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Chicago Marathon 2025: Course, Closures, and How to Watch

8 months agoUS
Chicago Marathon 2025: Course, Closures, and How to WatchSource: abc7chicago.com
The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025, marking the 47th running of this iconic race. With over 53,000 participants expected, the marathon will wind through 29 vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, offering a scenic and fast course. Here's what you need to know about street closures, the race schedule, and how to watch.

Key Insights

Street Closures:: Extensive street closures around Grant Park will be in effect starting Thursday, October 9, and lasting through Friday, October 17. Key closures include sections of Columbus Drive, Jackson Drive, and Balbo Drive. These closures will impact traffic and accessibility in the Grant Park area.

Race Schedule:: The marathon kicks off with the Abbott Chicago 5K on Saturday, October 11, followed by the main event on Sunday, October 12. The professional races begin at 7:20 a.m. CT, with waves of runners starting from 7:35 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. CT.

How to Watch:: The Chicago Marathon will be broadcast live on October 12 starting at 7 a.m. CT. You can stream the event on platforms like FloTrack. Spectators are welcome along the course, with designated cheer zones available, but are restricted from the start and finish line areas.

Why this matters: Staying informed about street closures helps residents and visitors plan their travel accordingly. Knowing the race schedule ensures you don't miss key moments of the marathon, whether you're a participant or a spectator. Access to live broadcasts allows fans worldwide to experience the event.

In-Depth Analysis

Background

The Chicago Marathon is renowned for its flat and fast course, attracting top athletes and amateur runners alike. The 26.2-mile route starts and finishes in Grant Park, taking runners through diverse neighborhoods and providing a tour of the city's landmarks.

Street Closures

Several streets in and around Grant Park will be closed to accommodate the marathon. Here’s a detailed list of closures:

Ongoing Closures:: Balbo Drive from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive (closed from Sept. and reopening Oct. 17)

October 9 Closures:

Jackson Drive from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Balbo Drive from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive

Columbus Drive from Ida B. Wells Drive to Roosevelt Road

October 10 Closures:

Columbus Drive from Monroe Street to Jackson Drive

Columbus Drive from Jackson Drive to Ida B. Wells Drive

Congress Plaza Drive from Michigan Avenue (Van Buren Street to Harrison Street)

Jackson Drive from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive

October 11 Closures:

Columbus Drive from Randolph Street to Monroe Street

Roosevelt Road from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Monroe Street from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive

Monroe Street from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Race Day Schedule

Saturday, Oct. 11:

7:30 a.m.: Abbott Chicago 5K in Grant Park

Sunday, Oct. 12:

5:30 a.m.: Grant Park opens to participants

7:20 a.m.: Men’s Professional Wheelchair Start

7:21 a.m.: Women’s Professional Wheelchair Start

7:23 a.m.: Handcycle Start

7:30 a.m.: Men’s and Women’s Professional Start

7:35 a.m.: Wave 1 Start

8:00 a.m.: Wave 2 Start

8:35 a.m.: Wave 3 Start

Watching the Race

Live Streaming:: Watch the marathon live on FloTrack starting at 7 a.m. CT.

Spectator Zones:: Cheer zones are set up along the course for spectators. Note that the start and finish line areas are restricted to participants and ticketed guests.

Actionable Takeaways

Plan your travel in advance, considering the extensive street closures.

Arrive early if you are participating or spectating to navigate the crowds and security measures.

Use the official Chicago Marathon website&ref=yanuki.com to track runners and get real-time updates.

FAQs

Q: What are the best places to watch the marathon?

Cheer zones are available along the course, but the start and finish lines are restricted to participants and ticketed guests.

Q: How can I track a runner?

Use the official Chicago Marathon website&ref=yanuki.com to track runners and get real-time updates.

Q: When do the street closures end?

All streets will be fully reopened by Friday, October 17, at 3 p.m.

Key Takeaways

Plan Ahead:: Be aware of the extensive street closures and plan your travel accordingly.

Stay Informed:: Follow the official Chicago Marathon website&ref=yanuki.com for the latest updates and runner tracking.

Enjoy the Event:: Whether you're running or spectating, the Chicago Marathon is a great event. Make sure to enjoy it!

Discussion

What are your predictions for the 2025 Chicago Marathon? Which runner are you most excited to watch? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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