Mentor kids, run the Chicago Marathon

We like to run in this town. And folks from around the world like to come here to run. How do we know this? The record-breaking speed at which the October 9 Bank of America Chicago Marathon sold out today: 45,000 runners registered to pound the pavement for 26.2 miles a mere 31 days after registration opened. (That's three weeks faster than it sold out last year, whew!)

If you were set on running this fall but didn't secure a spot before the race sold out, may we suggest joining an awesome org in town, Team M3? The kid-advocating org pairs adult mentors with at-risk high schoolers around the city and the entire crew of kid and adult runners train together for the Chicago Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and the Chicago Marathon. We wrote about M3 last fall, click here for more info.

There are still mentoring spots available, so you can feel good about making a major difference in a child's life while reaping the personal rewards of training for and completing 26.2 miles.

Win-win!

Team M3's 2011 season begins May 7. Information meetings will be held at Fleet Feet Lincoln Square (4762 N Lincoln Ave) on April 2 at 10am; REI (1466 N Halsted St) on April 4 at 6pm.