Ready for the 46th Chicago Marathon?
Looking forward to catching the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon this October…
But not sure about the schedule, or the best viewing points?
Worried about road closures and how to get around on the day?
We have you covered!
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page—your ultimate Windy City running event blog gets updated annually!
A brief history of the Chicago Marathon
In 1905, Chicago hosted its first ever annual marathon, inspired by the Boston Marathon.
While initially successful, drawing in professional talent, these didn’t last past the 1920s.
The first modern Chicago Marathon took place in 1977, with more 4200 runners.
This year (2024) will be its 46th anniversary, with more than 50000 athletes from aroun the world.
You’re welcome, trivia nerds.
Date and start & end times for the 2024 Chicago Marathon
The race kicks off on Sunday, October 13th, at 7:30 AM.
With a time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes, it officially wraps up by 2:00 PM.
However, the course will end progressively behind the final runners—No one is left behind!
The lineup for the 2024 Chicago Marathon
Let us break it down for you…
7:20 AM - Marathon Wheelchair (Men) begins
7:21 AM - Marathon Wheelchair (Women) begins
7:23 AM - Marathon Handcycle begins
7:30 to 8:35 AM - Different Waves begin
9:30 AM - The 27th Mile Post-Race Party begins, and spectators are allowed into Grant Park
4:00 PM - The race officially ends
4:00 PM - 27th Mile Post-Race Party ends
The course for the 2024 Chicago Marathon
Chicagoland’s most popular running event begins and ends in Grant Park.
Runners go on a scenic 26.2-mile journey through 29 iconic neighborhoods like River North, Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, and Chinatown.
The flat & fast route is perfect whether you’re chasing a personal best, a friendly bet, or a dream to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Along the way, runners will pass famous Windy City landmarks like Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Riverwalk.
For the official marathon map, check this link.
And close to 2 million Chicagoans line the route, cheering!
The best places around Chicago to watch the 2024 BoA Marathon in person
Whether you want to cheer on the athletes, take part in neighborhood festivities, or meet the runners, here are your best options…
The best spots for cheering the runners as they begin
You won’t be allowed inside Grant Park when the race starts. Head for…
Grand Avenue (between Columbus Drive and State Street): Near Mile 1, this is perfect for those who want to see the runners fresh out of the gate.
State Street (between Grand Avenue and Jackson Boulevard): Another early spot, ideal for viewing athletes brimming with energy.
Official mid-route cheer zones
Make your way to the official cheer zones to join in the fun while enjoying extra amenities.
Some of the best-known ones are…
The Shamrock Shuffle Cheer Zone (Lincoln Park, 8K mark)
The 13.1 Cheer Zone (Half-way mark)
The Charity Block Party (Adams & Loomis, 15K mark)
And various Community Cheer Zones.
Want to set up a cheer zone in your neighborhood? Fill up this form.
Join local festivities along the route
Pilsen (Mile 19): Enjoy the lively atmosphere with locals and mariachi bands.
Chinatown (Mile 21): Watch colorful lion dancers as runners push through.
Northalsted/Boystown (Mile 7-9): Famous for its block-party atmosphere, complete with drag queens and energetic crowds.
Prime viewing zones near the finish
No such trouble this time.
Head for the Bank of America Cheer Zone at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road to catch runners in the final stretch.
Meeting runners at the finish
Want to meet an elite athlete up close and personal (as close as you’ll be allowed)? Looking to catch up with your friend who ran?
Head for the designated Runner Reunite Area in Grant Park.
You’ll have to go past security checkpoints at Entrance Gate #1 (Jackson Drive and Michigan Avenue) or Entrance Gate #4 (Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue).
Catching the 2024 marathon on the go
Want to see who’s leading? Or how your friend is doing? Download the official marathon app to keep track of the stats in real-time.
Prefer catching it on TV? Tune in to NBC 5 Chicago for live coverage in English, and Telemundo Chicago or TeleXitos for Spanish live coverage.
For live streaming, visit the NBC Chicago website or the Telemundo Chicago website.
Commonly asked questions about the BoA Chicago Marathon
From how to qualify to getting around Chicago on race day, here are the most-asked questions, answered!
Do you need to qualify for the Chicago Marathon?
You can try to qualify for a guaranteed entry, but it isn’t mandatory.
Is the Bank of America Marathon in Chicago a lottery?
A lottery is one of the ways to enter the marathon.
If you don’t qualify for guaranteed entry (time qualifiers, charity runners, legacy finishers, and global participants), try your luck!
It takes place after guaranteed entries are secured. Estimates suggest anywhere from half to two-thirds of runners enter via lottery.
How much is it to run?
The entry fees for the 2024 event are -
For U.S. residents (including Puerto Rico & other U.S. territories): $240
For Non-U.S. residents: $250
Where can I get the marathon results?
You can get it from the marathon results page. You can also check the app.
I’m heading out to watch the marathon in person. How should I dress?
Dress comfortably, look gorgeous, and be prepared for Chicago’s unpredictable October weather. Here are some tips to get you started -
Layered Clothing: Layers that can be easily added or removed, such as a light jacket or fleece over a long-sleeve shirt, will make it easy to keep up with the weather going from hot to cold, or vice versa.
Comfortable Footwear: Expect to stand and walk a lot while following runners or watching from different points along the course, so wear supportive shoes like sneakers.
Comfortable Backpack or Bag: Carry essentials like snacks, water, and a portable charger for your phone, but keep your bag light for easy movement.
I’m running. Where should I put my phone and keys?
A running belt is the best way to keep essentials like your phones and keys secure but accessible.
Should I expect street closures in Chicago during the marathon?
Yes, you should!
Check the marathon website for the official list of road closures.
Your best bet for following the course and cheering the participants would be the L.
Other marathons and races in Chicago and Illinois
The Chicago 5K: Also called the Half Marathon, this 13.1-mile race takes you through the South Side, including a stretch along scenic Lake Shore Drive.
Illinois Marathon (Champaign-Urbana): A relatively new marathon (started in 2009) that’s a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. It follows a very flat course.
The Quad Cities Marathon: A USATF (USA Track & Field)-certified course that can also get you into the Boston Marathon.
The Springfield Marathon: Run through Illinois’ capital, past the historic sites of Abraham Lincoln’s hometown.
The 8K Run: Better known as the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, this is a great way to stay in the St. Paddy’s Day spirit!
Santa Hustle Chicago 5K: Perhaps there’s no better way to burn off those extra Christmas calories than dressing up in Santa costumes and going for a lakefront run.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Chicago Marathon…
Couldn’t take part this year and looking forward to the 2025 Marathon?
Had to bail, but looking to make a splash next year (yes, if you cancel your entry you’re entitled to a guaranteed entry next year)?
Mark Sunday, October 12th, 2025, (the 2025 marathon date) in your calendar.
And don’t forget to apply!
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