Chicago Marathon volunteers offer aid, water, cheers

UIC cheerleaders were part of a spirit contingent in front of Student Center East. Photo: Joseph Horejs

About 45,000 people came by UIC Sunday, but it was a quick visit.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon runners pounded down Halsted Street past Student Center East (about Mile 17), turned onto Taylor street, then headed down Ashland Avenue to 18th Street as part of the 26.2 mile course.

Frontrunners keep up the pace down Halsted. Photo: Joseph Horejs

Besides the UIC students, faculty and staff who ran the marathon, there were plenty of volunteers who passed out water, provided first aid and cheered the runners on.

Student EMTs with UIC Emergency Medical Services treated one runner on the scene and took the marathoner to UI Hospital.

Over 25 members of the Kinesiology Club volunteered to check in runners from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Afterwards, some went to Taylor Street to cheer.

“It was really inspirational to see people running, because that takes such a toll on your body and there’s so much commitment for training that goes into it,” said Veronica Tantoco, a senior and president of the club.

“Trying to do something like that isn’t an easy task.”

Edgar George holds a poster supporting Elaine Trinn, an RA who ran the marathon.

Forty-five Campus Housing residents and National Residence Hall Honorary members got up at 4 a.m. to set up their aid station on Wells Street between Grand Avenue and Hubbard Street.

“The most inspiring part was seeing the first runners,” said Misael Laboy, an RA and sophomore in biological sciences.

They also made posters, including one for Elaine Trinn, an RA at Commons West.

“It said ‘UIC loves Elaine.’ She’s been training for the marathon since April,” said Laboy.