If you can’t make it to Grant Park this October, you can still catch every stride of the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon from home. NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will air full race coverage live, from the wheelchair start to the final finishers crossing the line on Columbus Drive.
The broadcast begins early on Sunday, October 12, with a special pre-race show at 6:30 a.m. CT, followed by live coverage from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT. Viewers in Chicago can tune in on NBC 5, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo Chicago and TeleXitos.
If you’re streaming, there are several easy options:
- NBCChicago.com and the NBC Chicago app will both carry the full broadcast.
- The NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel — available on Peacock, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Google TV, TCL, and Xfinity — will also show every mile.
- A Spanish-language stream will be available through TelemundoChicago.com and the Telemundo Chicago app.
For friends and family hoping to catch a loved one’s finish, NBC 5 Chicago will host an exclusive finish-line camera from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT, streaming continuously as runners make their final turn up Columbus Drive.
Those on the go can also listen live via 670 The Score Sports Radio, with coverage from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. CT. Play-by-play commentator Josh Liss and a panel of experts will call the action, and special preview shows featuring race director Carey Pinkowski will air in the lead-up to marathon weekend.
Watching In Person
For Chicago locals, there’s nothing quite like being part of the crowd. While spectators won’t be allowed inside the official start and finish areas in Grant Park, which are restricted to participants and credentialed guests, there are plenty of great viewing spots across the city’s neighborhoods.
Fans are encouraged to line the course to cheer on runners — something race organizers say truly makes a difference for participants. According to the marathon’s website, “Words of encouragement and cheers of support from spectators have helped thousands of participants cross the finish line.”
Best Places to Cheer
- Lincoln Park (8K mark) — One of the first big viewing areas, this spot connects with the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago’s traditional season opener. It’s a lively early checkpoint before runners head downtown again.
- West Side (Mile 13.1) — The halfway point of the marathon and a symbolic marker for many. Located near Garfield Park, it’s also where you’ll find the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Cheer Zone, celebrating the city’s half marathon event.
- Mile 15 (Adams & Loomis) — Known as the Charity Block Party, this zone celebrates runners raising funds for charitable causes. It’s one of the most spirited sections of the race.
- Bank of America Cheer Zones (Mile 13 & Mile 26) — Major corporate cheer stations featuring entertainment, giveaways, and a huge crowd presence. The final zone near Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt is especially popular as runners approach the finish.
- Community Cheer Zones — Throughout the course, local run clubs, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups organize unofficial cheering areas that give each mile a different energy.
The East Side Viewing Area, located just south of the finish on Columbus Drive, offers one of the best finish-line vantage points — but it requires a ticket, and passes have already sold out.
Spectator access to Grant Park will begin at 9:30 a.m., when the 27th Mile Post-Race Party opens at Butler Field. This is where runners and supporters reunite after finishing, with music, food, and space to celebrate.
For the best experience, organizers recommend using the CTA train system to move between neighborhoods, as many streets will be closed to vehicle traffic. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App also makes it easy to track runners in real time and see estimated arrival times at each checkpoint.
Tracking and Results
The official Chicago Marathon app is the easiest way to follow individual runners throughout the race. Available on iOS and Android, it provides live tracking, leaderboards, and updates on overall race standings. The app is free to download on the App Store and Google Play.
