Supporters assembled a Mile‑22 aid station on October 11, 2026, along 26th Street near Michigan Avenue to encourage participants in the Chicago Marathon. The station provided more than 6,000 bottles of water, plastic trumpets and a DJ booth aimed at lifting spirits as runners approached the final six miles.
The effort was organized by Chloe Wilkerson, who is 34, together with members of the Wilkerson family and other marathon supporters. Their goal was to help athletes push through the mentally taxing stretch that often sees smaller crowds and heightened fatigue.
Mile 22 is a well‑known checkpoint in the 26.2‑mile race where many runners struggle to maintain momentum. By offering refreshments, music and noise‑making devices, the supporters hoped to motivate participants to keep moving toward the finish line.