More update from Jon

Jon called around 2:00 p.m. and it was great to hear his voice. If you've checked the web site you know that the marathon was canceled before most people could finish. Here is the official statement, "Due to the rising heat index and higher than expected temperatures, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski and Medical Director Dr. George Chiampas, in cooperation with city officials, have implemented a contingency plan, as a precautionary measure, to effectively close the Marathon course at the halfway point. Runners who have not reached the halfway point by approximately 12:00 p.m. will be diverted back to Grant Park via Halsted and Jackson. Jackson will be closed to automobile traffic and the participants will be provided with additional support along this route. Participants who crossed the halfway point prior to the shut-down will continue to be fully supported along the standard course to the finish line. Participants are asked to take advantage of medical personnel, cooling buses, runner drop out buses, water, Gatorade and other means of support en route back to Grant Park."

Here's a video clip http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=36199@wbbm.dayport.com that tells about the closure of the marathon.

Jon was at mile 22 when the announcement was made and everyone was directed to walk the rest of the way in. They were told that their time would not be recorded. But he checked his watch and ended the race in 5 hours and 5 minutes -- a little slower than he had anticipated. Jon thinks that 5 or 6 of the 17 members of the team from our church were able to finish the race. He noted that the race organizers were very unprepared for the heat and were running out of water early. Those runners behind Jon did not get water until mile 6 and no Gatorade until mile 9. Jon said he really needed the water he got at mile 3 and the Gatorade he got at mile 6. Jon was on a bus heading back to the hotel when he called. Their team is going to meet in a couple hours and go out for dinner.

After hearing the really sad news about some of the marathon participants I am so grateful Jon and my other friends are fine. I'm sure Jon will post his perspective on the race on his blog when he gets home Monday night.

Sheryl