what is the course for the chicago marathon

by Prof. Raleigh Klocko 9 min read

How long is the Chicago Marathon course?

The Chicago Marathon will take more than 45,000 participants through 29 city neighborhoods Sunday. It's the 42nd year of the 26.2-mile race, which begins and ends in Grant Park. Check out the course map and peruse details for runners, tips for spectators and ways to avoid traffic tie-ups on race day.

What time does the Chicago Marathon start?

Start Time : 7:30 a.m. Number of Places : 45,000. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is highly respected. It is one of the six ‘Majors’ and thus has a special place in the hearts of many runners. When is the Chicago Marathon 2019 live stream?

How fast will the Chicago Marathon be?

“Chicago is known as somewhere to run fast,” Kenyan Micah Kogo, second at this year’s Boston Marathon, said on Friday. How fast a time the top men will target on Sunday remains a bit of a mystery. A halfway goal time of 61:45 seems to have materialized of its own accord, with runners and even Pinkowski more reacting to it than asserting it.

How many runners in Chicago Marathon?

TikToker @ambularnelson3 lives in San Diego, but that didn’t stop her from watching her father complete a marathon in Chicago! In an emotional video, the TikToker shared how she flew across the country to surprise her dad on his big day.

Is the Chicago Marathon a flat course?

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and fast course. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world's most magnificent cities. The course has produced four world records, several national records and countless personal bests.

What is the Chicago Marathon course like?

The course is basically flat as can be (just a few up and over bridges) through all of Chicago's neighborhoods. There were literally spectators the entire race and aid stations (with medical) every 1-2 miles.

Is Chicago Marathon a fast course?

The Chicago Marathon is flat and fast—so fast, in fact, that it has been the host to five world-record times. Most recently, Brigid Kosgei had perfect conditions in the 2019 race, and she ran a 2:14:04 win the race and to obliterate Paula Radcliffe's world record.

What is the hardest marathon course?

the Inca Trail MarathonFinally, allow us to introduce the Inca Trail Marathon, accepted as the most difficult marathon in the world. With inclines and declines of great extremes, the course is estimated to be as difficult as running nearly two tough marathons in a row.

Is the Chicago Marathon a hard course?

With over 45,000 runners, hundreds of thousands of spectators, and a pancake-flat course, it is also one of the fastest courses in the world. However, that doesn't mean there aren't a few logistical and race strategy mistakes that can ruin your months of hard training and preparation.

How hard is it to get into Chicago Marathon?

Notifications of acceptance to the marathon are typically sent the middle of December. Women's Running reported that in 2018, about 70% of runners at the Chicago marathon gained entry to the race through the lottery. The odds of getting into the Chicago Marathon through the lottery system will be different each year.

What is the easiest marathon course?

The Easiest Marathons In the USAThe Northeast. The race: Run for the Red Marathon. ... The Great Lakes. The race: WhistleStop Marathon. ... The Southeast. The race: Jacksonville Marathon. ... The Southwest. The race: Holualoa Tuscon Marathon. ... The South. The race: BCS Marathon. ... The Midwest. The race: Run for the Ranch. ... The Northwest.

What's a respectable marathon time?

So, for a man, anything under 4 hours could be considered a good marathon time, putting you in the top 43% of runners. For women, a time under 4 hours and 30 minutes would similarly be very good.

Is the Chicago Marathon a big deal?

The Chicago Marathon is a marathon (long-distance foot race) held every October in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors. Thus, it is also a World Athletics Label Road Race. The Chicago Marathon is the fourth-largest race by number of finishers worldwide.

What is the toughest marathon in USA?

RACE DAY: APRIL 22, 2023 – The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Series has earned its title as “America's Toughest Road Marathon” by challenging runners with over 7,430 ft.

What is the hardest mile in a marathon?

So, what is the hardest mile of a marathon? The hardest mile of the marathon is usually between miles 18 through 23, though it's not going to be the same for every runner. Generally, a runner can hold a steady pace for the majority of the race before feeling a physical wall where the pace becomes difficult.

