Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, is probably nowhere you've ever heard of. Most people haven't. Sleepy Eye isn't known for many things, but it is known for the Corn Day 10K and 5K runs. Every year in August, Sleepy Eye citizens hold Corn Day celebrations, and the Corn Day Run is one of them.

When I think of the Corn Day Run, I have pictures in my head of massive corns on the cobs wearing bright red running shoes (just like these), racing through the streets of Sleepy Eye. Behind them are little men wearing chef's hats and carrying huge pairs of tongs, desperate to grab hold of and boil the poor corn.

In reality, the Sleepy Eye Corn Day Run is a little less scary than that. It's a great day for the family especially as, with a 10K and a 5K run and a 5K walk, any family member in any kind of shape can join in. It's also more than just a run as there are all kinds of stuff going on after the race, including mini golf, a soccer shoot out, volleyball games, crazy bowling, a putting contest and free, buttered corn. There's also the annual Corn Day Parade with high school bands, floats, animals and loads of other entrants.

The Sleepy Eye Corn Day Run is cheap to enter too, costing only $12 before August 8 and $17 after that. You also get a free t-shirt if you register before August 8, so for twelve bucks, it's a great deal. It's a small race too. As of the middle of June, only 38 people had registered for the race so, if you enter, you've got an amazing chance of winning. Winners in both the men's and the women's categories get plaques, and if you complete the race, you get a medal. With corn on it.

So if you want a really small 10K or 5K run in a place that's 'real purdie,' (the race runs around Sleepy Eye Lake) enter the Corn Day Run. Sleepy Eye was also one of the trading posts on the TV series "Little House on the Prairie" so, when you get there, you might be surprised to discover you've been there before.

The spirit of the Chicago Marathon draws thousands of runners and spectators each year, and it is one of the most popular marathons in the United States.

Held every year in Cook County, Ill., the Chicago Marathon is one of the most famousmarathons in the United States. The 2008 marathon has attracted more than 50,000 registrants, which is quite an improvement from its humble beginnings of 4,200 participants in 1977. It has earned prestige as one of the five World Marathon Major marathons, according to its Web site, and is ranked just behind New York as of 2007.

The Chicago Marathon is unique for many reasons, not the least of which being that runners don't need a qualifying time to enter. The race has a maximum capacity of 45,000 participants every year, but elite runners can enter beyond that standard, as well as runners who are representing charitable organizations. The marathon is held in September every year, and draws a tremendous amount of press coverage and spectators.

Much of the Chicago Marathon's popularity is derived from its impressive sponsorship, which includes several dozen of the world's most popular corporations. McDonald's, Hilton, Energizer, Volkswagen and Nike are some of the most notable sponsors, and the entire event bears the Bank of America brand. In addition, a large group of charities encourage participants to run for fundraising purposes, including the American Cancer Society and the Red Cross.

Furthermore, the Chicago Marathon attracts runners from all over the United States in addition to 120 countries throughout the world. To date, the U.S. has the highest number of champions of the race, with Kenya coming in at a close second, and the U.K. trailing in third. According to the web site, this particular marathon has traditionally been more popular with men than with women, but that trend is gradually beginning to change.

The race itself spans 26.2 miles through the surface streets of Chicago, starting and ending at Grant Park, which is just a few blocks away from Buckingham Fountain. This marathon is also unique because, despite its length, it is relatively flat, with a top elevation of only 24 feet. Officially, the race closes six and a half hours after it begins, though many of the elite runners finish in a quarter of that time.

The Chicago Marathon takes runners past the "El", the United Center, U.S. Cellular Field and Old St. Patrick's Church. Much of the race is run with a spectacular view of downtown Chicago, particularly during the first and last mile in the vicinity of Grant Park. Many of the runners use the Sears Tower as a personal landmark and frame of reference for how well they are doing on time, as it can be spotted at several points during the marathon.

Even more impressive, there are a few runners in 2008 who have participated every year since the marathon's inception. The entire city of Chicago focuses its energy on this event in September, and many of the local shops even run sales in honor of it. The spirit of the Chicago Marathon is almost as important as the race itself, and it has become an integral part of Chicago's history and culture.