Other Top Americans To Watch
Laura Thweattannounced
Sara Vaughn has committed to the marathon in her quest to make the U.S. Olympic team for 2024. She won her debut marathon with a 2:26:53 at the California International Marathon in December 2021, which is the 5th-fastest debut by an American woman. She struggled with stomach issues all throughout the Boston Marathon in April and finished back in 21st place in 2:36:27. In her first YouTube video, she said shes been running 120-130 miles per week. Unlike Bostons hilly course, shes hoping the flat roads in Chicago will benefit her and her track background.
When Is The Chicago Marathon 2019
The race itself starts on October 13, 2019, which is a Sunday. Theres a countdown timer on the Chicago Marathon website if you want a running count on how much longer you have left to train for the big day!
The events for Friday the 11th are the Abbot Health & Fitness Expo, as well as the race packet pick-up.
On Saturday the 12th, the program organizers are having the Advocate Healthcare International 5k.
Parking Grant Park South Garage
If you are driving into the city for the race, we encourage you to pre-purchase your parking at a discounted rate by going to millenniumgarages.com/rates. Be sure to allow extra time due to street closures and detours due to the event and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 9. The Grant Park South Garage is located at 325 S. Michigan Avenue. For directions and more information, visitmillenniumgarages.com.
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The Mens Win Is Up For Grabs
Defending champion Seifu Tura of Ethiopia is back to try and pick up a second Chicago victory, but theres no clear favorite in this race. This will be Turas third Chicago, after finishing 6th in 2019 and winning last year, and also his third marathon of 2022. Most recently he finished sixth in the World Championships Marathon in July, but as Judith Korir showed us last week in London, the turnaround from Worlds is totally manageable.
Tura has only the 5th-fastest personal best in the field behind Herpasa Negasa , Bernard Koech , Elisha Rotich , and Dawit Wolde . Of that quartet, the most proven commodity is probably Negasa, who finished second in Dubai 2019 and Seoul 2022, but none of the four have any significant performances at World Majors. Koech, Rotich and Wolde havent raced much in 2022 Koech and Rotich have no posted results and Wolde has a DNF in one half marathon.
Two other intriguing names are Stephen Kissa, the Ugandan national record holder in the marathon who was racing on the track as recently as July , and Jemal Yimer, the Ethiopian national record holder in the half marathon at 58:33. Both men are more accomplished at shorter distances but have the potential to pop something big in the right race as they enter their marathoning prime.
Chicago Marathon Course Tips And Training

Anyone getting ready to run the Chicago Marathon needs to read this post! Its everything I wish Id known in advance to have the best day possible. Even as a running coach there were lessons to be learned and each race is a little different.
Hopefully these few key pieces to help make life easier! Once you start to realize how long it takes to train for a marathon, I hope youve started looking at the right plan!
And then you started thinkingshould my training be any different for a flat marathon? Yes. Is there anything different about the Chicago Marathon Course that I should prepare for? Yes.
Im so glad youre thinking ahead and hope these tips will help you have a great race whether its your first or youre out for a Personal Record.
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World Athletics Platinum Label
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is recognized as a Platinum Label event by World Athletics, the worlds governing body for athletics. Platinum, gold, silver and bronze labels are given each year to road races that satisfy a number of important criteria concerning the organizational standards for an event, course measurement, safety and medical standards and media services. To learn more about World Athletics and Road Race Label Events visit worldathletics.org.
Application For A Non
Individuals not eligible for a guaranteed entry were able to apply for a 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon entry through the non-guaranteed entry drawing application. The opportunity to apply for a non-guaranteed entry closed at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30.
At the conclusion of the six-week application window, names will be selected from the full pool of non-guaranteed entry applications. Submitting multiple applications will not increase your chances of receiving an entry. Prior to the drawing, the event will remove all duplicate applications.
Applicants will be notified via email of their entry status on Thursday, December 9. If an applicant receives an entry through the drawing, the entry fee is automatically processed.
Individuals who apply for, but do not receive an entry through the drawing, may still register by opting to run for select official charities or tour groups.
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What Is The Course Route
Starting in Grant Park, runners will travel the 26.2-mile route goes through 29 city neighborhoods while being cheered on by 1.7 million spectators, according to organizers.
Here’s a look at what this year’s route will be:
See the full size version of the map here.
Along the course, there are 20 aid stations located approximately one to two miles apart, organizers noted. Each station will consist of a medical tent, toilet, Gatorade Endurance Formula, public address announcer and water.
Can I Travel Before The Race
The event has put into place an exception to the standard event policies to acknowledge government travel restrictions preventing a participant from traveling to Chicago race weekend.
Registered participants who meet the criteria for the exception on or after Sept. 10, 2021, will be eligible to defer their 2021 place and entry fee to the 2022 event. for more information.
