this race is not for amateurs.

Runners will enjoy a fast course in Chicago and that bodes well for professionals who wish to set national and world records.

Wheelchair Race

Before the start of the main event, wheelchair athletes will take part in their own race.

A part of the Paralympics since 1960, wheelchair races have been held on different tracks including street, track and off-road courses. Athletes can participate with either manual or electric chairs, enabling people with all types of disabilities to compete.

The Chicago marathon will give competitors in the sport a chance to show why people need to pay more attention to wheelchair racing.

That is a rare opportunity that very few races offer, but the Chicago marathon is one of the events that break the mold.

For more information on wheelchair racing, click here.

Hand-Cycle Race

Shortly after the wheelchair race begins, the hand-cyclists will take the course.

The sport allows for able-bodied and handicapped athletes alike to compete in races that require a special amount of upper-body strength.

Developed in the 1980s, people were looking for new ways to make human-powered vehicles. In the process, a new sport was created and the sport made its debut in the 2004 Paralympics.

For more info on the sport, visit USHF.org.