2023 Chicago Marathon: Start time, road closures and everything else you need to know
CHICAGO - The 45th Bank of America Chicago Marathon kicked off Sunday morning and it could be the largest one yet.
More than 47,000 athletes are registered for the race.
The festivities began Thursday with the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place Lakeside Center.
The three-day Expo featured over 100 merchandisers and athletes mingled as they picked up their informational packets.
Start Times
The race begins Sunday at 7:20 a.m.
The men's wheelchair division will begin first at 7:20 a.m. followed by the women's wheelchair athletes at 7:21 a.m. Handcycle athletes take off at 7:23 a.m.
Remaining athletes will be started in one of three waves which have been color coded.
Start time for Wave 1 (red): 7:30 a.m.
Start time for Wave 2 (blue): 8 a.m.
Start time for Wave 1 (orange): 8:30 a.m.
Spectators can access Grant Park at 9:30 a.m. There will be a 27th Mile Post-Race Party in the park at Butler Field from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Road Closures
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 Sheridan Road, west to Damen Avenue and south to 35th Street.
Roads involved in the course across the city will close around 7 a.m. Roads at the beginning of the race will begin to start opening back up at 10 a.m. Closures near the end of the race won't reopen until as late at 6 p.m.
For a complete list of closures and anticipated opening times click HERE.
Residents who live on any of the streets that will be closed for the race must move their vehicles by Saturday, Oct. 7. Towing will begin at 1 a.m. Sunday.
Available Routes
Race organizers encourage athletes and spectators to use CTA on race day.
Though there will be several closures across the city, there are still ways to get to the race and get around.
DuSable Lake Shore Drive northbound and southbound lanes will remain open. Inner Lake Shore Drive northbound and southbound lanes will remain open from Diversey Parkway to Belmont Avenue. Access to DuSable Lake Shore Dr. will remain open at Belmont Avenue.
Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) eastbound and westbound lanes will remain open.
Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) Eastbound and westbound lanes will remain open. Exit ramps closed: Adams St.
Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) Eastbound and westbound lanes will remain open.
Stevenson Expressway (I-55) Northbound and southbound lanes will remain open.
For more alternative routes in your neighborhood click HERE.
Safety
Participants, volunteers, event staff and spectators must pass through a security screening prior to entering Grant Park.
The following items will not be allowed in Grant Park:
- Large bags (backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags)
- Hard-sided coolers
- Costumes covering the face
- Any non-forming bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body, props and non-running equipment
- Bicycles
- Pets/animals (except for service animals)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal substances
- Chairs
- Weapons
- Remote controlled aircrafts and drones
On the course, participants cannot bring hydration packs or large bags. Non-registered wheeled items like baby strollers, skateboards, bikes or rollerblades are prohibited. Music devices with headphones are allowed, but athletes must be alert and aware of their surroundings and announcements.
Results
Unofficial race results will be available after the race. All official finishers will be emailed a link to download their digital finisher’s certificate once results are finalized.
The full course map is included below:
The Abbott Chicago 5K begins Saturday at 7:30 a.m. The start line is located at Columbus Drive between Jackson Drive and Ida B. Wells Drive. Athletes will finish at Wacker Drive and Jackson Boulevard.