I had entered the Chicago Marathon in January 2007 aiming to complete my third ‘Big City’ marathon. My preparations started in earnest once we returned from Uganda with 10 weeks to go! My training went incredibly well and we set off early on Friday 5th October feeling fitter than I ever had done before.

Chris took Alyson, Jenny, Rosie and me to the airport and the flight gave us a great view of the Lake District, and Greenland. What a small world we inhabit. Chicago was very busy but we had an interesting 36 hours before the race looking round, realising what a huge variety of skyscrapers there are, and shopping...

We knew it would be warm and so it turned out. The race started at 8am and it was already sunny. I exchanged a few words with others but I sensed people were feeling particularly nervous. I ate my Mars Bar contemplatingly and it was a relief to be moving. I started quite quickly and as I passed two miles mark I saw Alyson, Jenny and Rosie waving and cheering – the last I was to see of them as I missed them at the next pre-arranged spot near half way, and again at 16 miles. We were running between the skyscrapers and fortunately we were in the shade for most of the first half of the race. At this stage the drinks stations were welcome but not desperately longed for.

I was, however, slowing and by 6 miles the temperature was at least 86degF. A couple of miles further on I noticed the first runner laid out on the sidewalk having fainted, but in the distance a couple of miles away were the city centre skyscrapers beckoning. The city centre was much busier and the crowd cheered and cheered.

Before long it was 14 miles, the crowd was thinner again and you could feel it getting serious and gradually the walkers became a significant presence. At each drinks station (1-2 miles apart) I was taking two or three drinks with a bit of side-stepping to avoid others. There was no fancy dress to be seen, decorated T-shirts were the limit. I followed a tiny woman with ‘Lourdes’ on her back for a while, which made me wonder what the connection was. Had she been healed there?

My T-shirt, shorts and socks had been soaked for miles and the occasional hose-pipe, and in one place fire hydrant, gave some added relief. I was interested to note that my legs felt OK until near the end – so much for all my anxieties about muscles aching in training. The noise of the crowd seemed to rise in volume as they too sensed it was a tough one. ‘Looking fabulous’ was the sort of incongruous cry that reminded me of New York. ‘They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength’, and ‘You are a winner already’ were displayed on placards, with enthusiasm.


The number of walkers was increasing all the time but at 24 miles we were heading up Michigan Avenue which was a little more shady and I thought I would do it. When there was just a mile to go I felt fairly confident. At Grant Park we turned and had the incline that I had read about, but it was short and soon I was turning left – the 26 mile post and the finish in sight. For the first time in many miles I had my head up rather than down. I ambled in, very happy to have finished in 4 hours 3 minutes, and with the loudspeaker announcing ‘Congratulations to John Holden from Wi-gan, England!’

It was good to be walking, even unsteadily. A couple of volunteers must have noticed and asked if I was alright, but I was. More drink and a bag of ice to put on my head to cool me down helped. I collected my medal and some snacks and noticed a few people were recovering in a first aid tent but it felt much quieter than London or New York. I walked the ¼ mile or so to meet Alyson, Jenny and Rosie as arranged. My first words were ‘I now believe in miracles!’ Alyson told me later she thought I looked better than after New York but the photos show how exhausted I was. Back in our hotel I surveyed the damage – a blood blister and a black toe nail, but after the soak in the bath some of the stiffness went.

I had felt close to God through the race hence my remark about miracles. I also thought ‘pride is stupid’ and that people praying had helped me do something amazing - but why me, why now is inexplicable. It had been a unique, unforgettable experience.

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We had 24hours left in Chicago to enjoy some more of a great city, the Sears Tower, the parks and a bit more of what its shops offered the girls! The interest, support and prayers of you all meant alot to us once again, and it was an unforgettable experience.

And thanks to people’s generous support we have also raised £500 for the Ugandan children, money that has already gone off to them.


John Holden