Chicago spectators turn an uncle’s request into marathon cheers for a UK runner

Ethan Woodhead traveled alone from the United Kingdom to take part in Sunday’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon. But along the course, he found dozens of Chicagoans ready to encourage him, including strangers who had made signs bearing his name. The welcome became a memorable part of his visit to the city.

The effort began with his uncle, Phil Woodhead, who posted in a Facebook group for marathon runners and spectators. He asked anyone without a particular runner to support to cheer for his nephew on his behalf. That request drew thousands of likes and hundreds of comments and shares, giving spectators a personal connection to a runner they had never met.

People who encountered the post helped carry the message to other audiences. Megan Arseneau-Schutzbach shared an appeal on her Instagram page, hoping to persuade even one additional person to encourage Ethan. Her contribution was one example of how the original request spread beyond the Facebook group before spectators welcomed him along the route.

Ethan said the encouragement seemed to follow him through nearly every street, helping him keep going throughout the race. The repeated calls of support were so noticeable that he wondered whether nearby runners might mistake him for someone locally famous. After finishing, he called his uncle and described hearing cheers throughout the course.

For Phil, the response stood out because strangers had chosen to do something kind without needing anything in return. For Chicago’s marathon spectators, the story offered a concrete example of the role they can play beyond watching runners pass: a name on a sign or a shouted word of encouragement can make a visitor feel personally welcomed. Ethan left the race grateful to Chicago for a weekend made unforgettable by people he had not known before arriving.