Two Marathon events go head-to-head this weekend: the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the 50th Anniversary of the Chicago International Film Festival. We give you the run-down on both.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon       

Vital Stats

Find it at: chicagomarathon.com

Running Since: 1977                      

Attendees: 40,000+ Runners       

Prize: $500,000 total

A Good Time: Under 4 hours                   

Challenges: Classic “baked potato” Mylar wraps in the finish chute.

Celebrity sightings: Dennis Kimetto, Rita Jeptoo

Geek Out With: Exhaustion, dehydration, making it sound like no big deal to your friends

Quotable: “That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run.” – Forrest Gump

The Chicago International Film Festival

Vital Stats

Find it at: chicagofilmfestival.com

Running Since: 1964

Attendees: 150+ Films

Prize: Gold Hugo (best film); Silver Hugo

A Good Time: Over 300 hours

Challenges: Sold out screenings, under-salted popcorn, tearing yourself away from Netflix and DVR for a week
Celebrity sightings: Oliver Stone, Liv Ullmann

Geek Out With: Classic 3-D glasses while you wait in line.

Quotable: “A runner must run with dreams in his heart.” – Emil Zatopek 

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, keep warm and have fun with your good friends. At Sparkfactor we’re cheering for all Chicago’s athletes and our film makers. Whatever you love, go for it!