How many 6 Star finishers are there?

More than 4,000 runners have earned the coveted AWMM Six Star Finisher Medal. This prestigious award made its debut at the 2016 Tokyo Marathon and is given to those who successfully complete each of the six AWMM races in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.

Where is the Chicago Marathon?

The race starts in the scenic Grant Park, which is one of the main sights in the windy city of Chicago. The first miles of the Chicago Marathon course will guide you through the loop on State Street and LaSalle Drive, which is the Urban Center and also Financial District of Chicago.#N#Marathon Tip: Remember to pace yourself by running slower as a warm-up. This will help you get in your zone. And also, don’t get too excited because of the crowds.#N#Yes, you are a superhero running this marathon, but save the fun for later in the city. You will need the energy. By reaching the Chicago Zoo you should have found your rhythm and feel comfortable running your current pace. Also, watch the setting of the aid stations and plan your ways to approach them: this is where you’ll see the next 18 aid stations on the Chicago Marathon course.

What is the second half of the Chicago Marathon?

The second half of the Chicago Marathon course doesn’t have as many turns as the first one, which is great! You will pass Old Town, Greek Town, and the West Loop where the crowd support is amazing. You’re going to see some of the most stunning landmarks of the city of Chicago as well.

How long does it take to walk 26 miles?

IMPORTANT: If you choose to walk, make sure you can finish within the 6 hours and 30-minute time limit they set for the course. Other than that though, you are more than welcome to walk for a charity or just for the general experience. Just remember that walking 26 miles is no easy feat, so train accordingly.

How long is the first wave of a runner?

Generally though, the slower your average pace and times, the farther back you are during the start times. Each wave is usually staggered in 30-minute intervals. The first wave of the faster runners starts at 7:30 am, 2nd wave at 8:00, and 3rd at 8:35.

Is Chicago weather unpredictable?

Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Also, generally speaking, the Chicago weather is very unpredictable. Make sure you check the weather days ahead to be prepared.

Is it a superhero to run the Chicago Zoo?

And also, don’t get too excited because of the crowds. Yes, you are a superhero running this marathon, but save the fun for later in the city. You will need the energy. By reaching the Chicago Zoo you should have found your rhythm and feel comfortable running your current pace.

Does the Chicago Marathon have a ballot?

So yes, the Chicago marathon does have a ballot entry like most large marathons. You can qualify for guaranteed entry into the Chicago marathon by qualification times, but more generally, running for a charity will be your most viable option for obtaining a guaranteed entry.

Where is the Chicago Marathon?

Chicago Marathon. The Chicago Marathon is a marathon (long-distance foot race) held every October in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors. Thus, it is also an IAAF Gold Label race. The Chicago Marathon is the fourth-largest race by number of finishers worldwide.

What was the Chicago Marathon called in the 1980s?

Joan Benoit Samuelson described the Chicago Marathons of the mid-1980s as "The World's Marathon".

How many people ran the Chicago Marathon in 1905?

In 1905, 20 runners registered for the first Chicago Marathon, 15 actually started the race, and 7 finished. For the first "modern" marathon race in 1977, 4,200 people took part. In 1995, 9,000 people registered, and in 1999, over 29,000 people registered.

How much did the 2015 Chicago Marathon contribute to the economy?

According to an independent study by the University of Illinois, the 2015 marathon contributed an estimated US$277 million worth of activity to the Chicago economy, equivalent to 1,948 jobs.

How many times has the world record been broken in Chicago?

World records have been broken at Chicago five times. In 1984, Steve Jones broke the world record with 2:08:05. In 1999, Khalid Khannouchi was the first to surpass 2:06:00 with 2:05:42. The women's record was broken in two consecutive years. In 2001, Catherine Ndereba broke the record in 2:18:47, and Paula Radcliffe surpassed that mark with 2:17:18 the year after. In 2019, Brigid Kosgei won in a world record time of 2:14:04 which is now the women's course record.

