The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has come and gone, but its legacy endures. It’s no longer about the anticipation; it’s about reflection and reveling in the history set onto Chicago’s streets.

The marathon looped through 29 emblematic neighborhoods, each revealing its distinct character and vibrancy. Beginning in Grant Park, the race stretched as far north as Wrigleyville before heading back south past the United Center and the Illinois Institute of Technology and finally up Michigan Ave to the finish line. The streets came alive as residents and fans cheered throughout each of Chicago’s neighborhoods, showcasing the city’s passionate spirit. Notably, at various milestones of the course, Optima’s architectural marvels illuminated the route. Racers passed by Optima Signature & Optima Chicago Center at the initial mile, were given a mid-race boost past Optima Lakeview at mile 8, and, as the finish line beckoned, Michigan Place at mile 22 offered a familiar cheer.

This year’s marathon wasn’t just another race. It made global headlines. Kelvin Kiptum clinched a new world record for men, finishing in a swift 2:00:35. Sifan Hassan’s debut on U.S. soil couldn’t have been more impactful as she set a new women’s course record with a time of 2:13:38. Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner also both set course records in wheelchairs, showcasing the Marathon’s inclusive spirit.

Closer to home, we burst with pride as Optima’s very own Marketing Director, Ali Burnham, took to the streets, blending personal determination with Optima’s ethos of community involvement. 

The 2023 marathon underscores what we’ve always believed — Chicago is a city of unparalleled spirit and energy. And at Optima, we’re committed to embedding ourselves within the heartbeat of Chicago’s most iconic events. For our residents, events like these are not distant spectacles, but neighborhood affairs. The Chicago Marathon exemplifies this, turning morning routines into once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunities.