Don’t miss these Chicago Marathon weekend events

It’s the last week before the Chicago Marathon – do you know how you’ll celebrate?

If you’re running, you know what you’re doing this week. But if you are a spectator, or want to celebrate the runners’ amazing achievement, here’s a guide to what is going on in the city leading up to race day and during the marathon.

SATURDAY

The DMK Chicago Sorta Marathon

3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11

Local burger purveyors DMK are hosting a race from their Lakeview DMK restaurant (2954 N. Sheffield Ave.) to their new bar, Henry’s Swing Club (18 W. Hubbard St.). Winners of the 3.7-mile race get unlimited beer once a week for a year at Henry’s, and other top finishers win parties at the bar. Everyone who participates is welcome to free beer at Henry’s until 7 p.m. There is no route, so however you run from DMK to Henry’s is kosher.

Nike Training Club Marathon Pre-Party

12:00 p.m.

NTC Studio Chicago, 675 N. Michigan Ave.

Come gear up for the marathon at a special Nike pre-party. Make your own posters and cheer gear with local artists and decorate a shirt to wear on race day supporting your runner.

SUNDAY (RACE DAY)

The Nike North Side/South Side Challenge

Mile 24 on the marathon route

High school athletes will compete in a race during the marathon over the last 2.62 miles of the course. Boys and girls will race representing their high schools and their side of the city. Boys race at 7:40 a.m., girls at 7:50 a.m.

Nike Training Club Marathon Day Workout

Mile 24 on the marathon route (West side of Michigan Avenue and 29^th Street)

Come to the Nike Training Club stand at Mile 24 at 9:30 a.m. for a special 26.2 minute workout inspired by the race. A live DJ will be spinning music for the workout and afterward at a tailgate party, where you can cheer the runners as they pass you by.

The Bank of America (Red) Cheer Zone

Mile 12 on the marathon route (between Franklin and Adams)

Cheer on your runners, take photos and learn about how (Red) and The Global Fund are working against mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Charity Block Party

Mile 14 on the marathon route

Come cheer on the runners raising money for various causes at a block party near Whitney Young High School near Adams and Loomis Streets.

The 27th Mile Post-Race Party

Butler Field at Grant Park

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Runners can reunite with their families after crossing the finish line, listen to live music and relax with a complimentary massage from representatives of Chicago’s Cortiva Institute.