There will be no shortage of talent at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon that’s set to take place on October 13.
The race features elite athletes from all over the world, including athletes who are coming into their own and who hope to make a big splash at one of the most prestigious Major Marathons in the world.
Charlie Sweeney falls into this category, as the young marathoner is a part of the men’s elite field that will compete in the upcoming Bank of America Chicago. Sweeney, who’s demeanor is one of good cheer and gracious optimism, is sort of the new kid on the block when it comes to the marathon.
From the Track to the Roads
The 25-year old runner was a standout performer on the track during his collegiate years. He was a nine-time Division II All-American at Western Colorado prior to transferring to the University of Colorado. After his post-collegiate career, he decided to give the roads a try, just to see if he liked it.
The decision paid off for Sweeney, as he found a newfound love and appreciation for the roads, which includes the marathon as well.
“The marathons are always in my future, the roads are always in the future, for sure,” he said. “I was 24 when I ran my first one. I didn’t think I would be doing it that early, but now it’s the go-to. I don’t think I could go back to the track as much as I miss it.”
Sweeney has run two marathons in his career, and has experienced two different results in both races. He ran a personal best time of 2:13.14 at the California International Marathon before competing in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando two months later. Both experiences gave him perspective headed into his first Major Marathon in Chicago.
“I ran my first marathon at CIM in Sacramento last December, and it went super well,” he said. “I debuted, and I got third overall, and almost all the stars that could have lined up lined up. And so I really felt the highest of highs. I went to the Trials, went out a little conservative, and then really didn’t feel great. And so that was the lowest of lows and a quick turnaround. It took a while to soak all that up.”
Both experiences gave him perspective headed into his first Major Marathon in Chicago. Now, he’s excited for the opportunity to show that he’s one of the best marathon runners in the United States.
“I think it’s really special to be a part of, and a lot of people don’t realize it,” he said. “And perspective is really important to have. I can do this, but it’s also going to be really hard, and it’s also just a crazy opportunity to be running my third marathon. And it could be securing myself a contract.”
A Consistent Approach
American record holder Elise Cranny understands what it means to be elite and to rise to each occasion, as she’s shown the ability to do so throughout her career. She’s paced Sweeney on her bike during some of his workouts, and he along with Tai Dinger paced her during her workouts throughout the season.
Cranny admires the mentality that Sweeney has when it comes to training and racing, which allows him to be consistent and continue to improve.
“I think he’s really good at seeing the bigger picture and seeing that it’s about consistency, rather than one home run day,” Cranny said. “He gets in, gets the work done and gets out but like, comes back day after day. That’s something that I really look up to, and it’s very inspiring to me.”
The love for what he does and his ability to have fun as a runner also allows for the consistent mentality that Sweeney shows day in, and day out. Running is his favorite, and nothing will take the joy that he has for the sport away from him.
“I tell people all the time, it’s my favorite part of every day, no matter what I have to do,” he said. “Whether it’s work, or a weekend, or I get to sleep all day or watch movies all day, my favorite part is just being out and running because it’s so simple, but you can make it so complex.”
There’s no pressure on Sweeney headed into his first Major Marathon in a short amount of time, which leads Cranny to believe that he could be in for a big day in Chicago.
“I’m just excited,” she said. ”I feel like he’s going in there with a really good approach – excited to do something really cool, but also coming from a place of having no pressure and nothing to lose because it is his first Major Marathon.”
