The Chicago Marathon is a Nike race, and each year the Swoosh does something special for those runners who are lucky (and patient) enough to get to the Chicago store on either the Friday or Saturday before the race and brave the lengthy lineup.
This year, the brand set up a custom “Nike By You” print shop on the top floor of its sprawling flagship Chicago store. Runners were able to select from a tank top, athletic T-shirt or hoodie, and arrange a selection of Chicago themed prints and patches, which were then pressed on the spot. The collection of deep dish, Chicago dog and Windy City illustrations were created by designer Greg Itahara, who’s done an extensive amount of work in the running space, partnering in the past with Rabbit, Asics and others.
Runners lined up for upwards of an hour to ninety minutes, and filled out a card, and worked with a Nike employee to configure the layout for each item. Then, another staffer carefully pressed the designs and handed them off to the buyer moments later.
Here’s a look at what was on offer.