SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Cheer on this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon participants in-person along the course or from home by following TV and radio coverage of the event. Spectators can track individual runners using the Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services. After the race, join your participant at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Grant Park.
Schedule of events
Grant Park spectator access
Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by TCS
Cheering responsibly
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, October 9
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet pick-up
McCormick Place
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, October 10
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet pick-up
McCormick Place
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 11
Abbott Chicago 5K
Grant Park
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet pick-up
McCormick Place
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 12
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Grant Park
Marathon Wheelchair Start (men): 7:20 a.m.
Marathon Wheelchair Start (women): 7:21 a.m.
Marathon Handcycle Start: 7:23 a.m.
Marathon Wave 1 Start: 7:30 a.m.
Marathon Wave 2 Start: 8 a.m.
Marathon Wave 3 Start: 8:35 a.m.
Spectator access to Grant Park begins: 9:30 a.m.
27th Mile Post-Race Party
Grant Park, Butler Field
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Times are subject to change
GRANT PARK SPECTATOR ACCESS
Spectators will not have access to the race start and finish areas within Grant Park on race day. These areas will be accessible only to participants displaying their event-issued bib numbers, event staff with proper credentials, and ticketed guests (where applicable). Family, friends and individuals who are not registered for the race will not be able to escort runners to the start line or greet runners at the finish line.
We recommend that spectators support runners from elsewhere on the course and meet runners after the race in designated areas within Grant Park.
The 27th Mile Post-Race Party and Runner Reunite area of Grant Park will open to spectators at 9:30 a.m.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON APP, POWERED BY TCS
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services is the perfect resource to prepare for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Whether you’re running or spectating, the free mobile app includes everything you’ll need to be prepared for a great race week experience.
The 2025 official race app is available now on the App Store and Google Play.
CHEERING RESPONSIBLY
Words of encouragement and cheers of support from spectators have helped thousands of participants cross the finish line at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. As you prepare for race day, please keep the following in mind:
- Respect the racecourse. The racecourse stretches the full length of the street, from curb to curb. As we anticipate the largest field in event history at this year’s race, it is imperative that spectators do not enter the racecourse. This keeps both participants and spectators safe. Spectators also may not decorate the street surface with any material, including temporary decorations such as decals or sidewalk chalk.
- Respect the environment. If you bring anything to your cheer area, please take it with you when you leave. This includes signs, tents and any trash you may generate on race day. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon strongly discourages the use of confetti canons due to the significant waste that is left on the streets that can harm the environment and wildlife. These machines also produce a startling noise created by the cannon which can be distressing to some. Please opt for cow bells or hand clappers to support your runners or just use your enthusiastic voices! If confetti canons are spotted on race day, you may be approached by an event official and asked to put it away.
- Respect the participants. Act in a courteous manner to create a fun, welcoming and celebratory experience for all participants. Participants are not allowed to accept food or beverages from spectators, so please refrain from creating an opportunity for them to violate this event rule.
- Respect other spectators. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a family-friendly event. We expect spectators of all ages, so please behave in a way appropriate for everyone. If you see spectators creating a disrespectful environment, please look to a course marshal, event staff member or city official for assistance.
