More than 45,000 runners will hit the pavement this weekend for a brisk 2019 Chicago Marathon.
Same destination, new goals: the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is back.
More than 45,000 runners will dash through Chicago Sunday with their eyes on the finish line at Columbus Drive. The 42nd annual event will once again welcome thousands of runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, according to the Chicago Marathon website.
Many participants will travel to the course with an entourage: an estimated 1.7 million spectators are expected to line the course that stretches through the 29 neighborhoods and starts and ends downtown.
Whether you’re carbo-loading this week for the race (or just for fun), you’ll be affected by the sizable event hitting the city this weekend. Here’s what you need to know about the Chicago Marathon:
When and where
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon begins 7:30 a.m. Sunday in Grant Park. After a lengthy tour through Chicago, the runners will finish on the south side of Grant Park.
How to get there
Regular CTA service will be running, so buses and all train lines that serve the Loop on Sundays (Blue, Green, Pink, Red, Brown and Orange) will offer an easy way to get to Grant Park from across the city. CTA provides updated travel information for the day of the marathon on its website.
In addition to regularly scheduled train service, Metra will run special inbound and outbound trains on race day. Click here for a detailed schedule.
Whether you’re commuting to the race or elsewhere in the Loop, expect additional congestion and potential delays due to the volume of travelers.
Road Closures
The extensive closures will affect more than 40 streets throughout Chicago starting 7 a.m. Sunday. Streets are scheduled to reopen between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Chicago Marathon website offers a list that shows which streets will be closed and which routes will be available come race day.
Security
A color-coded alert system will be used to communicate the status of course conditions to the public leading up to and on race day, according to the marathon website. The levels will range from low to extreme, based primarily on weather, as well as other conditions.
People are asked to report a suspicious person, object or vehicle along or near the marathon route. Prohibited items include objects such as large bags, costumes covering the face and pets. Learn more about overall safety measures here.
Forecast for the day
Sunday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 52 degrees, and will turn partly cloudy with a low around 40 degrees in the evening, according to the National Weather Service.
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