After testing the prowess of the athletes in the Berlin Marathon, the show of long-distance running will reach Chicago. As per the schedule, the Chicago Marathon 2024 will host the contest on October 13 this year. Following the passing of Kelvin Kiptum earlier this year, the Windy City will observe a moment of silence to honor his memory for the first time on the mentioned day. Notably, last year the deceased athlete took 2 hours, 35 seconds to set a new world record in the event. This year, Kiptum will not be there to take the stage. But the setup of the contest will remain the same. 

According to the update, the prize money is expected to remain the same. With that, there are a few bonuses as well. So as the event is coming closer, let’s explore the prize money of it and the footprint it leaves on the economic health of the city. 

Here is how much the winners will earn

The Chicago Marathon is the first race of its kind that offers a hefty bonus for making records on the track. The prize is applicable across all the competitive divisions, and it stands to be equal for both genders in those divisions. Therefore, winning the contest in the Windy City with a record can add a large sum to the purse. As per rrmonlineguide.com, the total prize money of the Chicago Marathon 2024 is expected to stay around $808,500. Now, the winner of the women’s marathon in the open division will earn $100,000. The winner in the men’s category will take away the same prize money. However, the bonus prize is $50,000 in the open division. However, in other divisions, numbers are different. 

In the wheelchair division, the winners will earn $25,000 each as the prize money. However, the bonus reward will be $50,000. So last time. Marcel Hug landed a bigger bonus prize compared to his actual prize money. However, for the American champions, the bonus reward is $15,000. They will get a similar sum as the prize money after winning their events. But there’s another economic part of the discussion. 

According to an independent assessment completed by Jones & Associates Economics, the Chicago Marathon 2023 has opened the floodgates of money exchange in the city. The correct valuation stood near $547 million. In 2022, it remained $386 million. So the trend dictates positive growth. 

On that estimation, the city is likely to see growth this time as well. However, as per the Bank of America, the hospitality sector appears to be the money-making machine this time. A large share of its profit comes from the footfalls, as the premier event attracts a lot of visitors from the outside. That results in a boom in hotels, restaurants, and other places. Coming to this year, the expectation is the same. But in the meantime, let’s have a quick look at the timings of the Chicago Marathon 2024. 

Chicago Marathon 2024 Schedule and how to watch

According to the update, Sifan Hassan will head to the Chicago Marathon 2024. The reigning champion has also pulled it big in the Paris Olympics. Therefore, expectations will be high from her. On the other hand, in Kelvin Kiptum’s absence, Amos Kipruto will take the mantle in the men’s category. The Kenyan runner will aim to shake his past failures off and keep the contest high. However, apart from these two standouts, there will be scores of athletes to attempt the title. To watch them, the fans will have to focus on three-time windows. 

The timetable shows that the first marathon wave will start at 7:30 am. At 8 am, the next one will arrive, and at 8:35 am, the last one will come. The race wheelchair divisions will begin at 7:20 a.m. and 7:21 a.m. (for men and women, respectively). There will be a race for the fans as well, and it will start after flagging off the open division. As far as the TV broadcast is concerned, NBC5 Chicago will be the prime. The broadcast will be available on the apps of NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago.