2024 Chicago Marathon Starts With A Record 50,000 Runners: What To Expect
A 49,000-person field of runners and thousands more spectators are descending on the city for this weekend’s start to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Donington Park, its base for the past three years has been joined by a new start/finish venue of Genting in Kuala Lumpur which will see around 350 teams from more than 100 countries take part. This 26.2 mile course covers a swath of city streets and neighborhoods, with the start/finish line in Grant Park.
Live Coverage & Streaming
NBC 5 will have full coverage of the marathon, beginning at 7 a.m. CT on NBC Chicago’s YouTube channel and streaming service as well as on both newscasters platforms. The live finish line camera is available from 11 am – 3pm for announcements of runners as they cross the finish! Spanish-language coverage is available on TelemundoChicago. and the Telemundo Chicago app.
Race Day Schedule
So, here is the full 2024 Chicago Marathon schedule:
Grant Park opens for runners: 5:30 a.m.
Gear check opens: 5:30 a.m.
Start corrals open: 5:30 a.m.
Awards Men’s wheelchair start: 7:20 a.m.
Women’s wheelchair: 7 :21 am
Handcycle start: 7:23 a.m.
Wave 1 start: 7:30 a.m.
Wave 2 start: 8:00 a.m.
Wave 3 start: 8:35 a.m.
Grant Park gates open to spectators: 9:30 a.m.
27th Mile: Post-Race Celebration, 9:30 a.m.
Start and Finish Line Details
The race starts at Columbus and Monroe in Grant Park. It ends on Columbus Drive a block south of Balbo. While spectators cannot greet runners directly at the finish line, there are dedicated viewing areas along with a Bank of America Cheer Zone.
Getting Around the Marathon Course The Street Closures
Ranging 26.2 miles, the marathon winds through 29 Chicago neighborhoods and crosses six bridges over the river. The course winds down from Sheridan Road in the north to 35th Street on the south side as runners take a tour of Chicago. It will also block off major streets and restrict traffic during the day.
Related: Chicago Marathon Course Tour Highlighting The Neighborhoods and Route
Highlights along the course include Lincoln Park, Old Town, Little Italy, Chinatown and Bronzeville. The marathon celebrates diversity and the city’s rich spirit of community.
Tips for Parking and Transportation
Given the many street closures and magnitude of attendees, spectators are also highly encouraged to take public transportation. The marathon route will be served by CTA. Planning a little bit will ensure that you have an easier time getting around the city.
For the latest updates on Chicago Marathon live streaming, parking information and street closures can be found at shaktiexpress. com.