The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the largest 26.2-mile races in the world and an Abbott Marathon Major. I recently finished the marathon just 5 minutes shy of my PR.
If you’re running the Chicago Marathon or supporting a runner, here’s everything to know before toeing the start line.
Join our Travel Tribe! Sign up for our newsletter now!
What to know about the Chicago Marathon as a Runner
What’s it like to run the Chicago Marathon?
Over 50,000 people compete in the Chicago Marathon. It’s held on a Sunday in mid-October.
Here are a few tips before race day:
- Spectator energy carries runners through most of the course, but sections can get quiet, so consider bringing headphones
- 20 aid stations offer water and Gatorade
- You’ll always have people to run alongside—don’t be shy about striking up a conversation, chances are you have something in common with the runner at your elbow.
Is the Chicago Marathon hard to get into?
There are a few ways to get a bib for the Chicago Marathon. Applications for the 2025 race opened on October 22, 2024 and close on November 21, 2024.
Non-guaranteed entry is the most common way to apply. This works like a lottery: race organizers draw names from an applicant pool. Applicants for 2025 will find out on December 12, 2024.
Or apply for guaranteed entry by meeting one of these criteria:
- Completing a marathon within the past year that meets the time standards
- Running the Chicago Marathon five or more times in the past decade.
- Joining a charity team.
- Joining an international tour group (for non-Americans)
- Completing the previous year’s Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, including an 8k, a half marathon, and the Chicago Marathon.
- Canceling the previous year’s entry
Is the Chicago Marathon course flat?
Chicago is one of the flattest courses of a World Major marathon. This map shows the mile markers and aid stations.
What is the average time to finish the Chicago Marathon?
According to CoachWeb.com, the overall average finish time of the Chicago Marathon in 2022 was 4:29:02. For men, the average was 4:13:02 and for women, it was 4:47:02.
Where should I stay to run the Chicago Marathon?
Because there are a swath of road closures around Grant Park on race day, your best bet is to stay at a hotel within walking distance.
Some hotels offer runner amenities, which I suggest seeking out. I stayed at the Westin Michigan Avenue and would recommend it or another Westin property in the city. Westin offers great resources and programming for runners—they even have a dedicated Global Run Concierge led by Chris Heuisler.
The hotel partners with Therabody to provide free compression sleeves and massage guns to help prepare for and recover from the race. They also hosted a pre-race shakeout run and offered supplies for sign-making. Early on Sunday before the race, the hotel coffee shop opened early to supply athletes with breakfast and caffeine—two essentials for a great race.
What Spectators Should Know about the Chicago Marathon
Where can spectators watch the Chicago Marathon?
The Chicago Marathon is very spectator-friendly. It’s a loop throughout the gridded city and there are plenty of ways to see your friends multiple times.
If you’re supporting a specific runner, consider bringing energy to quieter areas, like miles 14 through 17. The loudest miles are closer to the city center.
`How many spectators attend the Chicago Marathon?
In 2024, an estimated 1.7 million spectators watched the race.
What should a spectator take to a marathon?
- The most important thing to bring is enthusiasm and a loud voice, or consider bringing:
- An encouraging sign
- Cheering gear like pompoms, cowbells, and noise-makers
- Water or snacks to hand out
- Layers and comfortable shoes
- A hat and sunglasses
You can get around the course by foot, ride-share, or public transportation.
Can anyone go to the Chicago Marathon Expo?
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is held at McCormick Place All runners must attend the expo to get their bib. It’s held the Thursday through Saturday before the race and it’s free and open to the public.
Read More:
Leave a Reply