Sunday, October 9th, 2011

The annual 26.2 mile run through the streets of downtown Chicago and its north side neighborhoods is just around the corner. Over 1.5 million people are expected to attend. The full marathon gets underway at 7:30 a.m. in Grant Park, heading north to Addison Street.

At roughly 8:20 a.m., marathon participants will begin reaching the Old Town leg of the race, heading east on North Avenue before turning south on Wells Street. Get down to historic Wells Street in Old Town early for some breakfast at one of its many great restaurants and cafes and cheer on the marathon runners as they begin the second half of their trek. Many Old Town merchants will be offering Marathon day/weekend specials for participants and spectators.

Marathon Specials In Old Town:

O’Brien’s Restaurant and Bar – open at 8:00 a.m. | al a carte brunch.

Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream – open at 8:00 a.m. | 12 oz. coffee for $1.00; half-pound of fudge for $5.00; homemade Belgian waffles for $3.50; biscotti for $1.25; 12 oz. hot chocolate for $2.50.

Benchmark and Sidebar – opens at 8:00 a.m. | official spots for Nike's watch party; $20 package that includes four drinks (domestic drafts, mimosas and Bloody Mary’s) and one Breakfast or Lunch Sandwich at either Sidebar or Benchmark; Tickets can be purchased in advance at Benchmark; Nike will be there giving out shirts and other giveaways.

Orso’s Restaurant - $25.00 Family Style Dinner the night before the race, Saturday, Oct. 8th.|

Fleet Feet Sports - opens at 7:00 a.m. | rally/aid station at North/Wells; refreshments and sign painting/designing at 1620 N. Wells store location; unveiling of official Nike Finishers Gear line.

Pulp & Ink - in the week after the race, runners can bring their medal and bib into Pulp & Ink for 26.2 % off anything! Includes invitations, cards, baby clothes gifts and more; 1344 N. Wells Street.

Corcoran’s Grill & Pub - Runners can return to the bar with their medal and receive a free mimosa or bloody mary with a brunch menu purchase.

A Red Orchid Theatre - A good laugh is a great way to recover or prepare; present your marathon registration or bib for $5 off your ticket on 10/7, 10/8 or 10/9 to the Pulitzer Prize nominated "BECKY SHAW," a comedy of bad manners, tangled love and sex, written by Gina Gionfriddo.

Old Town Pub - $5 Bloody Marys; $4 Grolsch; $5 Pizzas for any Marathon Runner and/or friends.

Trattoria Roma - open Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. | offering 1/2 price pizza for all who have participated, family members and cheerleaders. GO GO GO!!!!!

Subway Sandwiches - open Sunday at 7:00 a.m. | buy any breakfast sandwich, get a free coffee; $5 "lunchbox" including 6-inch sandwich, chips and a cookie.

Pinkberry - Pinkberry celebrates the Chicago marathon and its participants. Join us at our new Old Town Pinkberry location for the 2011 Chicago Marathon.

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Visit the official 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon website (www.chicagomarathon.com) for more information and full details on all aspects of the event.