The Windy City is preparing for one of its most anticipated sporting events of the year. The 47th Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This weekend, on October 12, 2025, Sunday, the streets of Chicago will come alive with thousands of runners and spectators. It all began in 1905. But the first race of the ongoing series was organized back in 1977. But every year, this day makes sure that the city beats with the steps of the runners running for a cause.

And as the day approaches, there is a wealth of information that you might need to know. The 2025 Chicago Marathon will once again showcase its famously fast, flat course and attract participants from across the globe. And it’s set to go live this Sunday.

When is the 2025 Chicago Marathon?

Just a day before the main event, on October 11, Saturday, Grant Park will host the Abbott Chicago 5K, offering an additional chance for runners to compete in the city’s iconic setting. On the very next dawn the main event will be live.

The event would begin with the men’s wheelchair race at 7:20 a.m. CT. It would then be followed by the women’s wheelchair start at 7:21 a.m., and the handcycle start at 7:23 a.m. The professional marathon waves are staggered. Wave 1 at 7:30 a.m., Wave 2 at 8:00 a.m., and Wave 3 at 8:35 a.m. respectively. Spectator access to Grant Park will be opening at 9:30 a.m. sharp and it would also coincide with the 27th Mile Post-Race Party.

The marathon course starts and finishes in Grant Park. And in between the course would cover 29 neighborhoods which would be over 26.2 miles roughly. The course is recognized for being flat and fast, making it one of the preferred venues for record attempts. It carries a time limit of six hours and 30 minutes, after which roads reopen to traffic. To complete the full distance within this limit, runners must maintain an average pace of 15 minutes per mile.

How can you watch the 2025 Chicago Marathon?

Extensive live coverage will be available from 7 a.m. CT on race day. Fans in the United States can tune in on NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos. For global viewers, live streaming is offered on NBCChicago.com, TelemundoChicago.com, the NBC Chicago app, and Telemundo Chicago app. Additional access will reportedly be available through NBC Chicago’s 24/7 streaming channel, Peacock, Roku TV, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Local Now, Pluto, Google TV, TCL, Xfinity, and FreeVee. Moreover, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., an exclusive finish line camera will broadcast live, making it easy for all to watch all runners cross the line.

Making it even more fun for spectators and supporters, the authority has made it possible to track runners in real time via the Chicago Marathon mobile app. The free app will also provide “unlimited live race day runner tracking” and include 11 leaderboards. Supporters can also raise the stakes even higher by submitting digital cheers, which may appear along the course as participants pass by.

Race results too will be updated live on the app and NBC Chicago will send alerts for winners in each professional category to keep fans engrossed.

Chicago Marathon 2025 weather: What to expect on race day

Chicago’s weather can present unique challenges for marathon runners. NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes reports that temperatures for the 2025 marathon are forecasted between 53 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are expected from the southeast at 10-15 mph, with no rain anticipated. Historical data shows that race day temperatures have ranged from as low as 21 degrees to as high as 87 degrees.

Which roads will be closed during the marathon?

Street closures for the 2025 Chicago Marathon will begin at approximately 6 a.m. on Sunday and are expected to reopen by 4:30 p.m., or when conditions are deemed safe. Major thoroughfares such as Columbus Drive, Jackson Drive, Balbo Drive, Michigan Avenue, and State Street will be impacted. Neighborhoods affected include the Loop, Lincoln Park, Pilsen, and Chinatown.

The city advises public transport alternatives due to restricted vehicle access. Parking enforcement begins early on race day, and vehicle towing will be strictly enforced along the course. According to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, “For public safety and traffic flow, the towing of vehicles along the route and other posted ‘No Parking Zones’ will be strictly enforced. Motorists are encouraged to read signage before parking.”

Prior closures will also affect sections of Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive starting from Thursday, October 9, with all streets fully reopened by Friday, October 17 at 3:00 p.m.

Who were the 2024 Chicago Marathon winners?

The 2024 Chicago Marathon featured extraordinary performances across all divisions. John Korir of Kenya won the men’s race with a time of 2:02:44, marking the second-fastest marathon in history. He has previously won the Los Angeles Marathon in 2021 and 2022, and finished third and fourth in the 2022 and 2023 Chicago Marathons, respectively.

Ruth Chepngetich achieved a historic milestone in the women’s race, finishing under 2 hours and 10 minutes at 2:09:56, breaking the previous world record of 2:11:53 set by Tigst Assefa in 2023. During the race, NBC commentator Carrie Tollefson noted, “This woman is on pace to do something that I never really thought I would see in a lifetime.”

In the wheelchair divisions, Marcel Hug won the men’s race, continuing his dominance in Chicago after victories in 2022 and 2023. Catherine Debrunner claimed the women’s wheelchair title, finishing just over an hour and 36 minutes and potentially setting a course record. Her biggest competitor, Susannah Scaroni, suffered a flat tire early in the race.

What should spectators and runners know before race day?

Spectators will not have access to the start or finish lines within Grant Park. These areas are restricted to participants with bib numbers, staff, and ticketed guests. Family and friends are encouraged to support runners along the course or at the post-race areas in Grant Park, which open at 9:30 a.m.

The marathon has several designated cheer zones, including Lincoln Park at Mile 8, the Charity Block Party at Mile 15, and cultural highlights such as Pilsen at Mile 19 and Chinatown at Mile 21. The course also passes through Northalsted, known for its block-party atmosphere and supportive crowd.

Runners should prepare by picking up their participant packets at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place. The Expo runs Thursday, October 9, through Saturday, October 11, with hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Participants can track their progress using the Chicago Marathon app, which provides live updates at key points, including the 10K, halfway, and 30K checkpoints, as well as the finish line. Spectators may also use the app to submit messages of encouragement.

Public transport is recommended on race day due to road closures. Stations along the route include Grand Red Line Station (Miles 1, 3, 12.5), Addison Red Line Station (Mile 8.5), 18th Pink Line Station (Mile 19.25), Sox-35th Red Line Station (Miles 23 and 23.5), and Roosevelt Station (finish line).

The 2025 Chicago Marathon medal features the city’s flag and skyline on the front, and the marathon course outline on the back. Participants completing the Chicago Distance Series, comprising the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Chicago 13.1, and the Chicago Marathon, will be receiving a unique medal and guaranteed entry to the 2026 marathon. Organizers stated, “This will be waiting for you beyond the finish line on October 12.”

“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,” the marathon website notes. “Your energy and inspiration make a difference!”