The Chicago Marathon is this weekend! Good luck if you're running! Whether you're running or watching, HERE are a few things you should know about the race:
What time should I get there and when does it end?
Marathon Wheelchair Start (men)
7:20 a.m.
Marathon Wheelchair Start (women)
7:21 a.m.
Marathon Handcycle Start
7:22 a.m.
Athletes with Disabilities Start (AWD)
7:23 a.m.
Wave 1 Start
7:30 a.m.
Wave 2 Start
8 a.m.
Wave 3 Start
8:35 a.m.
SPECTATOR ACCESS TO GRANT PARK
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
BIOFREEZE 27TH MILE POST-RACE PARTY
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
RUNNER REUNITE
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
What are the best places to cheer runners on?
Bank of America Cheer Zones – Mile 26
Cheer items will be provided to help you support your runners, and you'll be encouraged to use noisemakers to motivate runners, organizers said. The Mile 26 Cheer Zone is near the finish line at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road.
Charity Block Party
Thousands of runners will be taking part in the race for a good cause. This cheer zone will celebrate their fundraising efforts near Mile 15, located at Adams Street and Loomis Street near Whitney Young High School.
8K Cheer Zone
This location marks the celebratory Shamrock Shuffle cheer zone in Lincoln Park. It's the 8K mark of the race. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K marks the unofficial start to outdoor running season in Chicago each year.
A complete list of official cheer zones can be found here.
Fast QuestioWhat are the best ways to get to the marathon?
Spectators can access a number of viewing areas along the course via CTA 'L' trainsthe morning of the race. Cheer zones are located at various stops along the Red, Orange, Brown, Blue, Green and Pink lines.
Grand Red Line Station – Miles 1, 3 and 12.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Grand Avenue (mile 1). Walk three blocks west to LaSalle Street (mile 3) and four blocks west to Wells Street (mile 12.5).
Monroe Red Line Station – Mile 2
Board a Red Line train and exit at Monroe Street.
Chicago Red Line Station – Miles 3.5 and 12.25
Board a Red Line train and exit at Chicago Avenue. Walk three blocks west to LaSalle Street (mile 3.5) and four blocks west to Wells Street (mile 12.25).
Clark/Division Red Line Station – Miles 4 and 12
Board a Red Line train and exit at LaSalle Street (mile 4). Walk one block west to Wells Street (mile 12).
Sheridan Red Line Station – Mile 8
Board a Red Line train and exit at Sheridan. Walk four blocks east to Broadway.
Addison Red Line Station – Mile 8.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Addison Street. Walk four blocks east to Broadway.
Sedgwick Brown Line Station – Mile 11
Board a Brown Line train and exit at Sedgwick Street. Walk a half-block north to North Avenue.
Washington/Wells Elevated Station (Brown, Pink or Orange Line) – Mile 13.5
Board any Brown, Pink or Orange Line train and exit at Washington/Wells. Walk one block west on Washington to Franklin.
UIC-Halsted Blue Line Station – Miles 14.25 and 17