Chicago Marathon: start times and how to follow the race

Chicago is gearing up for one of the biggest sporting events on its calendar this Sunday, October 11. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will draw tens of thousands of runners onto the streets, generating great interest in the start times and how to follow the competition.

Marathon start times

The 48th edition of the Chicago Marathon, which covers 26.2 miles (about 42.1 km) across 29 neighborhoods, will have starts in separate waves. The action begins with the men's and women's wheelchair races, scheduled for 7:20 a.m. and 7:21 a.m., respectively. The first wave of runners (Wave 1) will start at 7:35 a.m., followed by Wave 2 at 8:00 a.m. and Wave 3 at 8:35 a.m. All times are Central Time (CT).

How to follow the race: broadcast and cheering spots

For those not at Grant Park in person, live coverage of the Chicago Marathon will be extensive. Broadcasts will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday with a special production, and extended live coverage will start at 7:00 a.m. CT. It can be watched on multiple platforms, including the NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago websites and apps, NBC Chicago’s YouTube channel, and the 24/7 NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel, available on services such as Peacock and Roku TV. A Spanish-language broadcast will also be available on the Telemundo Chicago websites and apps. After the elite race finishes, an exclusive finish‑line camera will stream on NBCChicago.com and the NBC 5 Chicago News Streaming Channel from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., allowing friends and family to see runners cross the line on Columbus Drive.

For those who want to cheer in person, there are several designated spots along the route. Official cheering zones are located at miles 13.1, 15 and 26. There are also cheering zones organized by running clubs, non‑profit groups, and neighborhood associations. Access to Grant Park on race day is limited to participants with bib numbers and guests who have purchased tickets for the exclusive spectator area on Columbus Drive near the finish line.

Economic impact and business preparation

The Chicago Marathon is a significant engine of economic activity for the city and its businesses. Last year, the event injected almost $756 million into the Chicago metropolitan economy. An independent study found that more than 75% of the over 55,000 runners who participated the previous year came from out of state, staying in hotels, dining at restaurants and spending at local establishments. An estimated 1.7 million spectators lined the course.

The 26.2‑mile route traverses 29 different neighborhoods, spreading the economic impact more broadly. Italian restaurants like Sofi, for example, are completely booked the night before the race as runners seek carb‑rich meals. Sofi triples its pasta production and doubles ingredient orders. Other businesses, such as Intelligentsia Coffee, open earlier and brew large quantities of coffee for volunteers and spectators, even creating a special “26.2 blend” for runners. Restaurants like BellyBowl doubled their profits on marathon day last year, using delivery robots to meet the surge in demand.

The route and neighborhood festivities

The marathon passes through 29 Chicago neighborhoods, many of which host unique celebrations to support the runners. In Northalsted, near miles 7 and 9, the atmosphere is a street party with drag queens. In Pilsen, around mile 19, mariachi bands are known for energizing participants. In Chinatown, near mile 21, the neighborhood incorporates colorful lion dancers for the event day. Streets along the course will be closed starting at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, and will reopen at 4:00 p.m.

With information from NBC 5 Chicago, Chicago Tribune, Time Out Worldwide.