Street Closure Notification

The 31st running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is just around the corner. On Sunday, October 12, 2008, approximately 45,000 runners will be racing through the streets of Chicago, as they make their way to the finish line of one of the premier running events in the world. We encourage you to become part of this city wide event and join the spectators from around the world in cheering on the runners. Please use this guide to inform residents, staff and guests of your business or organization on how to best navigate the city on race day, and how to enjoy one of the city’s premier events.

Click here for a downloadable street closure brochure 

Race Start Times

• Wheelchair Race 7:50 a.m. (Central Time)
• Elite Start 7:55 a.m. (Central Time)
• Marathon 8 a.m. (Central Time)

Locations
The Start and Finish Line areas are both located in Grant Park on Columbus Drive. The 26.2-mile course runs through 29 Chicago neighborhoods.  The route extends north to Addison St., west to Damen Ave. and south to 35th St.

Parking and Street Closures
No Parking Zones along the course will be enforced beginning at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 12. Please look for No Parking signs in your area for full details. Street closures along the route will occur between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The roads in Grant Park will be closed longer. City streets will re-open promptly as the final runners pass through (at a 14-minute mile pace). The Chicago Police Department will be responsible for closing and re-opening streets, they will do so in a manner ensuring runner and spectator safety. Please follow their instructions when approaching streets on the course. Do NOT attempt to block the race course at any time.

Towed Vehicle Information
The towing of vehicles along the course and other posted No Parking zones will be enforced beginning at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 12. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed to the nearest auto-pound. For inquiries about towed vehicles, call 312.744.4444.

Start/Finish Line: Grant Park Street Closures
Columbus Drive: From Roosevelt Road to Congress Parkway
Close: Friday, October 10, 2008 @ 10:00 a.m.
Open: Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 6:00 a.m.

Columbus Drive: Congress Parkway to Jackson Blvd.
Close: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 a.m.
Open: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 p.m.

Columbus Drive: Jackson Blvd. to Monroe Drive
Close: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 a.m.
Open: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 11:00 a.m.

Columbus Drive: Monroe Blvd. to Randolph Drive
Close: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 a.m.
Open: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 9:30 a.m.

Balbo Drive: From Michigan to Lake Shore Drive
Close: Friday, October 10, 2008 @ 10:00 a.m.
Open: Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 6:00 a.m.

Congress Parkway: Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive
Close: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 a.m.
Open: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 p.m.

N & S Congress Circle: Michigan Avenue to Congress Pkwy
Close: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 a.m.
Open: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 p.m.

Jackson Blvd.: Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive
Close: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 a.m.
Open: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 11:00 a.m.

Jackson Blvd.: Columbus Drive to Lake Shore Drive
Close: Saturday, October 11, 2008 @ 6:00 a.m.
Open: Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 6:00 a.m.

Monroe Drive: Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive
Close: Sunday, October 12, 2008 @ 3:00 a.m.
Open: Sunday, October 12, 2006 @ 9:30 a.m.