The Chicago Marathon is held every October in Chicago, and this year's race will be the 47th. Those who want to participate in the marathon must meet a qualifying time or be selected through a lottery. However, there are exceptions to this rule for legacy finishers, elite runners, and charity representatives. If you are just interested in the festivities, you can line up along the streets of Chicago to cheer the runners. You might even want to take part in the post-race celebration around the city, including the 27th Mile Post-Race Party at Grant Park with live music, food and beverages.
Although many runners participate in the race, even more spectators come to cheer for the runners. Many mile markers are used as Cheer Zones where spectators can encourage runners on the track. At Mile 15, there is also a Charity Block Party where fundraising occurs alongside the race. At other Cheer Zones, Bank of America provides entertainment and cheer items for free. The East Side Viewing Area is the spot where spectators can see runners cross the finish line. Tickets are available to purchase for viewing in this zone.
General spectators are only allowed in certain areas along the route. Each runner will need an event-issued bib number or credentials to enter the start and finish areas of the race. If you are waiting for a marathon participant, you can reunite at the post-race party in Grant Park. However, you must pass through a bag screening and additional security. All visitors are welcome to purchase a ticket for the Balbo Hospitality Tent. In the tent, guests can experience pre-race and post-race meals, recovery massage therapy, private gear check and finish-line seating. For the runners, there are several amenities along the route, including toilet facilities, Gatorade stations and a medical tent.
The Chicago Marathon makes its way throughout 29 neighborhoods of the city. Whether you are running or watching, you can experience this event that attracts visitors from around the world. The start and finish lines are both located at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street in Grant Park. This 26.2-mile route extends from the north to Sheridan Road, west to Damen Avenue and to the south on 35th Street. Grant Park Chicago, IL
While there aren’t any options for camping right at the Chicago Marathon, there are lots of Chicago area campgrounds to check out. • Blackwell Family Camping is located in the Chicago suburb of Warrenville, about 33 miles away, and features 20-amp electric hookups. In addition to camping for the race, you can enjoy some of the amenities of the adjacent park, such as fishing spots and hiking trails. There is a dump station for your convenience, and firewood is available for purchase. The park also features a bathhouse with flushing toilets. For the Chicago Marathon weekend, Metra train lines offer special schedules to get visitors to the downtown area. • Race View Farms is family owned, and it is located on 160 total acres. The campground at the Farms is situated near the Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway. Each campsite features 30-amp electric hookups and pull-through sites. This spot about 49 miles from Chicago is popular with race car fans, and it can be a great place to spend the weekend for RVers who want to watch the marathon. Race View Farms is located in Joliet, which connects with Chicago by two Metra train lines. • Thousand Trails Pine Country is an RV Park in Belvidere, about 72 miles from Chicago, that is easily accessible to the major highways of northern Illinois. Pine Country has over 100 sites with 30- and 50-amp electric hookups. You may want to enjoy some amenities there after watching the race, including showers and a pool. Here's what RVers need to know: • RV parking in downtown Chicago will be very limited on the day of the Chicago Marathon, so using public transportation is recommended. If you're staying in one of the suburban RV parks, you can get to Chicago from Amtrak or Metra train lines. All the trains stop at Union Station, which is a short walk to Grant Park, the start and end of the marathon route. • Chicago is known for its breezy weather, and October can be particularly chilly in the Windy City. Campers who stay near Chicago should prepare for cold nights by packing warm layers and supplies for campfires, like wood and fire starters. • For those who want to try cooking in their RVs, bringing the right cookware on your trip is important. Be sure to have items like pots, pans, kitchen utensils, mixing bowls, and knives.
If you'd like to stay in downtown Chicago, your only option is in a hotel. • The Best Western Grant Park Hotel, with 172 rooms and suites, is located along the edge of Grant Park. This location is also a short walk from Soldier Field, the Art Institute, and many other museums. • The HI Chicago Hostel is another place for accommodations right next to Grant Park. This hostel has dorm-style rooms and lots of options for on-site dining.
Chicago is a major transportation hub. If you are traveling by RV or car, the major interstates make it a convenient drive from anywhere. These major highways and interstates include the I-90 or Kennedy Expressway, I-94 or Dan Ryan Expressway, I-55 or Stevenson Expressway, I-290 or Eisenhower Expressway and I-294 or Tri-State Tollway. If you are flying into the city, Chicago is the home of two international airports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the larger one, and it's just 16 miles from downtown Chicago. Chicago Midway International Airport is the city's regional airport, and it's located 11 miles from the downtown area.
If you are thinking about parking during the race weekend, you need to be aware of parking restrictions. It's strongly recommended to use public transportation. Those who want to drive into the city need to allow extra time for street closures and heavy traffic congestion. The closest Chicago Marathon parking options to Grant Park are available at Millennium Park, Grant Park North, Grant Park South and the Millennium Lakeside garages.
There are no official tickets for those who want to watch the race. Anyone in the city can line up along the race route to cheer on the runners. However, viewing at the finish line requires the purchase of a $30 ticket. Runners must meet certain qualifications to run in the race, and registration is often completed within minutes of opening to the general public. If you want to learn more about the running qualifications, see the official website.
Whether you’re running in the Chicago Marathon or just cheering on the participants, you’ll enjoy seeing the start and end of the big race. You can also enjoy the after-party at Grant Park and see some top Chicago downtown attractions while in town. For more updates about the Chicago Marathon, check out the event's Facebook page.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
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