That this October tradition returns this weekend at the Bank of America Chicago marathon. And it takes place in the city Sunday morning you can watch it all this weekend they won't be streamed live on NBC Chicago dot com. And joining us now -- race director very big house key. Karrie good to have you on the they don't -- -- again it's so hard to believe it is then 35 years the 35 anniversary this race it's amazing. We're celebrating 35 years of marathon running from very humble beginnings to international sporting event so we've been very fortunate the popularity that the demand continues we have 45000. Entrants. All fifty states and a 115 countries. Well you know I'm a huge fan -- marathon running -- run the Chicago marathon before but it also loved watching it because I love the elite pros. Running in this race and on the men's side you have a packed field we were just talking five guys -- broken 206. Sure in the past we've always had the dominant guy whether it's anyone -- of the Olympic champion or last just champion Moses most off the kind of sets the tone for the competition. This year we've got about six straight guys that are appoint their career they need a big time win very athletic very fit so. Mother nature is cooperating so we should see something interesting with the men's race he. Had great weather -- we got a touch on the women now I know Paula Radcliffe is in town in Chicago but she's not running and she calls the Chicago marathon record. She does she is 35 years for the Chicago marathon attempt -- Paula reckless to seventeen world records that she's back. If you've been down the -- see the fifty foot likeness of her so she's gonna spend some time this this weekend. But on the women's side -- Schobel Kolb -- the big question mark. We had a lot of the anticipation for her in the Olympics she was one of the favorites dropped out were hoping she takes that disappointment. Refocus is comes to Chicago and win something that doesn't -- other woman has done before win four in a row which would be amazing. Well what makes Chicago so great is. The average Joseph running this race are you talking over about 40000. In the field while that's amazing it it's. It's amazing how popular running has become how popular the marathon has become and really how the city embraces this event we're looking for a record number of spectators on the course our charity program is amazing last year we reached thirteen point 4 1000000 dollars race morning. We'll have over 101000 runners this year raising money for associated charities so. Good stuff all around. People of all abilities. Are looking to do something very special celebrate dedication sacrifice and commitment on on Sunday. Tell me more about the charity like you -- over thirteen million raise last year right I know Bank of America matches some things about how much. This has grown just in terms of people running for charity. Absolutely the BankAmerica our title sponsor has been on the forefront of helping us grow this charity program. Since 2002 we've raised over eighty million dollars. They shouldn't make is doing a special program you can sign a water bottle hitting the retail locations we're at our expo for every bottle that she signed. The people donate. -- dollar were hoping to raise 250000. Dollars for wounded Warriors this weekend we're gonna make a mosaic out of those bottles just it just to recognize our our veterans that are participating in the event or have served up a serve our country night in a very honorable way. About the uniqueness of this race whether -- spectator or your runner I remember. Just the crowd everybody coming out and cheering the neighborhoods not all neighborhoods are great I know that the one that really stand out boys town. Pills in Chinatown I think talk about this this festival atmosphere. Well one of the uniqueness things about a lot of our sport is our partnership with the CTA it's it's a loop coop a loop course so family members loved ones can get on the L last 125000. People. That what they passes. Go to different points along the course unique to other merit world marathon majors new -- Boston which -- point to point much more difficult to get to different locations so. A great tradition. A lot of people are discovering these wonderful neighborhoods and it's it's been a great race stick to tradition so we'll continue with that. They go to the neighborhoods wait for their family members and then come back to grant park to celebrate a great day. I had no we're looking at temperatures in the thirties coming out into the forties perfect a lot of people are sad that it's gotten called to carry this is the race kind of weather right well. With the pendulum is kind of swung back the other way -- traditional Chicago October weather will take it over the past couple of years where we had warmer weather. I think we'll be fine are 56 hour marathon runners are gonna have a great day. The wind stays down on the front and look for some very very fast time. So I -- good thank you for joining us and good luck on sun I hope all goes well I'll remember if you can't make it down. -- other race you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home the entire -- We'll be streamed online on our sister station website in DC Chicago dot com.