Chicago

What Happens to the Clothes Runners Leave Behind on the Chicago Marathon Course?

Volunteers begin picking up the clothing items after the race starts

Every year as runners race to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon finish line, clothing items left behind sit abandoned on the street - but not for long. 

If you're traveling in Chicago this weekend, it's best to have a transit plan. With the Bank of America Chicago Marathon sparking closures around the city, here are some tips for getting around town.

Runners shouldn't feel bad about tossing warm-up clothes. Items that runners discard -- usually at the start of the race -- get picked up by volunteers and donated to Illinois AMVETS, marathon representative Alex Sawyer said.

Volunteers begin picking up the clothing items after the race starts. 

The clothing could be even more prominent this year as cold temperatures will likely have runners wearing multiple layers. 

At the start of the race, temperatures are forecast to reach into the low-40s with dry conditions expected. Wind chill readings, however, will have it feeling closer to 32 degrees. 

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