Chicago Marathon is underway

A rather chilly 2009 Chicago Marathon is underway.

As many as 45,000 participants from all 50 states and around the world braved sub-freezing temperatures for the city's 32nd marathon. The runners, handcyclers and wheelchair riders left at 7:30 a.m. for the 26.2-mile jaunt that will take them from Millennium Park north to Wrigley Field, as far west as Damen Avenue, then south near U.S. Cellular Field and up Michigan Avenue to the finish line.

While some elite runners are competing for a chunk of the $450,000 in total prize money, most, like 34-year-old Mark Harry of Aurora, are competing against themselves.

"It's cold," said Harry, "but cold is better. Once we get going it should be OK."

Next info at http://www.suntimes.com/sports/1818990,chicago-marathon-live-coverage-run-race-101109.article