When And How To Watch The Chicago Marathon
Start Date
The 2025 Chicago Marathon is slated for Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Start Time
The professional men and women will go off at 7:30 a.m. CT
Have family or friends running the race? We have the full list of start times below:
- Marathon Wheelchair Start (men): 7:20 a.m.
- Marathon Wheelchair Start (women): 7:21 a.m.
- Handcycle Start: 7:23 a.m.
- Wave 1 Start (corrals A, B, C, D, and E): 7:30 a.m.
- Wave 2 Start (corrals F, G, H, and J): 8:00 a.m.
- Wave 3 Start (corrals K, L, M, and N): 8:35 a.m.
Can’t make it in person? Track them live on the Chicago Marathon app.
Spectators and supporters can track runners in real time using the marathon’s mobile app. To download the app, click here for iPhone and here for Android, or search “Bank of America Chicago Marathon” in the Apple or Google Play stores.
Users can add registered participants to their tracking list by searching for their name and marking them as favorites. The app allows tracking of up to 20 runners and also features an interactive course map, event schedule, and race photos.
How to Watch The Chicago Marathon
Live on TV
Channels: NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago
Time: 7-11 a.m. CT
Live Streaming
Where to Watch:
- NBC Chicago’s 24/7 streaming channel, NBC 5 Chicago News, is available on Peacock’s homepage on race day. You can also stream it on Roku TV, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Local Now, Pluto, Google TV, TCL, Xfinity, and FreeVee. For more information on accessing NBC 5 Chicago’s live streaming, click here.
- NBCChicago.com, TelemundoChicago.com
- NBC Chicago, Telemundo Chicago apps
- NBC Chicago on YouTube
Note: Live streams are available to viewers in the U.S. and Mexico.
Time: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., streams will feature an exclusive live finish line camera, allowing viewers to watch their favorite runners complete the race.
Course Map
The Chicago Marathon is known for its fast, flat course, with almost no significant climbing. Runners will face a 243-foot elevation gain and a 242-foot descent, making it renowned as a record-breaking course.
The race kicks off and concludes in Grant Park, taking runners through 29 diverse neighborhoods over the 26.2 miles. After starting on Michigan Avenue, you’ll pass through the Magnificent Mile, where upscale hotels, towering skyscrapers, and impressive architecture line the streets.
From miles 4 to 7, you’ll cross into Lincoln Park, passing the zoo, museums, and views of Lake Michigan, along with the skyline’s iconic skyscrapers. As you continue, you’ll make your way to Wrigleyville, home of the Chicago Cubs, where the energy of the surrounding neighborhood keeps spirits high before the route curves back towards the downtown business district.
At the halfway point, just past mile 13, you’ll pass Union Station, one of the country’s most iconic train stations. From there, the route heads west along Damen Avenue before swinging south through the historic Pilsen neighborhood.
At mile 19, you’ll enter the Chinatown neighborhood, known for its enthusiastic crowd and the famous Chinatown Gate. After a brief pass through Bridgeport and Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, the course takes you across the Dan Ryan Expressway and through the Illinois Institute of Technology campus before looping back for a two-mile stretch along South Michigan Avenue.
The marathon’s final challenge comes near the finish (hence why we said “almost” no significant climbs). A steep incline known as “Mount Roosevelt” appears as you turn from Michigan Avenue to Roosevelt Road. Though short, it’s notorious but conquering it means you’re almost done, with just a few hundred meters downhill on Columbus Drive to reach the finish line in Grant Park.
Weather
CHICAGO WEATHERPrize Money
The 47th Chicago Marathon on October 12 will feature elite long-distance runners competing for substantial prize money, with $100,000 awarded to the winners and additional bonuses for course records.
| 1st | $100,000 |
| 2nd | $75,000 |
| 3rd | $50,000 |
| 4th | $30,000 |
| 5th | $25,000 |
| Course Record Bonus | $50,000 |
Shakeout Runs
Running the Chicago Marathon this weekend? Or maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to get out for an easy group run.
There are a number of shakeout runs happening around the city the day before the Chicago Marathon.
So, if you’re in town, here’s a list of organized shakeout runs you could hit up to get the legs ready for the big dance on Sunday!
Wednesday, October 8
Saucony × Monday Coffee Co. Shakeout Run
📍 Monday Coffee Co.