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When Is The 2021 Bank Of America Chicago Marathon
The 43rd running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled to return to take place on Sunday, Oct. 10.
Stay informed about local news and weather. Get the NBC Chicago app for iOS or Androidand pick your alerts.
The weekend schedule of events includes:
Friday, October 8Abbott Health & Fitness Expo Packet pick-upMcCormick Place, West Building, Hall F29 a.m. 8 p.m.
Runner Reunite9:30 a.m. 4 p.m.
When Does The Race Start
The mens wheelchair division will begin at 7:20 a.m. and followed shortly by the womens wheelchair start at 7:21 a.m. and the handcycle start at 7:23 a.m. Runners in the first starting waveincluding the elite mens and womens divisionswill begin at 7:30 a.m. CT. The second wave will kick off at 8 a.m., followed by the third wave at 8:35 a.m.
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The Windy City Is Known For A Flat Fast Marathon Course Fast Times And Unfortunately Unpredictable Weather Here’s All You Need To Know About The 2022 Race
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The inaugural Chicago Marathon, then called the Mayor Daily Marathon, was first held in 1977 and 4,200 runners paid $5 to entermaking it the largest marathon in the world at the time. In the past decade, Chicago has consistently been the second largest marathon in the world behind the New York City Marathon, averaging 42,273 finishers from 2014-2019 and tallying a record 45,956 finishers in 2019. After the race was canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19 and held with a smaller field last year, a near-capacity field of more than 40,000 runners is expected at the 44th running of this years race on October 9.
Many runners say the best thing about the Chicago Marathon is the flat, fast course that has produced five world recordsincluding the current womens world record of 2:14:04 set in 2019 by Brigid Kosgei. That course delivers thousands of shiny new PRs for age-group runners every year as well.
The most challenging part of the Chicago Marathon is usually the weather. While the historical average temperatures are a high of 67 degrees and a low of 50 degrees, last year it was rather warm68 degrees when the race started and 79 degrees with 84 percent humidity by midday. It got down to 28 degrees in 1999, while in 2007, the temps rose so high the race was called off after three and a half hours. Two years ago, though, conditions were optimal41 degrees at the start and a high of only 53 degrees.
Is The Chicago Marathon Course Flat

And the last answer to these questions is yes. The course is extremely flat, just like the Berlin Marathon!
Sabrina Wieser
Sabrina Wieser is a running expert based in New York City and the founder of Runningbrina – She is a certified running coach and experienced marathon runner. Her expertise in enhancing running performance through training and nutrition has been recognized by many within the running community and different media outlets such as Huffington Post, the Dr Oz Show and adidas running.
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Pricing: From R25 795 Per Person Sharing
One of the 6 Major Marathons: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known globally for its fast, flat course starting and finishing in Grant Park, central Chicago. Elite athletes and amateurs alike annually target the race for its potential to generate personal, national and world records. In addition to its speed, the course itself offers all runners a scenic tour of Chicago as it weaves through numerous diverse neighbourhoods and dozens of landmarks. In running The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, you are guaranteed to see all that is great about the City of Chicago. A true Americas marathon, growing rapidly in popularity and attracting a field of approx. 45,000 runners from all over the world. Course time limit is 6 hours 30 minutes. The race has a staggered start, 3 waves of runners to avoid congestion starting from 7:30 a.m. Runners are allocated a starting place based on their expected finish time.
We are delighted to be able to offer a three night Marathon and Accommodation package.
To proceed with your booking we need the following
- Booking form completed by main contact and signed by all travellers
- Passport copies of all travellers
- Page 11 of T& Cs signed by all travellers
IMPORTANT: We cannot sell race entry alone it has to be sold as part of a travel package.
Non-running companions are welcome and priced accordingly.
Bank Of America Chicago Marathon App Powered By Tcs
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services is the perfect resource to prepare for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Whether youre running or spectating, the free mobile app includes everything youll need to be prepared for a great race week experience.
The mobile app is now available on the App Store and .
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How The Chicago Marathon Came To Be
In 1977, Michael Bilandic, then the mayor of Chicago and an enthusiastic runner, threw his support behind putting on a race along the downtown streets of the Windy City. The Chicago Marathon was dreamed up by five founders, including original race director Wendy Miller, in November of 1976, and officially kicked off on September 25, 1977.
Fees for that debut event were just $5, and more than 4,200 runners showed up to competeincluding 8-year-old Wesley Paul, who finished in 3:15:20making the Mayor Daley Marathon the largest 26.2-mile race in the world at the time. The 1977 mens winner was Indiana native Dan Cloeter, who ran 2:17:52, while Texan Dorothy Doolittle won the womens race in 2:50:47.
