Chicagoans optimistic about annual marathon even amid violent Ice activity

We haven't seen Ice attack any large-scale festivals directly,' said a community leader from the Pilsen neighborhood

As marathoners gather at the starting line in Chicago on Sunday morning, organizers, business owners and runners are cautiously optimistic that the increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) activity the city has seen in recent weeks won't dampen the celebrations.

The race will begin and end at Grant Park - the famous public park downtown where Chicago's adopted son, Barack Obama, gave his victory speech on election night in 2008 - and take in the shores of Lake Michigan and 29 city neighborhoods.