When was the CEO Marathon Challenge?

The 2007 race made history with the first ever CEO Marathon Challenge. The race featured a special competition among the CEOs, presidents, company owners and c-suite executives of companies with at least $5 million in annual gross revenue ($2.5 million for women).

When was the first marathon?

The first modern marathon at the 1896 Games of the I Olympiad in Greece generated interest in the sport which led to similar races throughout most western countries and across the United States. While marathons sporadically occurred in New York City and St. Louis, the Boston Marathon had established an annual marathon in 1897, soon to be followed by a Chicago annual race. Beginning in 1905, the Chicago Marathon (organized first by the Illinois Athletic Club 1905 to 1909, then sponsored by the Chicago Daily News after 1910) was held annually, with significant community and spectator support, until the early 1920s.

Find designated spectator areas

While spectators aren’t allowed in Grant Park, there are plenty of viewing areas where you can cheer on runners:

Have a plan

There’s lots of road closures on marathon day, so make sure to plan your route to and from the course ahead of time. If you have a runner in the race, let them know where you plan to watch and which side of the street you’ll be on.

Track your runner online

Visit chicagomarathon.com or download the download the Chicago Marathon app to keep tabs on your runner throughout the race. You can electronically track multiple runners on the course by entering participant info on the website.

Stand out in the crowd

To help your runner spot you among the sea of spectators , dress up in costume, bring a bright neon sign, or wave a big balloon or flag as they run past. Even if you don’t know anyone running, it’s a fun way to encourage all the participants. Be loud and be creative!

Take public transportation

Use the CTA and hop on the ‘L’ train to get to the start and finish line, as well as various mile markers near train stations throughout downtown and the neighborhoods. For example, the Blue Line stop at UIC-Halsted is near Mile 16 in Greektown, and the Red Line stop at Grand is near the point where runners cross the Magnificent Mile at Mile 1.

Hit the neighborhoods for live entertainment

With 26.2 miles spread out across the city, there’s no reason to stay just within the Loop! Cheer with the locals and the mariachi bands in Pilsen at Mile 19 or check out the colorful lion dancers in Chinatown at Mile 21.

Make an appearance after Mile 20

After a few hours, the course takes its toll and runners need extra support for the last few miles, concentrated on the south side. Take the Orange Line to Halsted (Mile 20.5), the Green Line to 35th-Bronzeville-IIT (Mile 23) or the Red Line to Sox-35th (Mile 23.25) to give them a final burst of energy before the big finish.

What is the Chicago Marathon?

The Chicago Marathon, officially called the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, is the pinnacle event for novice to elite runners. Participants from over 50 states and more than 100 various countries pack themselves into Grant Park to take part in both the marathon event and the spectacular celebration. Chicago, a city like no other, is a big city with an even bigger heart. One of the most beloved marathons around the world, people from around the globe compete to race around the downtown center and to get a glimpse of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.

Is Chicago a big city?

Chicago, a city like no other, is a big city with an even bigger heart. One of the most beloved marathons around the world, people from around the globe compete to race around the downtown center and to get a glimpse of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.

image

Aid Stations

Image
There are 20 aid stations located along the course approximately one to two miles apart. Each aid station consists of the following amenities in this order: 1. Medical Tent with access to a Runner Transport vehicle* 2. Toilet facilities 3. Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon-lime flavor) 4. Public address announcer 5. Water *Ru…
See more on chicagomarathon.com

Medical Support

  • Medical support is available at 22 on-course locations: all 20 aid stations and additional medical tents located between Mile 14 and Mile 15 and in the final mile. The tents are indicated by tall, red, blade signs with the medical icon. Each medical tent is staffed by a team of medical professionals, is equipped with emergency and first aid supplies and has access to ambulance s…
See more on chicagomarathon.com