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hosted by Saucony
Thursday, October 9
Saucony Shakeout with Sprints, Shokz & Balega
📍 Fleet Feet Chicago, 1023 S Delano Ct #1023, Chicago, IL 60607
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hosted by Fleet Feet, Saucony, Shokz & Balega
Friday, October 10
Endorphins Fuel Bar – Morning Shakeout Run
📍 Endorphins Fuel Bar
🕖 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Hosted by Endorphins Running, Mush, Bare Performance Nutrition & New Balance
7th Annual 2.62 Mile Donut Run – Chicago Marathon Edition
📍 Cloud Gate (The Bean)
🕢 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Hosted by Cloud Gate Run Crew
Brooks Run Club Shakeout Run with Brooks Athletes
📍 Brooks Hyperion House Chicago
🕗 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Hosted by Brooks
Chicago Race Weekend Shakeout Run Kickoff with Coach Kayla
📍 59 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605
🕗 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Hosted by Runna
Chicago 26.2 Shakeout Run with Meb Keflezighi
📍 1150 S Delano Ct, Chicago, IL 60605
🕗 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Hosted by New Balance & Fleet Feet
Peloton × MoveMENt Chicago Shakeout Run
📍 Caffé Oliva at Ohio Street Beach
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Hosted by Peloton
Puma × Saysky Chicago Shakeout Run
📍 Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hosted by Puma & Saysky
Saturday, October 11
Lake Michigan Shakeout × Recovery
📍 North Avenue Beach
🕕 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Hosted by On
Vamos Run Club Shakeout Run with The Edge Run Club
📍 CrossFit CE
🕖 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Hosted by Vamos Run Club
Saturday Brooks Run Club Shakeout with Brooks Athletes
📍 Brooks Hyperion House Chicago
🕗 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Hosted by Brooks
Runna Shakeout Run with Coach Anya & The Feed
📍 59 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605
🕗 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Hosted by Runna
Rabbit Shakeout Run with Wahoo
📍 McCormick Place Lakeside Center Outdoor Fountain
🕗 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Hosted by Rabbit & Wahoo
GRC Run Club × PYNRS Shakeout Run
📍 400 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60642
🕗 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Hosted by GRC Run Club, PYNRS & AG1
The Bandit Chicago Marathon 2025 Shakeout Run
📍 435 N Michigan Ave #110
🕗 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Hosted by Bandit Running
Chicago Marathon Shakeout powered by Heartbreak & Nike Running
📍 Heartbreak Hill Running Company
🕗 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hosted by Heartbreak Hill & Nike
Tracksmith – Pre-Race Shakeout
📍 Tracksmith Pop-Up, Chicago Athletic Association
🕣 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Hosted by Tracksmith
Shakeout Run with Lululemon
📍 Lululemon Chicago
🕣 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Hosted by Lululemon
Peace Runners Chicago Marathon Shakeout Run
📍 Garfield Park Field House
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Hosted by Peace Runners
HOKA × Free People Movement Run Day
📍 FP Movement Studio
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Hosted by HOKA & Free People Movement
3RUN2 – Saturday Shakeout Run
📍 Goose Island Salt Shed Pub
🕤 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Hosted by New Balance & Shokz
ASICS Shakeout with Kofuzi and John & Wesley Korir
📍 1023 S Delano Ct, Chicago, IL 60607
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hosted by ASICS
Endorphins Running – Saturday Shakeout Run
📍 Fleet Feet South Loop
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hosted by Endorphins Running, Believe in the Run & Fleet Feet
Cooldown × Gold Coast Run Club × Nameless Track Club Shakeout
📍 Rivian (Chicago)
🕙 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hosted by Garmin, Gold Coast Run Club & Nameless Track Club
SPRINTS Chicago Marathon Party Run
📍 PiniPico Coffee & Empanadas
🕥 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Hosted by Sprints
November Project Chicago – Pizza Mile
📍 Lake Shore Park
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hosted by November Project Chicago
Sunday, October 12
GRC Run Club Mile 23 Cheer Zone
📍 35th & Indiana, Chicago (Runner’s Right)
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Hosted by GRC Run Club & Adidas
Men’s And Women’s Elite Start Lists
Men’s Startlist
- John Korir, KEN, 2:02:44 (Chicago, 2024)
- Timothy Kiplagat, KEN, 2:02:55 (Tokyo, 2024)
- Amos Kipruto, KEN, 2:03:13 (Tokyo, 2023)
- CyBrian Kotut, KEN, 2:03:22 (Berlin, 2024)
