Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 Chicago Marathon

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The Chicago Marathon is thought for breaking data, whether or not it’s setting world report instances, producing private bests, or attracting extra contributors yearly. This race breaks boundaries.

This 12 months, organizers are anticipating 50,000 contributors, a quantity that may exceed final 12 months’s report by about 3,000 runners. That in fact features a star-studded elite subject and a packed calendar for runners and spectators, alike.

There can even be a heartfelt tribute to the late Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan athlete who broke the world report in final 12 months’s Chicago Marathon. Kiptum, in solely his third marathon, ran two hours and 35 seconds, brushing up towards the marathon’s elusive two-hour barrier. However the rising celebrity tragically died in a automobile accident in Kenya simply 4 months afterward February 11. To honor his reminiscence, the 2024 Chicago Marathon will characteristic a second of silence firstly, an exhibit celebrating his life and unbelievable expertise, and particular tribute stickers for runners to put on through the race. Celebrating Kiptum’s life might be an necessary a part of Chicago’s marathon weekend.

RELATED: Kelvin Kiptum’s Meteoric Profession in Footage

Irrespective of in case you’re racing, cheering from the sidelines, monitoring a runner, or watching from house, right here’s all the pieces you want to know concerning the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

The Chicago Marathon: A Transient Historical past

The primary Chicago Marathon came about in 1905, simply eight years after the Boston Marathon was created. An area runner, Rhud Metzner, took the inaugural win. Chicago hosted the occasion yearly till the Nineteen Twenties when it went on hiatus till September 25, 1977. That’s when the trendy model of the race underneath a brand new group was born. It was the heyday of the unique operating growth sweeping by way of the U.S., impressed, partially, by Frank Shorter’s 1972 Olympic marathon gold and the thrill across the 1976 Olympics (the place Shorter earned silver).

The 1977 race, then often known as the Mayor Daley Marathon, attracted 4,000 runners, which was thought of a big turnout on the time. (The 1976 New York Metropolis Marathon—the primary run that stretched by way of all 5 boroughs of the town—had simply 2,090 runners.) Dan Cloeter of Nebraska (2:17:52) and Dorothy Doolittle of Texas (2:50:47) had been the boys’s and girls’s winners. Cloeter grew to become the primary two-time winner in 1979 (2:23:20) when the race was renamed the Chicago Marathon.

From 4,000 runners to just about 50,000, the Chicago Marathon has grow to be a bucket listing race for a lot of marathoners. It’s one of many six World Marathon Majors alongside Boston, New York, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

A Report-Breaking Course

Six world data have been damaged on the speedy course, recognized for its elevation achieve of solely 243 toes. In 1984, Steve Jones of Nice Britain set the primary world report with a time of two:08:05. (The earlier report had been the two:08:18 Australia’s Rob de Castella set on the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan in 1981.) The present males’s world report (2:00:35), set by the late Kiptum, was run on the Chicago course simply final 12 months.

The ladies professionals additionally see nice success in Chicago. Kenya’s Catherine Ndereba broke the world report in Chicago for the primary time in 2001 in 2:18:47 adopted by Paula Radcliffe of Nice Britain in 2002 with a 2:17:18 end. Radcliffe went on to interrupt her personal time for 2 consecutive years in London, and Chicago didn’t see one other lady’s report till 2019, when Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei ran 2:14:04. That report stood till final September when Tigst Assefa ran a 2:11:53 in Berlin. Simply two weeks after Assefa’s gorgeous report, Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands clocked a 2:13:44 in Chicago—the second-fastest marathon time in ladies’s historical past.

What Time Does the Chicago Marathon Begin?

The primary wave of runners (elites and corrals A-E) begins at 7:30 A.M. CST.

If you happen to’re operating the race, the beginning line at Columbus Drive and Monroe Road in Grant Park might be open to runners beginning at 5:30 A.M. Gear test will start on the similar time.

If you happen to’re in corrals A-E, the corral will shut at 7:20 A.M. Right here is the 2024 race day schedule of occasions. 

