The Chicago Marathon on Oct. 9 is among the world’s premiere running races. Its 45,000 entrants, from 100 countries, deserve all the support we can get out there to give them. It is possibly the only international sporting event in which ardent, inexperienced athletes can participate, and compete, in the same setting as do the world famous, elite racers. This enormous group is an athletic form of democracy at work. Each individual runs one’s own race, but among others, and within the group-as-a-whole.

There are as many touching, impressive individual stories as there are runners. Most have trained diligently for this thrilling day. Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers (including family, friends, and co-workers) will line the course, cheering them on. Without the tens of thousands of determined, courageous men and women runners, there could be no celebrity winners, some of whom become famous, and even role models for myriad others.

Some detractors, and those inconvenienced by frustrating traffic situations, might recognize what a boost the day is for our city in many ways: financial, spiritual, and communal. Their understanding and forbearance is beneficial and deeply appreciated.

As a seasoned veteran of 60 marathons (including loads of Chicago and 10 Boston marathons), who is also a psychologist, who for over four decades has specialized in group dynamics, I can attest to this spectacular event’s contribution to the wellbeing and vitality of everyone who gets sincerely connected and involved with it. I am honored, and fortunate to share, that all of my marathons were completed after open-heart surgery when I was 38 years old, and without any medication ever needed. I am here to express my humble gratitude for my astounding good fortune. Without my long-distance running decades, one can only imagine a very different life scenario. I am also honored to have been among the cadre of such esteemed, disciplined athletes.

As these heroic runners wind their way through the many diverse neighborhoods of our city, experiencing the joys and agonies of their bodies’ exertions, let us applaud them selflessly and without reserve. They need us, and we them. Together we help to co-create a city, unified, galvanized, and hopeful.

Let us wish them a cool, dry, wind-free day to treasure forever.