About 40,000 runners took to the streets of Chicago yesterday for the Chicago Marathon, a 26.2 mile trek through Chicago’s near north, west, and south side neighborhoods. I headed down to the race to cheer on my friends who were running and take some pictures. It was a beautiful day fro a race.

Here are the highlights from Miles 4, 10, 16, and 26. You can view all the photos from the 2013 Chicago Marathon over on the Flickr.

Smiling at Mile 4 and happy to be running her first marathon.

Dear Stranger, You’re My Hero

The oft-attempted, rarely-completed double-fisted-water-grab at Mile 10.

Seriously.

Boston Strong at Mile 16.

This guy was pumped.