2024 Chicago Marathon Elite Runners

This 12 months’s race is stacked with achieved worldwide runners in addition to dozens of People attempting to set new PRs and top-10 finishes.

Girls’s Elite Discipline

Main contender Ruth Chepngetich is the fourth quickest ladies’s marathoner in historical past based mostly on the two:14:18 profitable effort she recorded in Chicago in 2022, however she’s coming off a lackluster ninth-place displaying on the London Marathon in April (2:24:36). Chepngetich tried to threepeat within the Windy Metropolis final 12 months, however wound up a distant second (2:15:37) behind Ethiopian-Dutch runner Sifan Hassan in her debut marathon. Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede is coming off a PR win (2:15:55) on the Tokyo Marathon in March (the quickest time on the planet this 12 months), whereas Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:16:24) took third in London (2:16:24) in April, whereas prime People Keira D’Amato (2:19:12) and Betsy Saina (2:19:17) spherical out the 9 sub-2:20 runners within the subject.

A number of different prime U.S. runners are looking for a robust end result, together with Sara Corridor, (2:20:32), Emma Bates (2:22:10), Sara Vaughn (2:23:24), Susanna Sullivan (2:24:27), Gabi Rooker (2:24:35), Lindsay Flanagan (2:24:43), and Nell Rojas (2:24:51). Bates started a robust string of outcomes after ending the 2021 Chicago Marathon in second, however her most up-to-date marathon result’s her Twelfth-place end (2:27:14) in Boston in April after recovering from a partial plantar tear which she incurred through the Chicago Marathon final 12 months. (She completed thirteenth in 2:25:04.)

Males’s Elite Discipline

The lads’s elite subject isn’t fairly as deep as the ladies’s, however Amos Kipruto (Kenya), Vincent Ngetich (Kenya), and Dawit Wolde (Ethiopia) have all run sub-2:04 and, if circumstances are proper, may blaze by way of Chicago’s flat, quick course. Kipruto, the winner of the 2022 London Marathon, owns the quickest private finest within the males’s subject, which got here from his 2:03:13 effort on the 2022 Tokyo Marathon (the place he completed 33 seconds behind Eliud Kipchoge). He most lately completed seventh (2:04:49) within the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Additionally of observe, Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo, the silver medalist within the 10,000 meters on the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, might be making his marathon debut after being left off the Kenyan Olympic group.

The highest American within the subject is Zach Panning, who completed sixth on the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February and owns a private finest of two:09:28. He’s joined by fellow sub-2:10 People Brian Shrader and C.J. Albertson, in addition to Reed Fischer (2:10:34), Nathan Martin (2:10:45), and Colin Mickow (2:11:22).

Climate Forecast for the Chicago Marathon 2024

Chicago’s climate in October will be unpredictable, however 2024 is shaping as much as be a bit steamy for runners. Forecasts predict temperatures starting from 50 to 60 levels within the morning with humidity at 74 %. Regardless of the sweaty circumstances, there must be partial cloud protection.

Chicago Marathon Course Particulars

Tremendous flat, lightning quick—the Chicago Marathon course has earned these superlatives due to its minimal elevation change. The achieve is 243 toes with a lack of 242 toes.

Alongside the Course

There are many iconic landmarks to distract from the lengthy miles. Beginning and ending in Grant Park, the course winds by way of 29 of Chicago’s most lovely neighborhoods over 26.2 miles.

You’ll begin by heading up Michigan Avenue, passing by way of the Magnificent Mile. It’s lined with fancy motels, skyscrapers, luxurious shops, distinctive structure, and different sights which may stop you from going out too quick.

From miles 4 to 7, you’ll be cruising by way of Lincoln Park. You’ll run previous the zoo, museums, and lovely views of Lake Michigan and a number of the tall buildings that make up the town’s well-known skyline. After that, it’s on to Wrigleyville, house of the Cubs and a youthful vibe of the encompassing neighborhoods and tons of power to maintain you transferring north earlier than circling again towards the Loop within the coronary heart of the downtown enterprise district.

