2022 Chicago 3-Day Route Preview

The Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day is returning for the first time since 2013 and we couldn’t be more excited! We’re giving you some key sights you can expect to see each day on this spectacular route. Don’t forget to take pictures when you’re out walking this year and tag us on our social media platforms and use the hashtag #CHI3Day for a chance to be featured!

The land of deep dish is hosting us at the wonderful Marriott Marquis, where participants will begin each day of the route, enjoy the offerings of the 3-Day Main Street, eat dinner and come together in the Pink Bubble.

There’s always so much excitement on Day 1, and the Chicago 3-Day will be no different. After the Opening Ceremony, participants will start their 60-mile journey and make their way towards the iconic Chicago Riverwalk. This is a wonderful photo opportunity! Keep an eye out for a sight-seeing boat on the Chicago River because that’s one of our special Chicago scavenger hunt items!

We then travel through the Magnificent Mile, an upscale section of downtown Chicago along Michigan Avenue, and finish the day off passing Wrigley Field! The Cubs are taking on the Rockies at home, so we are certain to see lots of Cubs fans!

Before we dive into Day 2 details, there’s one important note to make: On this day, participants will take a fun bus ride to the starting point of the route, and at the end of the day’s route, will return to the Marriott Marquis on busses. This will allow us to see some beautiful parts of Chicagoland that we wouldn’t be able to get to on foot from the hotel.

Day 2 will start with our Bank of America Breakfast of Champions, recognizing this year’s top fundraisers! After that short bus ride to the start of the route, walkers will tour the Chicago suburbs of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

We’ll see many historic homes built by Frank Lloyd Wright, along with his studio — can you get a picture of each one? The historic scenery doesn’t stop there, however, as we also pass by Ernest Hemingway’s boyhood home and his birthplace museum!

We will end Day 2 full of art and architecture as we see Oak Park’s iconic mini murals before taking a quick bus ride back to our host hotel for one more night of Main Street fun and relaxation, followed by dinner and our moving Honor Ceremony.

On Day 3, get your kicks because we’re passing by the Route 66 begin and end signs! The final miles of our day will take us down the Lakefront Trail for some beautiful views, and travel towards Millennium Park. This is really where you’ll want to get your cameras out, for pictures at two of Chicago’s most famous public works of art: Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) and Crown Fountain!

We’ll wind down our Chicago 3-Day journey at the home of Da Bears, Soldier Field. Though we won’t be kicking field goals on the turf, we can still soak up the spirit of this iconic stadium. Walkers can look forward to our finish line festival and Closing Ceremony here, before we all say goodbye and part ways after three amazing days in the Pink Bubble!

Will you be joining us at the 2022 Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day? Let us know in the comments! Stay tuned for two more route previews in this blog series coming before the Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego 3-Days.

In memory of Jean…a husband’s reflections

One of the joys of my 3-Day journey is sharing the experience with my husband, George. This year marks our 14^th walk together, and the weekend always brings us joy for the life we share. We know how fortunate we are that neither of us has had to fight cancer, and we hold hands a little tighter each time we see a walker who has lost their soul mate.

Bob S. began his 3-Day story with his wife Jean, as members of the 3-Day Crew in 2002. He walked again in 2010 and 2011, and made his 5^th 3-Day journey in Chicago this summer. When Jean died of breast cancer in 2009, Bob channeled his immeasurable sorrow into conviction to continue the fight. Like many other walkers, he walks with the memory of his wife in his heart. Here’s what Bob had to share with me about Jean.

Bob remembers his wife, Jean, and shares their 3-Day story.

“As I write this, it is the 4th anniversary of Jean’s funeral. It’s hard to describe the loss unless one has experienced it.”

“Many people ask, ‘Why me?’ Jean’s response was always, ‘Why NOT me? 200,000 women a year are diagnosed. Who said I get a pass?”

“Jean did everything right. Doctors. Surgeries. Chemo. Radiation. All western medicine has to offer. In 2009 Jean came home from her last hospital stay, and died 8 days later. I was holding her hand when she took her last breath. She was too weak to speak the last 2 days – but when she could speak she had two sentences – ‘It is time,’ and ‘Take me quickly.’ Jean’s faith pulled us through. She had been a Catholic Nun, and I a Catholic Priest – prayer and faith helped us greatly. Jean would have loved to be at Haley’s First Communion – our only grandchild.”

“3-Day participants are not random people who happen along. The 3-Day family is made up of people with a very personal experience with cancer. They are survivors, families, and spouses like me. It is the openness and support – the sense of family – that gives me great memories. The Remembrance Tent in particular is always a special place to remember Jean.”

We asked Bob what he looked forward to this year when he walked in Chicago. “Reaching the finish on Day 3 and entering the holding area at Soldier Field is very special. Another year finished, more memories, and more funds raised.” Well done, Bob. You – and Jean – are an inspiration!

Do you walk in memory of a loved one? Are there other husbands and wives who share their 3-Day journey? Please share your special 3-Day moments in the comments below.

Sharing our 3-Day journey since 2002.

Lee and Kathy Giller at the 2013 Cleveland 3-Day.

Making Memories with the 3-Day Coaches: Boston, Cleveland, Chicago

Participants on the 2013 3-Day in Boston, Cleveland and Chicago made this year’s 3-Day journey with mixed emotions, knowing the event would not be returning to their city in 2014. Our 3-Day coaches and event staff felt the same mix of joy and melancholy as they walked or supported our last events in these three remarkable cities. They share their love, gratitude and messages for the 3-Day participant community below.