Marathon Math - Time Out Chicago

TimeOut Chicago, a magazine that focuses specifically on arts, entertainment and culture within the Chicagoland area, dedicated its last issue to numerous Marathon-related topics. Including Marathon math, a bunch of numbers/stats about the 2008 race. Here is some of the data for your enjoyment :)

31
The number of years the marathon has been run. Last year marked the first time runners were pulled from the course midway through the race.

88
The record high temperature recorded on race day last year—October 7, 2007—breaking the day’s previous record high of 86 degrees set in 1982.

66 The average high temperature for Sunday 12, this year’s race day, according to weather.com. The date has an average low of 48 degrees, a record high of 83 degrees—set in 1973—and a record low of 34 degrees—set in 1987.(This years predicted high, as of today, is 78 degrees!)

35,000
The number of runners who toed the start line in 2007. (Approximately 10,000 people who registered to run didn’t participate last year.)

45,000
The number of runners registered this year. This is the second year the race is being capped at 45,000 participants.

41,780
Gallons of Gatorade available to be dispensed to runners in 2007

46,080
Gallons of Gatorade available at the aid stations and finish line this year—a nearly 4,500-gallon increase from 2007.

51,984
Gallons of drinking water available to runners in 2007


54,600
Gallons of water that will be available to runners on the course this year—an increase of more than 2,500 gallons from 2007.

5
Aid stations and medical tents added to the race course, increased from 15 last year to 20.

700
The number of medical personnel available to support the runners, up from an estimated 500 last year. And to supplement the main medical tent at the finish line, another tent was added near mile 26 this year.

10,500,000
The dollar amount raised by approximately 6,600 charity runners for 85 nonprofit organizations at the 2007 race.

12,000,000
The dollar amount that more than 6,800 charity runners plan to raise this year for 110 nonprofit organizations.

4
The number of colors in the Event Alert System, a communication system introduced this year to warn runners about adverse weather and course conditions. The system uses color-coded flags, icons and signs to keep runners informed: green for low alert, yellow for moderate, red for high and black for extreme.