- Bashir Abdi, BEL, 2:03:36 (Rotterdam, 2021)
- Jacob Kiplimo, UGA, 2:03:37 (London, 2025)
- Philemon Kiplimo, KEN, 2:04:01 (Hamburg, 2025)
- Geoffrey Kamworwor, KEN, 2:04:23 (London, 2023)
- Huseydin Mohamed Esa, ETH, 2:04:39 (Chicago, 2024)
- Conner Mantz, USA, 2:05:08 (Boston, 2025)
- Daniel Ebenyo, KEN, 2:06:04 (Chicago, 2024)
- Galen Rupp, USA, 2:06:07 (Prague, 2018)
- Hiroto Inoue, JPN, 2:06:14 (Tokyo, 2025)
- Zouhair Talbi, MAR, 2:06:39 (Houston, 2024)
- Rory Linkletter, CAN, 2:07:02 (Boston, 2025)
- Matt Richtman, USA, 2:07:56 (Los Angeles, 2025)
- Ryan Ford, USA, 2:08:00 (Boston, 2025)
- CJ Albertson, USA, 2:08:17 (Chicago, 2024)
- Hideyuki Tanaka, JPN, 2:09:27 (Tokyo, 2025)
- Patricio Castillo, MEX, 2:10:40 (Seville, 2023)
- Marc Scott, GBR, 2:11:19 (London, 2024)
- Colin Mickow, USA, 2:11:22 (Chandler, 2020)
- Kevin Salvano, USA, 2:11:26 (Chicago, 2023)
- Nick Hauger, USA, 2:11:55 (Sacramento, 2024)
- Robert Miranda, USA, 2:12:07 (Sacramento, 2024)
- Afewerki Zeru, USA, 2:18:54 (Porto, 2023)
- Casey Clinger, USA, Debut
- Tai Dinger, USA, Debut
Women’s Start List
- Megertu Alemu, ETH, 2:16:34 (London, 2024)
- Hawi Feysa, ETH, 2:17:00 (Tokyo, 2025)
- Irine Cheptai, KEN, 2:17:51 (Chicago, 2024)
- Bedatu Hirpa, ETH, 2:18:27 (Dubai, 2025)
- Haven Hailu Desse, ETH, 2:19:17 (London, 2025)
- Mary Ngugi-Cooper, KEN, 2:20:22 (London, 2022)
- Calli Hauger-Thackery, GBR, 2:21:24 (Berlin, 2024)
- Lindsay Flanagan, USA, 2:23:31 (Chicago, 2024)
- Natosha Rogers, USA, 2:23:51 (Nagoya, 2025)
- Florencia Borelli, ARG, 2:24:18 (Seville, 2024)
- Gabi Rooker, USA, 2:24:29 (Chicago, 2024)
- Dakotah Popehn, USA, 2:24:40 (Chicago, 2023)
- Melody Julien, FRA, 2:25:01 (Valencia, 2023)
- Philippa Bowden, GBR, 2:25:47 (Berlin, 2024)
- Aubrey Frentheway, USA, 2:27:14 (Duluth, 2025)
- Maggie Montoya, USA, 2:27:50 (Rotterdam, 2025)
- Loice Chemnung, KEN, Debut
- Ejgayehu Taye, ETH, Debut
- Emily Venters, USA, Debut
Key Storylines To Watch At The 2025 Chicago Marathon
The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon arrives with one of the deepest elite fields in the event’s history. On a course known for fast times and world records, this year’s lineup blends proven champions, breakout contenders, and exciting debutants.
Defending men’s champion John Korir returns after a dominant 2024 victory in 2:02:44, the second-fastest time ever run in Chicago, and a follow-up win at the Boston Marathon this spring.
The Kenyan has set his sights on breaking 2:01, a barrier only the late Kelvin Kiptum has surpassed on this same course. But even as the favorite, Korir faces an exceptionally deep field of challengers that could make this one of the most unpredictable races in recent memory.
Among those likely to test him are Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55 in Tokyo 2024) and Amos Kipruto, third in Chicago last year.
Bashir Abdi, a two-time Olympic medalist from Belgium, and Jacob Kiplimo, the world half marathon record holder from Uganda, bring major-race pedigree, while Geoffrey Kamworor, a two-time New York City Marathon champion, will make his long-awaited Chicago debut after a 2:04:33 win in Rotterdam.
With six men boasting personal bests under 2:04, the men’s race could become a tactical battle if the early pace is conservative, or a record chase if conditions are ideal.
For U.S. fans, Conner Mantz headlines the American contingent. After running 2:05:08 in Boston, Mantz is now eyeing Khalid Khannouchi’s American record of 2:05:38. Galen Rupp, the 2017 Chicago champion, also returns in what may be one of his final major appearances, while a new wave of Americans like Matt Richtman, Ryan Ford, and Rory Linkletter look to make their mark among the global elites.
The women’s race is guaranteed to crown a new champion following Ruth Chepngetich’s absence. Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu (2:16:34) and Hawi Feysa (2:17:00) lead a formidable field, joined by Bedatu Hirpa, Haven Hailu Desse, and Kenya’s Irine Cheptai, who was third here last year.
Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery, the second-fastest British woman in history, will make her Chicago debut after running 2:21 in Berlin, and Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye, the 10,000m World Championships bronze medalist, makes one of the year’s most anticipated marathon debuts.
American contenders include Lindsay Flanagan, Natosha Rogers, and Gabi Rooker, all of whom set personal bests last season. With so many athletes clustered between 2:16 and 2:24, the women’s race could stay tightly packed well into the final miles, setting the stage for a fast and dramatic finish down Michigan Avenue.
