The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an annual marathon that takes place every October in Chicago, Illinois.
It is one of the six World Marathon Majors and is considered to be one of the most prestigious marathons in the world. Watch amateur and elite athletes from around the world race through Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, which come out in full force to cheer on the runner.
- 45,000 runners each year
- 1.7 million estimated annual spectators
- 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries represented
- 26.2-mile course through 29 Chicago neighborhoods
Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park.
Sunday, October 13
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
?Grant Park
- Grant Park opens to runners: 5:30 a.m.
- Gear check opens: 5:30 a.m.
- Start corrals open: 5:30 a.m.
- Wave 1 start corrals close: 7:20 a.m.
- Marathon Wheelchair Start (men): 7:20 a.m.
- Marathon Wheelchair Start (women): 7:21 a.m.
- Handcycle Start: 7:23 a.m.
- Wave 1 Start (corrals A, B, C, D and E): 7:30 a.m.
- Wave 2 start corrals close: 7:45 a.m.
- Wave 2 Start (corrals F, G, H and J): 8:00 a.m.
- Wave 3 start corrals close: 8:10 a.m.
- Wave 3 Start (corrals K, L, M and N): 8:35 a.m.
- Grant Park opens to spectators: 9:30 a.m.
- 27th Mile Post-Race Party starts: 9:30 a.m.
- Gear check closes: 4:00 p.m.
- 27th Mile Post-Race Party ends: 4:00 p.m.
- 27th Mile Post-Race Party
- Grant Park, Butler Field
- 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
**Time are subject to change
Where can you watch the Chicago Marathon?
While spectators aren’t allowed in race start and finish areas inside Grant Park, there are plenty of viewing areas along the Chicago Marathon route where you can cheer on runners:
- To view runners closest to the start of the race, go to Grand Avenue, between Columbus Drive and State Street, near Mile 1, or anywhere along State Street, between Grand Avenue and Jackson Boulevard.
- To view runners closest to the finish of the race, go to the Bank of America Cheer Zone at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road.
- See the list of official cheer zones, including the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Cheer Zone in Lincoln Park at the 8K mark and the Charity Block Party at Mile 15.
The marathon route goes through 29 of Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods, which makes it the perfect opportunity to explore different corners of the city. Cheer with the locals and the mariachi bands in Pilsen around Mile 19 or check out the colorful lion dancers in Chinatown near Mile 21. And don’t miss the block-party atmosphere (complete with drag queens) of Northalsted (also known as Boystown) surrounding Mile 7 and 9.
After a few hours, the course takes its toll and runners need extra support for the last few miles. Take the Orange Line to Halsted (Mile 20.5), the Green Line to 35th-Bronzeville-IIT (Mile 23) or the Red Line to Sox-35th (Mile 23.25) to give them a final burst of energy before the big finish.
There are designated areas to meet runners after the race within Grant Park. The Runner Reunite area can be accessed by going through a security checkpoint and bag screening at Entrance Gate #1 (Jackson Drive and Michigan Avenue) or Entrance Gate #4 (Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue).
Event Venue
Grant Park, Grant Park, Chicago, IL, United States