Halfway by way of the race, simply after mile 13, you’ll move by the circa-1925 Daniel Burnham-designed Union Station, one of the crucial well-known prepare stations within the nation that has roots again to 1881. It’s a cool spot to mark a significant milestone. Then, it’s west towards Damen Avenue and ultimately south, the place you’ll hit the historic Pilsen neighborhood.

At mile 19, prepare for Chinatown. The group power right here is unbelievable, and operating underneath the well-known Chinatown Gate will provide you with the pick-me-up you want for these ultimate miles.  You’ll briefly move by way of Bridgeport and Assured Charge Discipline (house of the Chicago White Sox) earlier than crossing the Dan Ryan Expressway and the Illinois Institute of Expertise earlier than looping again and starting a two-mile stretch alongside South Michigan Avenue.

Oh, and you know the way everybody says there are practically no hills? There’s a cause why the “practically” in that sentence is necessary. On the very finish of the marathon, as you make your approach from Michigan Avenue to Roosevelt Street, you’ll be confronted with a large incline that may have you ever sputtering out swear phrases. Though it’s only some hundred meters lengthy, locals have referred to as it “Mount Roosevelt.” Simply remind your self that climbing this mountain means you’re nearing the top. The anguish is transient and rapidly turns to euphoria as you attain the summit and switch left and run downhill onto Columbus Drive to the end line in Grant Park about 200 meters away.

Support Station Facilities and Placements

There are 20 support stations alongside the route spaced about 1 to 2 miles aside beginning at mile 1.6. Each station encompasses a medical tent, porta-potties, Gatorade (lemon-lime taste), and water.

The stations at miles 13.6, 18.2, and 23 will characteristic Maurtan Gels. Miles 19.5 by way of 22.3 will supply bananas.

What’s New for 2024?

Expanded Tempo Teams

Runners may have extra tempo teams to select from this 12 months. There might be practically 100 pacers who will lead runners to time targets of three:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:40, 4:50, 5:00, 5:30, and 5:45.

Environmentally Pleasant

To be a extra sustainable and environmentally-minded race, there is not going to be plastic water bottles on the end line of the Chicago Marathon. As an alternative, due to a partnership with Culligan Worldwide, the race will move out water in aluminum cans.

Celebrated Historical past

The Chicago Marathon was awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque forward of this 12 months’s race. It’s an honor that acknowledges a contribution to athletics historical past.

What to Anticipate on the Expo

The Abbott Well being & Health Expo is situated at McCormick Place’s Lakeside Heart (Corridor D). You’ll have to swing by the expo earlier than you race to select up your race packet. Relying on the place you’re staying, it’s best to think about taking a cab, bus, or a ride-share automobile as a result of it’s situated about 3 miles from many downtown motels.

Expo Hours of Operation

Thursday, October 10: 11 A.M. to six P.M. CST

Friday, October 11: 9 A.M. to six P.M. CST

Saturday, October 12: 9 A.M. to six P.M. CST

Packet Decide-Up

Earlier than you do any shakeout runs, exploring, consuming, or procuring, decide up your race packet on the expo. Make sure to carry a photograph ID and the Packet Decide-up Ticket that might be emailed to you. Your packet accommodates your bib (with timing system), your race shirt, and a participant bag.

What’s on the Expo?

If you happen to’ve by no means been to an enormous race, the expo expertise will blow your thoughts. It’s like a mall only for runners with sneakers, apparel, restoration instruments, and the newest in tech and gasoline.

The Chicago Marathon participant information says there might be 160 exhibitors. It’s simple to get overwhelmed by the expo expertise. We’ve all been there—like a child in a sweet store drooling over the latest taste of caffeinated gels.

Our recommendation? Bear in mind to keep away from attempting something new on race day. Which means, for instance, don’t purchase and put on a brand new pair of socks on your massive race. For gasoline, this rule extends to the times main as much as Sunday morning as properly. If you happen to see one thing attention-grabbing, get it however put it in your suitcase to be used after the race.

