Last Sunday I ran the Chicago marathon in a banana costume.  Yeah, I'll admit, it's kind of weird.  But here's something even weirder:  I wasn't the only one.  There were at least three other banana people donning bright yellow polyester banana suits last Sunday. (And that only includes Banana brethren I actually saw.  There likely could have been more.)  Why were there so many bananas?  Well, because it's a helluva lot more fun than just boring, old regular running. 

Like I said, I wasn't the only one in costume.  Here are some of the best characters I saw at the marathon.

               The Pope!  I totally kicked his holy butt in the race.  As a consolation, I suppose he does have that whole eternal salvation thing going for him...

               This crew was great.  Would have been even greater if Meatwad showed up.

                It'sa me. Maaario!

    Imposter!!!  Here's a bananaMan but not THE BananaMan

                Yet another Banana dude!

          Dragon Guy.  This costume looks like it would be hard to run in...

So all these costumed crusaders at the marathon got me thinking.  Why not start a charity run in Chicago where everyone is required to wear a costume?  I think it would be fun.

There would be no entry fees.  No dry-fit T-shirts.  No goodie bags.  Only two rules: 

1. Every runner has to wear a costume.
2. Every runner raises money for his or her favorite charity.

What do you guys think?  Yay or nay?  Would you take part in the run?

I'm heading out right now to Fleet Feet's Pumpkin in the Park Costume 5K to conduct some market research...check back later.  Results to follow.