It’s that time of the year again when 45,000 runners hit the streets of Chicago with the will to run 26.2 miles or die trying. Although I totally respect these dedicated athletes, you will never, ever see my face among these runners. However, my lady of the morning, Ailie, will be running 26 miles for her 25th birthday. In addition to it being her special day and the culmination of months of training, it is also a personal victory, as it means no more sober Friday and Saturday nights because of  said training.

 Oh Lawd, no (Photo: chicagomarathon.com)

Those who are waking at the crack of dawn to cheer on their own totally insane runner friends from the sidelines need not sacrifice the most important meal of the day. Take one for the team and stuff a fatty eggs benny in your mouth, unintelligibly shouting “You go girl/boy!” at one of these brunch spots near the Chicago Marathon.

Disclaimer: no guarantees on the Chicago Marathon street closure schlep factor.

North Pond
(2610 N. Cannon Dr.; 773.477.5845)
If you took a minute to review the Chicago Marathon map, this should have immediately registered as a given.  Imagine, if you will, a secluded brunch in the park over citrus brioche French toast with peach compote and Guinea hen sausage. Just an intimate Sunday morning, people watching several thousand runners. Brunch runs a steep $32/person, but a surefire way to avoid the sponsored event tents.

Simone’s
(960 W. 18th St.; 312.666.8601)
I heard a rumor somewhere that beer is great for runners. Whether or not this is true, this Pilsen lounge is offering marathon runners one on the house to refuel empty carbs. To prevent mooching hipsters sporting the tell-tale signs of a hangover and stingy wallet syndrome, bring your number in tow to get a cold one. Spectators can brunch party like it’s 2009 at Simone’s outdoor tent with bagels, sandwiches, coffee, juices and fruit starting at 8:30 a.m., moving indoors at 9:30 a.m. for brunch service, followed by a special guest DJ spinning tunes from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Seasons at the Four Seasons
(120 E. Delaware Pl.; 312.649.2349)
After seeing this, I’ve had a change of heart. Chicago Marathon, here I come! This is some baller stuff right here: Seasons restaurant is providing complimentary brunch to Chicago Marathon runners when they bring at least one guest. I suppose at $72 per person, it would be a very supportive date. 

Eivissa
(1531 N. Wells; 312.654.9500)
With a patio that provides perfect sideline action, recently relaunched Eivissa will be providing complimentary coffee and torrijas tastings (brioche soaked in honey-vanilla olo roso egg batter) for race spectators starting at 8:00 a.m. Note: make sure there is a firm distinction between your coffee mug and your supportive water cup.

Ann Sather
(3411 N Broadway St; 773.305.0024) 
The nice part about choosing the Chicago Marathon as the day to eat cinnamon rolls is that you will either feel totally inspired to train next year, or just really, really bad about yourself.

Perennial
(1800 N. Lincoln Ave.; 312.981.7070)
Dig it: solid brunch a stone’s throw away from the park. Entrees like the pork belly omelet and duck confit tart should be all the decadent validation you need.

Yolk
(1120 S. Michigan Ave.; 312.789.9655)
Chicagobrity chef Graham Elliot recently gave this brunch staple’s River North location a shout out via Twitter. The South Loop flagship is seated on the last leg of the course, so don’t be surprised if your meal is subject to a hit-and-run marathon brunch attack.

Still not enough? Check out last year’s suggestions.

— Carly Fisher