RELATED: What to Pack for a Vacation spot Race 

One other piece of knowledge? Don’t dawdle across the expo. Earlier than it, you’ll have a bunch of pointless time in your toes that you simply don’t need there earlier than you race 26.2 miles. Get in, get your packet, get out.

Get To The Expo

If you happen to’re driving, set your GPS to 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr. and comply with indicators to Parking Lot C.

Taking a rideshare? Enter McCormick Place—East Constructing for a simple drop-off location.

The CTA can be a fantastic possibility in case you’re coming from different components of the town.

Make certain to go away the massive luggage at house—safety screenings might be in place.

Transportation Suggestions for Runners

If you happen to’re flying in, skip the cab from the airport and take the CTA’s Blue Line from O’Hare or the Orange Line from Halfway—each are inexpensive and handy to get into the town.

On race day, the CTA is your finest good friend. Take the Pink Line or Inexperienced Line to get to Grant Park. If you happen to’re driving, parking close to Grant Park is proscribed and fills up quick. Contemplate parking garages within the Loop or close to Millennium Park.

The place to Eat in Chicago

We all know meals is necessary to runners. Fueling earlier than, celebrating after, and snacking all through the weekend is a should—particularly in a foodie mecca like Chicago. We requested our employees and a hospitality skilled for his or her finest suggestions.

Brunch

David Gleisner, RUN’s Illinois-born social media strategist, recommends Lula Cafe in Logan Sq., particularly for brunch.

One other Chicagoan, Jake Goldstein, who’s been within the hospitality enterprise for greater than a decade suggests The Dawson, a Michelin Really helpful upscale eatery with progressive dishes like Rooster Fried Lobster together with brunch classics like crab cake benedict. Oh, and naturally, bottomless mimosas.

Espresso

Certain you might go to Starbucks, however Goldstein suggests Large Shoulders Espresso and Sweetwaters Espresso and Tea. 

And in case you’re searching for a candy deal with along with your morning brew, he says Mindy’s Bakery is the very best within the metropolis. 

Dinner

Gleisner says Alpana is centrally situated and “pretty for carb loading.”

Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza. If you happen to’re searching for a quintessential deep dish expertise, RUN’s editor-in-chief Brian Metzler says Giordano’s Pizza must be on the prime of your listing.

If you happen to’re searching for one thing slightly totally different, Goldstein’s absolute favourite place in Chicago is Rose Mary, a Croatian and Italian restaurant.

His different picks are Anelya (Ukrainian), Au Cheval (upscale American bar favorites with “a ardour for eggs” and fancy drinks), Boka (American and Michelin starred), Duck Duck Goat (Chinese language impressed), and Obelix (French).

Exploring Chicago

Whilst you shouldn’t spend an excessive amount of time in your toes earlier than the race and also you may not wish to do rather more than nap after, Chicago is an incredible metropolis with loads to do and see.

Have you ever even been to Chicago in case you didn’t take a photograph with “The Bean” in Millennium Park? This mirrored sculpture is titled “Cloud Gate” nevertheless it’s higher often known as “The Bean” and has grow to be a must-see characteristic in Chicago’s downtown.

Take a shoreline cruise from the legendary Navy Pier. Chill and take within the metropolis’s skyline with a cruise down the Chicago River. For lower than $50 an individual, you may spend a ravishing day on the water trying out the structure of the town. We advocate checking this out post-marathon, particularly in case you’re liable to seasickness. If you happen to’re planning this earlier than the massive race, attempt to keep actually hydrated and keep away from getting overheated.

Loosen up with a stroll on the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic 1.25-mile paved path is a pure paradise tucked within the metropolis’s city panorama.

But when ready in your lodge room till race morning is extra your jam, don’t fear! The marathon itself is a operating tour of the town and also you’ll get to see a number of the coolest sights on foot.

