What You Need To Know About The 2015 Chicago Marathon

By Kate Shepherd in News on Oct 9, 2015 4:24PM

Photo by Benjy Lipsman

The 38th annual Chicago Marathon starts bright and early on Sunday, and even if you're not running the marathon, you'll definitely notice its impact this weekend.

With 45,000 runners running 26.2 miles through 29 neighborhoods and about 2 million spectators expected, city officials are encouraging everyone to take public transportation to the race. The race begins and ends in Grant Park and the route goes through neighborhoods from Wrigleyville to Pilsen to Old Town. The recommended viewing spots around the city are in the marathon's spectator guide.

The wheelchair races starts at 7:20 a.m., the first wave of runners at 7:30 a.m. and the second wave at 8:00 a.m. Meteorologists are expecting the weather to be sunny, windy and warm so runners should be prepared for that, according to NBC.

Security will be high and runners will be required to enter Grant Park at the designated gateways and go through security checkpoints at Jackson Drive, Van Buren Street, Congress Boulevard and Harrison Street. But spectators cannot enter those park entrances. Participants must use clear bags issued by the marathon to store their personal belongings during the race.

Runners aren't allowed to use video devices, cellphones, computers, cameras or other similar electronics during the race, but can sign up to track their live results here.

Spectators and runners can reunite at the 27th Mile Post Race Party in Butler Field in Grant Park. A recent study found that a runner's high is like a marijuana high so it should be a fun party.

Chicago police officers will be conducting random bag checks along the race route and might search any backpacks or large bags. Any unattended bags along the route will be discarded.

Roads on the route will close at 7 a.m. Sunday and be opened on a rolling basis.
Some street closures have already gone into effect, with more expected Friday and Saturday. They include:

- Balbo from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive (closed Wednesday)
- Jackson, from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive (closed Wednesday)
- Columbus, from Roosevelt Road to Monroe (closing Friday)
- Several other closures around Grant Park, including sections of Columbus, Balbo, Congress, Jackson and Monroe (closing Saturday)

Not a morning person? The race will be broadcast on NBC Chicago on TV, on WSCR-AM 670 on radio and live streamed on NBC Chicago's website.