The Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 13th with the start and finish along Grant Park on Columbus Drive. The marathon will have 45,000 runners including the top 4 ranked runners in the world as well as 1.7 million spectators are expected. The course layout will be the same as in previous years. For a map of the course and street closures, please click here.
The starting times for the marathon will be:
- Marathon Wheelchair Start – 7:20am
- Marathon Handcycle Start – 7:21am
- Wave 1 Start – 7:30am
- Wave 2 Start – 8:00am
- 27th Mile Post-Race Party – 9:00am – 3:30pm
This year marathon will have updated security plans such as:
- CPD will begin securing the Grant Park area at 9:00pm on Saturday, October 12th
- Both uniformed and undercover officers will be present
- There will be bag checks to enter the Grant Park area
- CPD will be present at every intersection along the route
- Participants are required to pick up their own race packets at McCormick Place on October 11th or 12th. They will not be able to send a relative in their place this year
- Participants will be provided a clear bag with their race information
To report any suspicious activity regarding the marathon:
- Prior to the race:
- Access the City of Chicago Police website at https://portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath
- Select “To Police”
- Select “Report Suspicious Activity”
- Complete the on-line form describing who, what, when, where, and how
- On the day of the race:
- Call 911
- Tell the operator what you observed
- If there is a digital image of the activity, request a phone number to text the image to
Additionally remember these safety tips:
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible