For 2025, our Bank of America Chicago Marathon training journey powered by Nike Running features a story and experience rooted deeply in Chicago, one that honors its community, culture, and spirit. But we also want it to resonate on a broad human level, tapping into emotions that transcend geography. (RSVP for the race weekend events here!)
Music does that—especially House music, which was born in Chicago just over 40 years ago.
House music emerged in the 1980s as an act of resistance, release, and rebirth. It created space for Black, queer, and other marginalized communities to feel free and move toward joy.
On the dance floor “Take Me Higher” was both a promise and a plea. A promise that music could uplift you, and a plea from those yearning to be lifted—out of heartbreak, out of exhaustion, out from under the weight of whatever they were carrying.
That duality reminds us how joy and longing often live side by side; how we dance and run not just because we feel good, but sometimes because we need to feel good.
In house music: the rhythm moves you. Your body responds instinctively to the DJ, to the crowd, to the beat. In marathon training: the rhythm becomes you. You’re no longer just reacting to rhythm, you're creating it through your own breath, foot strike, pace, and mindset. Your movement is the music.
This training journey is your path upward—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Every mile takes you closer to a version of yourself that once felt out of reach.
For us going higher isn’t just about speed.
It’s about how far you’re willing to rise.
It’s about showing up for yourself, and your community.
“TAKE ME HIGHER” isn’t just something you say:
it’s something you do,
YOU TAKE YOURSELF THERE.
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We partnered with The Silver Room to bring this journey to life. Their business was founded in celebration House music. It's a community hub, a retail space, and a center of the South Side's creative culture. We collaborated on a shirt design as part of the marathon lead-up. Find that here. (It's the IYKYK Chicago Marathon merch for 2025.)
Eric Williams, the founder of the Silver Room, is a deeply creative and connected entrepreneur. He's also a 4x Chicago Marathoner! He came out to the longest long run to support the squad from the South Side water stop and even created the playlist so the vibe was right. Get the playlist below and look for more from the Silver Room and Heartbreak Marathon weekend. Check out the Silver Room event recap and launch of the shirt here.
