Costumed Chicagoans try to 'Catch That Train' in new viral trend

A Chicago resident has started a new trend: "chasing" Chicago Transit Authority trains while dressed in costume, reports Audrey Pachuta for the Chicago Tribune. "Known by viewers and fellow video participants as 'Tre,' Clerk said he works tirelessly to choreograph the perfect train chases. So far, his most viral video had more that 70 million views and showed him — dressed as the Grinch and accompanied by his trademark orange dinosaur — chasing down a train at the Orange Line’s Halsted station."

Clerk says his antics satirize the familiar feeling of being late for the train. "In fact, before his videos claimed consistent virality, many of his posts showed him unironically chasing after buses in regular clothes around the city."

The group who joins Clerk has become a tight-knit community who regularly engage in the runs. "Before each chase begins, Clerk tries to establish a rapport with the CTA employees on-site. Most times, he and the other runners “pre-tap” to pay their fare, allowing them to keep the handicap door open for an extended period of time."