It’s that time of year again—the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is just a few short weeks out, and preparations have already begun for one of the world’s largest races.
On Sunday, October 12, an estimated 53,000 runners from across the globe will take to the Windy City streets, competing for cash prizes and crossing the iconic Grant Park finish line.
Whether you’ll be crossing the finish line yourself or spectating from the sidelines, here’s everything to know about the 47th annual race!
What time does the Chicago Marathon begin?
The 2025 Chicago Marathon begins bright and early on October 12, with gates opening to runners at 5:30 a.m. The day’s events begin with the wheelchair and handcycle races at 7:20 a.m. and 7:23 a.m. respectively.
The main race will officially begin with the Men’s and Women’s Professional start at 7:30 a.m. sharp.
From there, the race will continue in waves of three, with all runners to set off by 8:35 a.m.
Schedule
- 7:20 a.m.: Marathon Wheelchair start (men)
- 7:21 a.m.: Marathon Wheelchair start (women)
- 7:23 a.m.: Marathon Handcycle start
- 7:30 a.m.: Wave 1 start
- 8:00 a.m.: Wave 2 start
- 8:35 a.m.: Wave 3 start
What is the 2025 marathon route?
The Chicago Marathon course spans roughly 26 miles and 29 neighborhoods, beginning in Grant Park and traveling through the Loop, north through Uptown, and across the West Side.
The marathon then continues south through Chinatown and Bronzeville before eventually culminating back in Grant Park.
The course takes runners through some of the city’s most iconic destinations like the Water Tower, lakefront, Chicago Theatre, and other landmarks.
View the full course map here.
What is the easiest way to get to the marathon?
Runners and spectators can get to the marathon hassle-free this Sunday with a little help from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
The CTA will increase capacity across all train lines on Sunday. Additionally, Purple Line service will begin at 5:30 a.m. instead of the normal 6:05 a.m. start time.
Riders can take any of the CTA’s 8 train lines to get to the race start/finish in Grant Park or elsewhere along the marathon route.
Those taking any of the Loop-bound elevated lines should exit at Washington/Wabash or Adams/Wabash to get to the marathon start/finish line.
Red and Blue line riders should exit at Jackson and walk about four blocks east.
Which streets will be closed during the race?
The 2025 marathon will close some of Chicago’s busiest streets for the duration of the event, impacting traffic flow and necessitating increased awareness when on the road.
Pre-race street closures have already begun and will continue up until race day. Here’s an overview of some of the main closures and times:
- Columbus Drive: Roosevelt Rd. to Finish
- Closure: 10/9/25 at 4:00 a.m.
- Reopening: 10/13/25 at 3:00 p.m.
- Balbo Drive: Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
- Closure: 9/25/25 at 6:00 a.m.
- Reopening: 10/17/25 at 3:00 p.m.
- Columbus Drive: Balbo Dr. to Roosevelt Rd.
- Closure: 10/9/25 at 4:00 a.m.
- Reopening: 10/13/25 at 3:00 p.m.
- Roosevelt Rd.: Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.
- Closure: 10/12/25 at 6:00 a.m.
- Reopening: 10/12/25 at 6:00 p.m.
- Michigan Ave.: 31st St. to Roosevelt Rd.
- Closure: 10/12/25 at 6:00 a.m.
- Reopening: 10/12/25 at 4:30 p.m.
View the full list of street closures here.
Where can I view the marathon in person?
Spectators can watch the Chicago Marathon in person from a number of prime vantage points. The marathon includes a designated ticketed viewing area:
- East Side Viewing Area – Grant Park; east of Columbus Drive. Tickets $30.
Additionally, spectators can view the race from various points around the city including the Randolph Street Bridge, State Street corridor, Cermak Road, and other locations along the route.
For additional spectator information, click here.
Where can I stream the marathon from home?
Can’t make it out on race day? No worries! Fans can watch the race broadcast at home on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago.
The race will also be available for streaming through the NBC and Telemundo Roku channels and apps. Learn more information here.
