chicago marathon tracking:2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Over 50,000 Runners Hit the Streets for the Iconic RaceThe much-awaited 47th edition of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2025 kicked off on a thrilling Sunday morning, drawing more than 50,000 runners from all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries. This world-renowned marathon, which covers 26.2 miles across Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, is one of the city’s most celebrated annual events.
Starting and finishing at Grant Park, near the Art Institute of Chicago, the marathon offers an unforgettable experience — not only for the runners but also for more than one million spectators who line the streets to cheer them on.
Marathon Start Time and Schedule
The Chicago Marathon 2025 officially began at 7:20 a.m. CT with the men’s wheelchair race, followed by the women’s wheelchair category at 7:21 a.m. and handcycle competitors at 7:23 a.m.
The main event featuring tens of thousands of runners was divided into three waves to ensure smooth pacing:
- Wave 1 Start: 7:30 a.m.
- Wave 2 Start: 8:00 a.m.
- Wave 3 Start: 8:35 a.m.
The course allows runners a 6-hour and 30-minute time limit to complete the full distance. Anyone aiming to finish within that limit must maintain an average pace of 15 minutes per mile.
Spectator gates at Grant Park opened at 9:30 a.m., with the 27th Mile Post-Race Party running until 4:00 p.m. — offering live music, entertainment, and refreshments for participants and visitors.
Course Map, Neighborhoods & Street Closures
The Chicago Marathon course is known for being flat, fast, and scenic, making it one of the most desirable courses for record-breaking performances. The race route runs through 29 of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, giving runners a unique cultural and architectural tour of the city.
Major street closures began early Sunday morning around 6 a.m., with streets reopening gradually until 4:30 p.m. or once deemed safe by city authorities. Drivers were advised to use alternate routes or public transportation throughout the event.
Several Cheer Zones across the city offered spectators the chance to boost runners’ morale:
- Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Cheer Zone (8K Mark) – Located in Lincoln Park, celebrating the Chicago running season’s spirit.
- Chicago 13.1 Cheer Zone (Mile 13.1) – Situated on the West Side, marking the halfway point of the marathon.
- Charity Block Party (Mile 15) – Near Whitney Young High School, recognizing participants running for nonprofit causes.
- Bank of America Cheer Zones (Miles 13 & 26) – High-energy cheering sections near North Wacker Drive and the Michigan Avenue finish line.
For those unable to attend in person, the marathon was streamed live from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on NBC 5 Chicago, YouTube, and NBC Chicago News via platforms like Peacock, Roku, Fire TV, Xumo, Samsung TV Plus, Google TV, and Pluto.
Race Highlights and Early Updates
The men’s wheelchair category saw Switzerland’s Marcel Hug, a three-time defending champion, take an early and commanding lead. By the halfway point, Hug completed the mark in 41:14, more than 1 minute and 30 seconds ahead of Great Britain’s David Weir.
In the men’s elite group, runners Timothy Kiplagat, John Korir, Jacob Kiplimo, Amos Kipruto, and Philemon Kiplimo crossed the 10km mark in an impressive 28:25, about 17 seconds faster than the world record split.
On the women’s side, Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa set the pace early, leading the 5km split in 16:06 and maintaining her lead through the 10km checkpoint at 32:08. She was closely followed by Magdalena Shauri, with Ejgayehu Taye and Megertu Alemu trailing just six seconds behind.
The 2025 marathon once again proved why it’s considered one of the World Marathon Majors, not only for the intense competition but also for its philanthropic impact — raising millions of dollars for charity and contributing nearly $700 million to Chicago’s economy over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What time did the 2025 Chicago Marathon start?
The race began at 7:20 a.m. CT with the wheelchair categories, followed by the main runner waves starting between 7:30 a.m. and 8:35 a.m.
2. How long is the Chicago Marathon course?
The marathon is 26.2 miles (42.195 km) long, covering 29 neighborhoods across Chicago.
3. How can I watch the Chicago Marathon live?
You can stream the race live on NBC 5 Chicago, YouTube, and NBC Chicago News, available on multiple streaming platforms like Peacock, Roku, Fire TV, and Pluto TV.
4. What is the cutoff time for finishing the marathon?
Participants must finish within 6 hours and 30 minutes to receive an official time and medal.
5. Are there any special events for spectators?
Yes, multiple Cheer Zones and the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Grant Park (9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) provide fans with entertainment, food, and celebration opportunities.