Clocks and Mile Markers

  • Timing checkpoints are positioned at the start line, at each 5K, at the halfway point (13.1 miles) and at the finish line. Your MYLAPS BibTag timing device will register split times at each of these checkpoints. Digital clocks are positioned at the start line, throughout the course and at the finish line to provide the elapsed race time. Mile and kilometer markers are positioned at each mile an…
See more on chicagomarathon.com

Prohibited Devices on Course

  • Wheeled devices are not permitted on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course by anyone other than a registered and authorized wheelchair, handcycle and duo team participants. Prohibited wheeled devices include non-registered wheelchairs and handcycles, baby joggers, strollers, skateboards, rollerblades and bicycles. The use of selfie-sticks, camera mounts, video …
See more on chicagomarathon.com

Street Closures

  • For residents who live along the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course, and for those traveling to and from Chicago on race day, please be aware that extensive street closures will take place on race day. In addition, no parking zones along the course will be enforced in the early morning hours. Street closure information for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is now av…
See more on chicagomarathon.com

World Athletics Platinum Label

  • The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is recognized as a Platinum Label event by World Athletics, the world’s governing body for athletics. Platinum, gold, silver and bronze labels are given each year to road races that satisfy a number of important criteria concerning the organizational standards for an event, course measurement, safety and medical standards and …
See more on chicagomarathon.com

Overview

The Chicago Marathon is a marathon (long-distance foot race) held every October in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors. Thus, it is also a World Athletics Label Road Race. The Chicago Marathon is the fourth-largest race by number of finishers worldwide.
Annual Chicago marathons were held from 1905 to the 1920s, but the first rac…

Course

The marathon course is a loop course, starting and ending at Grant Park. From there, the current course winds through 29 of the city's neighborhoods. The course loop can be generally divided into three sections: North, West, and South. In each of these sections, three of the city's main stadiums are near the course's turning points: Wrigley Field to the north; the United Center to the west; and Guar…

History

The first modern marathon at the 1896 Games of the I Olympiad in Greece generated interest in the sport which led to similar races throughout most western countries and across the United States. While marathons sporadically occurred in New York City and St. Louis, the Boston Marathon had established an annual marathon in 1897, soon to be followed by a Chicago annual race. Begin…

Runner statistics

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has grown significantly from its beginnings. In 1905, 20 runners registered for the first Chicago Marathon, 15 actually started the race, and 7 finished. For the first "modern" marathon race in 1977, 4,200 people took part. In 1995, 9,000 people registered, and in 1999, over 29,000 people registered. The 2001 marathon run on October 7 reached its cap of 37,500, which was instituted after the 2000 race drew 33,171 runners, just prior to the entry d…

Economic impact

Much of the marathon's impact is derived from the tourism industry. More than 10,000 of the runners in 2010 indicated that it was their first visit to Chicago. Of that, 6,000 came from 100 countries. Due to the travelers, the event increases hotel occupancy rates during the marathon. According to an independent study by the University of Illinois, the 2015 marathon contributed an estimated US$2…

Deaths

• 1998 – Kelly Barrett, 43, Littleton, Colorado – Believed to be caused by hyponatremia
• 2000 – Danny Towns, 45, Edmond, Oklahoma – Cardiac arrest
• 2001 – Luke Roach, 22, Seattle, Washington – Collapsed near finish line. Body temperature reached 107 °F (42 °C) (heat stroke)

Further reading

• Britt, Raymond, "Chicago Marathon: Images of Sport", Arcadia Publishing, 2009, ISBN 978-0-7385-7718-0.
• Cooper, Pamela, "The American Marathon", Syracuse University Press, 1998, ISBN 0-8156-0520-X.
• Suozzo, Andrew, "The Chicago Marathon", University of Illinois Press, 2006, ISBN 0-252-07421-1.

External links

• Official website
• Chicago Marathon Elevation Profile
• Chicago Marathon Weather History
• Marathon Info