The Bank of America Chicago Marathon returns Sunday, with 40,000 people from 50 states and 100 countries expected to compete.
The 26.2-mile course winds through 29 neighborhoods. So, even if you’re not running, chances are the race might affect your travel plans Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:
When is the race?
The race begins with the men’s wheelchair grouping, which starts at 7:20 a.m. Sunday from Columbus Drive and Monroe Street in Grant Park. Here are all of the scheduled start times:
7:20 a.m. – Wheelchair start (men).
7:21 a.m. – Wheelchair start (women).
7:23 a.m. – Handcycle start.
7:30 a.m. – Wave 1 start.
8:00 a.m. – Wave 2 start.
8:35 a.m. – Wave 3 start.
The course
The start and finish line areas are in Grant Park on Columbus Drive. The course goes north to Sheridan Road, west to Damen Avenue and south to 35th Street.
Can I watch from the starting line?
No. Only registered runners can watch at the start or finish line. Spectators are allowed in Grant Park beginning at 9:30 a.m.
How can I watch or listen from home?
- NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will broadcast live TV coverage — in English and Spanish — from 7 to 11 a.m.
- Peacock will livestream the race from 7 to 11 a.m. as well as on nbcchicago.com.
- 670 The Score Sports Radio will broadcast the race from 6 to 10 a.m.
How can I track a particular runner?
The Chicago Marathon app will provide runner tracking, along with elite athlete profiles, livestreaming, weather and an interactive course map. Download it here from Apple’s App Store or here via Google Play.
Where, when does the race end?
The finish line is at the south end of Grant Park. Elite runners are expected to cross first at about 9:30 a.m. All runners must finish within six and a half hours, which is about a 15-minute mile pace.
Are there any COVID-19 restrictions?
Any participant who has tested positive for COVID-19 since Sept. 30 will be able to complete an online form asking to defer their registration and entry fee to the 2023 event. For a complete guide on whether you qualify for a deferral, click here.
What’s the weather forecast Sunday?
Mostly sunny, mild and dry, with a 5% chance of rain, according to AccuWeather.
How can I find a runner after the race?
The 27th Mile Post-Race Party and Runner Reunite area of Grant Park will open to spectators at 9:30 a.m. Spectators must pass through security and a bag screening at Entrance Gate No. 1 (Jackson Drive and Michigan Avenue) or Entrance Gate No. 4 (Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue).
What’s the best way to avoid the course?
Public transit is the easiest way to get around and avoid road closings. Various L trains and buses can get you near Grant Park and around the course. The CTA will be providing extra race-day L and bus service.
Metra will offer extra early morning inbound and early afternoon outbound trains on four of its lines: the Metra Electric, Milwaukee District North, Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West lines.
When do I have to move my parked car from the course?
Any cars parked along the course will be towed starting at 1 a.m. Sunday.
When will streets along the course close?
Streets along the course will be closed starting at 7 a.m. Sunday.
When will streets reopen?
Streets will reopen in a staggered fashion from 10 a.m. (near mile markers 1 and 2) to 6 p.m. For a complete guide of reopenings, click here.
What are the best shortcuts — by car and walking — to avoid the race?
- If you’re driving, the best way to avoid runners while heading north or south is by taking DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
- To head east or west, Lower Wacker Drive is a good way to get to Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile, Streeterville or DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
- On foot, the Riverwalk is an easy way to get past closed Loop streets.
