Chicago Marathon 2025 – Course Guide
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, the 47th edition of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon – one of the world’s largest marathons – will take place. This year, over 53,000 runners will tackle the legendary flat and fast course, starting and finishing in Grant Park. The event attracts thousands of sports enthusiasts, both participants and spectators, who cheer runners on every kilometer.
The Chicago Marathon is famous for records – four world records and many national records have been set here. The course runs through 29 Chicago neighborhoods, offering participants stunning architecture, the atmosphere of an American metropolis, and the energy of the crowd.
Race Day Schedule
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Men’s Wheelchair Start | 7:20 |
| Women’s Wheelchair Start | 7:21 |
| Handbike Start | 7:23 |
| Professional Runners Start | 7:30 |
| High Performance Program | 7:32 |
| Wave 1 | 7:35 |
| Wave 2 | 8:00 |
| Wave 3 | 8:35 |
| Grant Park Opens to Spectators & 27th Mile Post-Race Party Begins | 9:30 |
| Event Ends | 16:00 |
The detailed schedule will help you plan your trip downtown and avoid delays or traffic disruptions.
Street Closures and Traffic Management
Streets along the course will be closed from 6:00 to 16:00. Closures will be coordinated by the Chicago Police Department and lifted in stages as the last participants leave each section. Spectators should follow instructions from security personnel – this ensures the safety of all participants.
Do not block the course or cross it at unauthorized points, but you’ll find excellent cheering spots throughout the route.
Aid Stations and Medical Support
There will be 20 aid stations along the course, spaced approximately every 1–2 miles. Each station offers:
• medical tent with transport access
• portable toilets (including ADA)
• Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon-lime)
• water
• loudspeaker announcements
Nutrition partner Maurten will provide Gel 100 (with and without caffeine) – available at miles 12.4, 15.7, and 18.1. Later, between miles 20 and 23, runners will receive bananas from Chiquita, and just before the finish line awaits the Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone – a support area for tired muscles.
Medical support includes 22 locations, including tents along the course and in Grant Park. If needed, report immediately to medical volunteers.
Time Limit and Participation Rules
The time limit to complete the Chicago Marathon 2025 is 6 hours and 30 minutes (about 15 minutes per mile). After this time, participants may not receive full support and may not be included in official results.
The following are prohibited on the course:
• strollers, skateboards, and rollerblades
• large backpacks and face-covering costumes
• drones and animals (except service dogs)
• hydration backpacks (only belts and small bottles are allowed)
Abbott Chicago 5K 2025 – Marathon Warm-Up
If you want to get into the marathon spirit early, check out my post about the Abbott Chicago 5K 2025 – a shakeout run ahead of the big day. Participating in this race lets you loosen up your legs, preview the course, and soak in the Windy City vibe in a relaxed format.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cheer along the course?
Yes! Every neighborhood has cheering zones. Just don’t cross the course at unauthorized points and follow instructions from security personnel.
Can I bring a backpack?
Only small running belts and bottles are allowed. Large backpacks, hydration backpacks, and face-covering costumes are prohibited.
Where can I find medical help?
There are 22 medical locations along the course, including tents in Grant Park. If needed, report to medical volunteers.
Can I run with a dog?
No, animals are not allowed – except for service dogs.
What if I don’t finish within the time limit?
The limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes. After that, course support may be limited and your result won’t be included in official statistics.
Source: Chicago Marathon
