The 44th annual Chicago Marathon starts on Sunday, October 9. The 26.2-mile course winds through 29 neighborhoods and over six Chicago bridges.
We've got all of the information runners and spectators will need to enjoy the event.
When does the marathon start?
On Sunday, October 8, the race groups begin at 7:20 a.m. with the Wheelchair men's group. The Wheelchair women's group will follow at 7:21 a.m. and the Handcycle group next at 7:23 a.m. The next groups to begin will start at 7:30 a.m. with Wave 1 (Red), Wave 2 (Blue) at 8:00 a.m. and, finally, Wave 3 (Orange) at 8:35 a.m.
Marathon spectators can access Grant Park starting at 9:30 a.m.
Racer finish times will vary, but the Wheelchair men's group will approximately finish at 8:45 a.m., the Wheelchair women’s group will be at about 9:00 a.m., overall men's champion group finish will be at 9:35 a.m. and the overall women's champion group will finish at 9:50 a.m.
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Where does the race start? Where does it end?
The Chicago Marathon starts and finishes at Grant Park. Only race participants are allowed at the start and finish lines. Spectators are encouraged to cheer runners on at other locations throughout the course.
Where does the race go?
The Chicago Marathon begins at Grant Park, goes north to Sheridan Road, west to Damen Avenue, south to 35th Street and returns to Grant Park.
Will roads be closed?
Road closures began on Monday, October 3. Check out our full list of road closures here.
How do I get there?
Race participants and spectators are strongly encouraged to use public transportation to get to and from the marathon.
On the CTA, participants can get to Mile Marker 1 via the Red Line, exiting at Grand and walking to Wells street. To get to the finish line, participants can use the Red, Green and Orange lines, exiting at Roosevelt.
Metra riders can purchase $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Passes or a $10 Weekend Pass. Check out the modified train schedule here.
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How do I track a racer?
Spectators can track where their friends and loved ones are during the marathon via the Bank of America Chicago Marathon app. The app includes live race day runner tracking, athlete profiles and an interactive course map. Fans can also submit messages to racers that could be displayed for all to see across the course.
What happens after the race?
A post-race party will be held at Grant Park from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friends and family must enter through Gate #1 (Jackson Drive and Michigan Avenue) or Gate #4 (Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue).
WBBM's Coverage
Check out all of our stories about this year's Chicago Marathon here.
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