Course Entertainment

An estimated 1.5 million spectators line the 26.2-mile Bank of America Chicago Marathon course to cheer on the runners. At several key points throughout the course, groups organize "rally stations" to concentrate the support of the fans when runners need it most. Look to the following areas on race day to bring your energy as a spectator, or to gain an extra boost as a runner.

Bank of America Cheer Zone
Spectators can enjoy one of the most exciting race day views at the Bank of America Cheer Zone in Chinatown. Just steps off the CTA Red Line, the Cheer Zone takes fans into the heart of one of the most festive neighborhoods on the course. Spectators can make some noise for runners heading toward the final stretch and the challenges of the 22nd mile. Rally cards are available for friends and family to create custom messages and provide runners with the extra push they need to get to the finish line.

Bank of America’s Pink Ribbon Tribute
Join Bank of America and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® at Mile 23 as they salute the strength of breast cancer survivors everywhere and remember those we have lost. Dedicated to breast cancer survivors, their families and those running on behalf of finding the cures, this stretch serves as a race day tribute. Show your support with Komen for the Cure and breast cancer survivors everywhere by lining the streets dressed in signature pink or just by lending your voice to the cheers of the masses.

Nike Cheer Station
Join forces with Nike in supporting marathoners along the course! Nike will host a motivational zone just past Mile 22 at 33rd St. & Wentworth Ave. Help runners dig deep and push to the finish! The zone will feature the marathon’s best fans, live emcees, a jumbotron with streaming video, and Nike+ Powersongs to drive runners through to the finish line. If your runner is a Nike+ user, don’t forget to verify membership at the Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo to redeem special rewards. Also, remember to pick up official 2009 Bank of America Chicago Finisher Merchandise for your runner by visiting the Nike Race Day Finisher Tent at Runner Reunite in Butler Field.

Energizer Keep Going® Zones
Join Energizer on race day at one of the five Energizer Keep Going® Zones to help cheer on the pace setters and the go getters. Energizer will provide the Energizer Bunny ears for never-quit inspiration and you provide the encouraging words.

Locations:
Mile 10.20 - North Ave. and Sedgwick St.
Mile 12.75 - Adams St. and Franklin St.
Mile 24.80 - Michigan Ave. and Cermak Rd.
Mile 25.80 - Michigan Ave. and Roosevelt Rd.
Runner Reunite - Grant Park, Butler Field

Course Entertainment Locations
The 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon features 55 course entertainment locations.  Sponsors, charities and community partners come together on race day to provide course entertainment and to celebrate the accomplishment of 45,000 participants as they make their way through 29 of Chicago's most historic and diverse neighborhoods.  Make your voice heard on October 11 by cheering at one of the following entertainment locations!  Click here to view a complete listing of course entertainment locations.