The enormous success of that debut marathon not only established the annual race for years to come, but it also set other running initiatives into motion. Under Bilandics hand, what was once an old equestrian trail along Lake Michigan was paved into a five-mile running path, which eventually became the 18-mile lakefront route that Chicago runners know and love today.
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Chicago Marathon Road Closures
Street closures in the Grant Park area began on Monday with the closure of Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 10 a.m. Additional street closures for race day at the start/finish line area can be expected through the weekend, including:
Thursday, October 7: Columbus Drive from Roosevelt to Ida B. Wells closed and reopen on Monday, October 11 at 6 a.m.
Friday, October 8: Columbus Drive from Ida B. Wells to Monroe closed at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 10 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 9: Columbus Drive from Randolph to Monroe Street will be closed at 6 a.m. and open on October 10 at noon.
All streets will fully reopen by Monday, October 11 at 6 a.m.
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What To Expect From The Chicago Marathon Course
If you want to run a fast marathon, Chicago has a course that can help make it possible. The course starts and finishes in Grant Park . The elevation is about 600 feet above sea level and has a net gain of just 243 feet. The lack of hills and long straight stretches can help you lock into a rhythm and hold it without fluctuating. Aside from the very slight inclines over several river bridges, the only real hill on the course comes just before the 26-mile mark as runners take a right turn off Michigan Avenue onto a Roosevelt Road bridge over a railyard. At the crest of that climb, youll turn left on Columbus Drive and head downhill for about 300 meters to the finish line.
Runners get great support from cheering fans throughout the course, except for some quiet stretches between miles 2225. The course takes runners through 29 of the citys neighborhoods, including Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, Old Town, The Loop, Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown and Bronzeville, and passes within a block of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Willis Tower, United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field.
Miles Five To : From Lincoln Park To Lakeview
You will be running north to Addison, where you will see Wrigley Field. This is the northernmost part of the Chicago Marathon course. Again, the spectators are insane for the first 13 miles. There will come quieter parts of the race for sure. Soak it all up and save your marathon batteries for later. A conservative pace is still needed here.
You will still be in a holding-things-back kind of situation even though it is so tempting to just run faster than you should. Making your way south on Sedgwick and Clack Street is a great part of the Chicago Marathon course. Just totally focus again and enjoy the straight shot of beautiful houses around you.
Its a pretty neighborhood and a place that might help you get your excitement under control if things are going a little crazy right now. Inhale and focus on your goal youre almost halfway through.
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Which Pros Are Running The Chicago Marathon This Year
Kenyas Ruth Chepngetich , the 2019 world champion, is the fastest runner in the womens field. Shell be defending her 2021 victory in Chicago , but shes had an up-and-down series of races recently. She failed to finish at last years Tokyo Olympics and this years World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. However, she also won the Nagoya Womens Marathon in Japan last spring in a very fast 2:17:18. Four other runners in the womens elite field have personal best times faster than 2:21Ethiopias Ruti Aga , Kenyans Celestine Chepchirchir and Vivian Kiplagat , and Haven Hailu Desse of Ethiopia.
Emily Sisson, the U.S. record-holder in the half marathon, is the fastest American the womens elite field . Shell be joined by Laura Thweatt , Sarah Sellers , Sara Vaughn , Susanna Sullivan , Diane Nukuri , Maggie Montoya and Carrie Verdon . Other sub-2:30 runners in the womens field include Romanias Delvine Meringor , Canadas Krista Duchene , Mexicos Ursula Sanchez and Great Britains Sarah Inglis .
In the mens field, Ethiopias Herpasa Negasa is the fastest runner on paper, but hell be joined by four of his fast countrymenincluding defending champion Seifu Tura , Dawit Wolde , Asrar Abderehman and Shifera Tamru , as well as Kenyans Bernard Koech and Elisha Rotich , and Ugandas Stephen Kissa . The fastest Americans in the field are Matt McDonald , Frank Lara , Reid Buchanan , Wilkerson Given , Tyler McCandless and Conner Mantz , who is making his marathon debut.
What Is The Time Limit For The Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon has a maximum time limit of 6.5 hours. In order to finish in time, you must be able to maintain a pace of nearly 15 minutes per mile.
What time does the Chicago Marathon start?
Participants can begin checking in near the start line in Grant Park at 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Runners will start the race in waves between 7:20 a.m. and 8 a.m . The weekends full schedule of eventsis listed on the Chicago Marathon website.
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Do You Have To Run 20 Miles Before A Marathon
Running coach John Honerkamp recommends capping long runs at 3.5 hours. In most cases, there is no benefit to running more than 20 miles before race day, and there can be significant risks of overuse issues or injury. That said, you dont want to run less than 16 miles or less than 3 hours, whichever comes first.