Shakeout Runs

There are various actions for runners throughout Chicago Marathon weekend and leaping right into a shakeout run will assist you to loosen up with a couple of simple miles a day or two earlier than the race. Listed here are free occasions with accessible spots:

Pre-Race Shakeout by Tracksmith Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024Time: 8:00 A.M. CSTDistance: 3 milesLocation: Chicago Athletic Affiliation, 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Matt Choi’s Shakeout RunDate: Saturday, October 12, 2024Time: 8:00 A.M. CSTDistance: 3 milesLocation: Grant Park, Buckingham Memorial Fountain, 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago Marathon Shakeout Run with @resiliencyinrunning & @fastandflow_Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024Time: 8:00 A.M. CSTDistance: 1-4 milesLocation: Foxtrot Market, 23 West Maple Road, Chicago, IL 60610

Arc’teryx and Latinas Run ChicagoDate: Saturday, October 12, 2024Time: 9 A.M.Distance: 3.1 milesLocation: Arc’teryx Rush Road, 1007 North Rush Road, Chicago, IL 60611

Runners Empire Chicago Marathon Shakeout RunDate: Saturday, October 12, 2024Time: 9 A.M.Distance: A few milesLocation: Artwork Institute, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Reasonable Runners Shakeout Run + WalkDate: Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024Time: 10:00 A.M. CSTDistance: 3 milesLocation: PiniPico Espresso, 1538 North Clark Road Chicago, IL 60610

Recuperate

If you happen to’re on the town for a day or so after the race, you might deal with your self to a therapeutic massage or spa day to assist your drained muscular tissues recuperate.

“The Langham Spa is superb, however considerably costly,” says Goldstein. Hey, after a marathon, it is likely to be value it. He additionally suggests Allyu and AIRE Historic Baths Chicago.

The Greatest Spectator Viewing Places

The Chicago Marathon is among the most spectator-friendly races on the planet. Because of the looped course and the town’s environment friendly public transit, spectators can catch their marathoners at a number of factors alongside the route.

Organizers and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have practically perfected the artwork of constructing the race accessible and simple to navigate. The prepare is the easiest way to get across the metropolis on race day since there might be street closures and site visitors that might impede your efforts to get round.

Earlier than you propose your spectating day, obtain the Chicago Marathon App so you may observe your runner all through the race. The marathon web site additionally gives this helpful information to spectating in case you’re decided to see your runner as a lot as doable with out operating a marathon your self.

It’s high-quality in case your strategy to cheering is a little more fluid than leaping on and off the Pink Line, however we do advise having a free plan in case you’re unfamiliar with the town. Listed here are some viewing spots you may wish to take a look at.

Mile 1 & 3 (Grand Pink Line Station): See your runner early at mile 1 on Grand Avenue, then stroll a couple of blocks west to LaSalle Road (mile 3) to catch your runner once more.

Mile 8 & 8.5 (Sheridan and Addison Pink Line Stations): These stations supply prime viewing in Lakeview.

Mile 13 (West Loop): The midway level. It’s an enormous deal to make it right here and a few crowd assist is all the time good. (Don’t inform them they’re nearly there.)

Mile 18 (Pilsen): Identified for having DJs and a celebration environment, Pilsen is the proper place to provide runners a much-needed morale enhance within the later phases of the race.

Mile 22 (Chinatown): One other iconic spot, Chinatown’s power helps push runners by way of the hardest miles.

End Line (Grant Park): If you happen to’re devoted to seeing your runner cross the end, think about buying a $30 ticket for unique entry to the East Facet Viewing Space. When you have a ticket, head to Grant Park on the intersection of Michigan Avenue and eleventh Road for entry.

Plan forward for the place to satisfy your runner after they end. The “twenty seventh Mile Submit-Race Celebration” in Grant Park opens at 9:30 a.m., however since it is going to be crowded, agree on a particular assembly spot.

Watch the Chicago Marathon

If you happen to’re fascinated by watching the elites zoom round Chicago from the consolation of your private home, there are live-streaming choices in English and Spanish.

NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Dwell Chicago will broadcast the marathon reside from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST

You’ll be able to reside stream the Chicago Marathon right here on the NBC 5 Chicago website or right here on the Telemundo Dwell Chicago website.

Dwell streaming can be accessible on the NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago apps or by way of the NBC 5 Chicago app on Roku.