Chicago Marathon comes to Chicago, participants run for a cause - My50 Chicago - Television - WPWR

In a matter of 48 hours, 45,000 runners will hit our city's streets for the Chicago Marathon.

The city expects huge crowds along the lakefront and traffic tie-ups for drivers during the 35th annual race.

Streets will close at 7 a.m. Sunday and reopen by 4:30 p.m.

The race begins and ends on Columbus in Grant Park. It extends as far north as Addison, as far west as Damen and as far south as 35th Street.

But these athletes will complete 26 miles, and crossing that finish line will be a moment of personal pride.

But for some, the goal runs far deeper than that – they will be running for a cause. There are so many inspirational stories to tell.

One woman lost more than 100 lbs. training for the marathon, and two men will complete the race in specialized racing chairs.