It’s almost race weekend in Chicago!
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will return for its 48th edition this Sunday, October 11, and street closures are already underway ahead of the citywide event.
Much of downtown will be closed to car traffic, with certain areas restricting pedestrian access as well.
Here’s a look at all the closures and what they mean for your race day plans.
Major marathon street closures to begin Thursday
Street closures for the Chicago Marathon officially began on Thursday, September 24, with the closure of a portion of Balbo Drive in Grant Park.
Major street closures will begin Thursday, October 8, covering parts of Columbus Drive, Jackson Drive, and Congress Plaza Drive.
Streets will reopen on a rolling basis beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. All streets will be reopened by 3 p.m. Monday, October 12.
Here’s the closure and reopening timeline for some of the main downtown throughways:
- Balbo Dr.: Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive
- Closure: Thursday, September 24, 6:00 a.m.
- Opening: Friday, October 16, 3:00 p.m.
- Columbus Dr.: Ida B. Wells Dr. to Roosevelt Rd.
- Closure: Thursday, October 8, 4:00 a.m.
- Opening: Monday, October 12, 3:00 p.m.
- Columbus Dr.: Roosevelt Rd. to Grant Park finish line
- Closure: Thursday, October 8, 6:00 a.m.
- Opening: Monday, October 12, 3:00 p.m.
- LaSalle St.: Jackson Blvd. to Stockton Dr.
- Closure: Sunday, October 11, 6:00 a.m.
- Opening: Sunday, October 11, 11:30 a.m.
- Michigan Ave.: 26th St. to 35th St.
- Closure: Sunday, October 11, 6:00 a.m.
- Opening: Sunday, October 11, 4:00 p.m.
Parking restrictions and additional information
In addition to street closures, parking restrictions will also take effect before the event. Parking will be prohibited along the marathon route beginning at 1 a.m. Sunday.
In order to accommodate downtown drivers and help traffic move smoothly, Clark Street between Lake and Adams streets will temporarily run two ways between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. Sunday.
Prior to the Chicago Marathon, the Abbott 5K will take place on Saturday, October 10. The separate run will have its own set of downtown street closures, outlined here.
Those heading to either races and commuting around Chicago this weekend should plan for traffic delays and added travel times.
Click here for a full list of 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon street closures and reopenings.
