In two months, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will draw runners from across the country and beyond for one of the biggest races in the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or this is your first time racing in Chicago, there’s a lot to keep in mind leading up to the big day.
Here’s a guide to what you’ll want to know on race day.
Getting to the start line
Many streets will be closed in advance of the Chicago Marathon, with details to be announced closer to race day.
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 Oct. 12, the race will kick off with staggered start times for different groups. Runners will be assigned a start time based on their corral. Final corral assignments can be accessed through the participant account starting Aug. 21.
Organizers recommend participants arrive in 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: 7:30 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. on race day.
Participants age 21 and older can redeem a free beer with the beer tag on their bib. Beer tickets are on sale until 3 p.m. and can be redeemed until 3:30 p.m.
What not to bring
Before entering Grant Park, all participants, as well as staff, volunteers and spectators, will have 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 urge participants to pay attention to announcements throughout the park and the course.
Fuel and aid stations
According to the marathon, the course will contain 20 aid stations, located about a mile or two apart. 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 9, 12 and 14 and distribute caffeinated and non-caffeinated gels.
Medical tents will be indicated 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 is located in Grant Park beyond the finish line 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.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
