Visiting Chicago from out of town for the race this weekend? Do you have a yearning to avoid tourist traps like the plague, while operating in the city like a local does? Us too.

And while this is Bandit's 3rd year showing up in Chicago for the marathon, we won't pretend to know the city like a local. So, to make sure that we're hitting those IYKYK spots, while also getting a better feel for the running culture in the windy city, we spoke to none other than Kevin Gunawan - a creative, run club leader, and all around homie who spent some time revealing his local secrets to maximize this very special race weekend.

Let's get to it...

To start, who are you? Where do you reside in Chicago? What’s your connection to running?

I’m Kevin Gunawan, a Chicago based photographer, runner, and overall vibes guy. I currently live in Lakeview, but have lived in a handful of neighborhoods the past seven years. From Rogers Park to Lincoln Park, to a two year stint in Bucktown & Wicker Park... Chicago is my home.

My connection to Chicago running started when I was running XC/TF at Loyola University Chicago. I was studying Film & Digital Media and wanted to find a way to intersect my passion for the sport with my creative work. Fast forward a handful of years and a college drop-out later and we’re doing it full-time! I’m very fortunate that I have the opportunity to travel around the world capturing the sport of running, all while doing it with my best friends. 

How would you describe the energy of the Chicago Marathon weekend, unique to say NYC or any of the other majors?

Chicago goes NUTS. I’ve spectated or worked the Chicago Marathon since 2018 and the one thing that remains the same… the people get fired up. Similar to the NYC Marathon, each Chicago neighborhood is incredibly prideful of what their communities represent, and they want you to feel that during the race. From Boystown bars & drag queens to Chinatown dragon dances, the city shows out. Maybe I’m biased, but there’s nothing like the Chicago Marathon weekend.

I wouldn’t consider Chicago a leader or innovator of run culture & community. But in the past few years, you can feel a serious investment by footwear brands + apparel brands + community leaders on making it what NYC has done so well in the past. You can see it physically with the number of pop-ups, events, and activations that occur around the city throughout the week/weekend and it only gets bigger every year. 

What are the clubs/crews that people from out of town should be aware of as they enter the Chicago running universe this weekend? 

Here’s my quick rundown of Chicago run clubs/crews worth checking out! 

1. You want the OG Chicago Run Crew experience? Link up with 3Run2 on the westside in Logan Square. They’ve been doing Chicago Marathon Cheer Zones and After Parties before you could stand on two feet! They know how to bring the vibes of the Chicago Marathon weekend and their after party gets bigger every year!

2. Looking for a taste of Boston in Chicago? Meet up with the Heartbreakers on the Northside in the beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood. Known for hosting speedy weekly workouts and supported long runs every weekend, they take Marathon training to a new level. When it comes to Saturday shakeout runs you’re bound to run into a pro runner here. From Kiera D’amato to Cole Hocker they know how to bring the energy & speed.

3. A newer crew on the block that’s taking the city by storm is RunTooHard. Based out of Humboldt Park on the west side, this crew is familiar with bringing the vibrations. They may be a newer crew, but they’re very familiar with run culture and community, and they know how to strike that fine balance of racing and partying hard.

4. Shameless plug here. The last crew worth checking out is Lakewood. I may be biased because I started this crew myself, but it’s a true representation of how I previously lived and now experience the running space on a personal level. Made up of post-collegiate runners, Lakewood is a sub-elite crew challenging for Olympic Marathon Trial Qualifiers. You may call us washed up and you’re completely right! We’re washed up collegiate runners trying to find community through the sport that has given us so much. Lakewood will be hosting an unsanctioned race this Friday evening called the Al Capone “what coulda been” Ekiden, in collaboration with Lostboys and Brick Layers Union. There will be massive vibes.

Alright, so if you’re coming into town, help us build the perfect local’s guide to hitting the spots that matter in town 

Let's start with the restaurants...

Alright, here are my favorite restaurants to hit while in Chicago with a couple of the big classic names thrown in. Locals Only Vibes.
 
1. Michael’s Original Pizzeria & Tavern. This is my death row meal. A Chicago classic that does Tavern style pizza, buffalo wings, and pitchers of beer so well. A place best shared with close friends and family. (Buena Park Neighborhood)

2. I spend a lot of time in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and because of that I always need a quick bite + drink. Athenian Room provides an authentic greek mediterranean menu with my personal favorite order of the gyro dinner. Have to wait in line? No worries, walk next door to the sister bar Glascott’s Saloon and have yourself a beer or bottle of wine and walk it back over when your table is ready. Be aware, they’re cash only! (807 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)

3. If you’re visiting Chicago you have to get Mexican food. My favorite spot is Taqueria Moran in the Logan Square neighborhood. Serving up the freshest Taco Birria and margaritas you can never go wrong here. (2226 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)

4. If you’re visiting Chicago, it feels right that deep dish should be on your list of things to try. DO NOT mess around with Giodarno's or Lou Malnati's. Famously shown on the TV “The Bear”, Pequad’s is my only acceptable spot to get deep dish. To be honest I think deep dish is overrated, but if you’re going to do it go to Pequad’s in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. Be aware, block out at least 2 hours if you’re going to get deep dish. It takes 45min to bake!

What are some of the cool indie spots to shop?

Here are my must-hits:

1. Notre. If you’re a fashion bro or gal (or your name is John Rice) that’s wearing Salomons in the city this is your one stop shop. The most beautiful designed retail space with massive ceilings, curing walls, and perfectly lit fixtures. Be prepared to spend. 

2. Head over to Wicker Park for good thrifts + vintage shops + flagship stores. It’s the real mag mile of Chicagoans. 

3. Saint Alfred. Located in Wicker Park you’ll find the latest trends in Asics, NB, Nike, Adidas, Salomon, ACG, Stussy, and so much more. You can usually find a good deal. 

4. 2nd Street. Originally from Japan and opening shops in Chicago 2nd Street has all the hidden gems when it comes to vintage designer.

Favorite IYKYK Coffee Shop?

I’m no coffee expert but when it comes to local shops I’m always grabbing a cup at Intelligentsia in Lakeview and Printers Row in Lincoln Park. To be honest I go to these shops because it feels less basic than La Colombe and Collectivo.

 
Cool neighborhoods to wander outside of the insanity on Michigan Ave?

Wicker Park is my number one sick neighborhood to visit in Chicago outside of Michigan Ave. You’ll find the best vintage shops, thrift stores, boutiques, and a handful of flagship shops. You’ll find dive bars, speakeasies, and live music on every corner. Be prepared to throw a good fit on, cause people aren’t playing when it comes to fashion in Wicker park. 

Alright, let's get some culture in these veins. Where should we go?

My favorite cultural institution in Chicago is the Art Institute. You’ll find some of the best collections of historical works from around the world.

This one is obvious but the Lakefront is the source of energy for the people of this city. Whether you run, cycle, swim, beach, drink, picnic, there’s something for everybody on the lakefront.

Unfortunately the Cubs didn’t make the playoffs but if you’re a fan of baseball and sports themed dive bars Wrigley Field and Wriggleyville are definitely worth a visit. 

Finally, any advice for racers and spectators this weekend in Chicago? Any shoutouts?

My biggest advice for racers is to take it all in. Don’t get caught up in the splits on your watch and worrying about the next mile marker. Chicago is FAST and the race will fall in place if you let yourself to do so. Chicago spectators provide a special type of energy that will carry you neighborhood to neighborhood. So don’t forget to look up and smile, because it’s going to be fun. 

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Thanks Kevin! Follow the boi on IG.