Runners from across the United States and around the world are arriving in Chicago for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of the world’s most renowned races.
For both seasoned marathoners and first-time Chicago runners, there’s plenty to keep track of on race day.
To make things a little easier, here’s a guide to everything you’ll want to know before heading to the start line.
Getting to the start line
Street closures for the big event began on Thursday, with added closures expected each day leading up to Sunday’s big race.
FULL LIST: Chicago Marathon street closures
As such, participants are encouraged to use public transportation to get to the start line. Up-to-date schedules for CTA buses and trains is available online.
For those planning to drive, the marathon suggests planning for heavy traffic and street closures. The closest parking options are at Millennium Garages, and participants can purchase parking in advance for a discounted rate, according to the marathon.
In Grant Park, the start line is located at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Drive. Runners should report to their assigned start corral.
Race day schedule
On Sunday, the race will kick off with staggered start times for different groups of runners. Participants will be assigned a start time based on their corral. Final corral assignments can be accessed through the participant account.
Organizers recommend participants arrive at their assigned corral about 20 minutes before they close. Wave 1 start corrals close at 7:20 a.m., Wave 2 start corrals close at 7:45 a.m., and Wave 3 start corrals close at 8:10 a.m.
Here’s the schedule of race-day start times.
- Men’s Wheelchair Start: 7:20 a.m.
- Women’s Wheelchair Start: 7:21 a.m.
- Handcycle Start: 7:23 a.m.
- Wave 1 Start: 7:35 a.m.
- Wave 2 Start: 8:00 a.m.
- Wave 3 Start: 8:35 a.m.
After the race, participants can celebrate at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Butler Field, near the start line. The party lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What not to bring
Before entering Grant Park, all participants, as well as staff, volunteers and spectators, will be required to pass through a security checkpoint. The following items are prohibited in the park:
- Large bags
- Hard coolers
- Bulky outfits, non-running props and equipment, costumes that cover the face
- Bicycles
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal substances
- Weapons
- Chairs
- Weapons
- Drones
- Pets and animals, other than service animals
On the course, the following items are also prohibited for participants:
- Wheeled devices (other than registered wheelchair, handcycle and duo team participants)
- Selfie sticks, camera mounts, computers, video devices
- Hydration backpacks
Headphones and music devices are allowed on the course, except for athletes in the American Development Program. However, organizers said participants should pay attention to announcements throughout the park and the course.
Fuel and aid stations
The course will have 20 aid stations located about a mile or two apart, according to the marathon. All aid stations will have medical tents, portable toilets, water and lemon-lime Gatorade Endurance Formula.
In addition, stations 16-18 will offer bananas. Maurten will sponsor Hydrogel Fuel Depots near stations nine and 14 and distribute caffeinated and non-caffeinated gels.
Medical tents along the course will be marked by tall red signs with a medical icon. Each tent has vehicles for non-emergency transportation back to Grant Park if a participant is unable to complete the race.
The Main Medical Tent will be located in Grant Park beyond the finish line and next to a Podiatry Tent and Ice Station. An additional medical tent will be adjacent to the 27th Mile Post-Race Party, according to the marathon.
