More than 55,000 runners are expected to take on the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, racing 26.2 miles through 29 neighborhoods. Spectators hoping to follow a runner will need to plan around staggered start times, a downtown route change and street closures that could complicate travel between viewing locations.
The marathon's official tracking app, updated course map and additional transit services will help families and friends follow participants throughout the race. Grant Park's secured start and finish areas are closed to general spectators, so choosing where to cheer and arranging a meeting point afterward are essential parts of the day.
How to track a Chicago Marathon runner
The free Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, powered by Tata Consultancy Services, allows spectators to follow individual participants. Listed as ChiMarathon, it is available for iPhone and Android.
The 2026 app supports unlimited runner tracking, an interactive course map, race broadcasts, weather information and participant bib sharing. Download it before October 11, open the runner tracking feature, search for your participant by name or bib number and add them to your tracking list.
Tracking updates are based on race timing checkpoints, not continuous GPS monitoring. The marathon's official course information identifies timing checkpoints at the start, every 5 kilometers, halfway, Miles 20 through 25, Mile 25.2 and the finish. A runner's timing device records their splits at these locations, while estimated progress between checkpoints may not reflect their exact position.
Knowing the runner's starting wave and expected pace will make those estimates more useful.
The men's professional wheelchair race begins at 7:20 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT), followed by the women's wheelchair race at 7:21 a.m., handcycles at 7:23 a.m. and the professional men's and women's running races at 7:30 a.m. The three mass-participation waves start at 7:35 a.m., 8 a.m. and 8:35 a.m.
For example, a Wave 1 runner maintaining a nine-minute-per-mile pace would reach the 10K checkpoint around 8:31 a.m. and halfway around 9:33 a.m., assuming a 7:35 a.m. start. Actual arrival times will vary because participants may cross the starting line several minutes after their wave begins or change pace during the race.
2026 Chicago Marathon route and where to watch
Construction on State Street has prompted a downtown route change for 2026. Runners will use Dearborn Street between Grand Avenue and Jackson Boulevard instead of the usual State Street segment. Spectators returning to familiar downtown viewing spots should check the updated course before heading out.
The route starts and finishes in Grant Park, looping through neighborhoods to the north, west and south. The marathon's official street closure schedule confirms the Dearborn Street segment and lists anticipated opening and closing times for individual streets.
Several organized cheering locations offer places to watch:
- Mile 13: North Wacker Drive near Bank of America Tower hosts an official cheer zone.
- Mile 15: The Charity Block Party at Adams and Loomis streets, near Whitney Young High School, welcomes spectators supporting runners raising money for charitable causes.
- Mile 26: A cheer zone near Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road offers a place to encourage participants approaching the finish.
These locations are listed in the organizers' 2026 spectator guide, which also covers race-day access and event arrangements.
Chicago's rail system makes it possible to see a runner at different points, although crowds and travel delays can complicate the timing. The CTA's marathon transportation guide identifies useful connections, including Sheridan on the Red Line near Mile 8, UIC-Halsted on the Blue Line near Miles 14 and 17, and Cermak-Chinatown on the Red Line near Mile 21.5.
Choose your viewing location and nearby station before leaving. If you cannot confirm a reliable connection between two spots, watching from one accessible location may be easier than risking a missed encounter.
Chicago Marathon road closures and transit
CTA and Metra announced additional marathon service on October 7. According to their official transit announcement, extra CTA capacity is planned on the Red, Blue, Brown, Green and Pink lines as needed. Southbound Purple Line service from Linden to Howard will begin at 5:30 a.m., earlier than its usual 6:05 a.m. Sunday start.
More than 30 CTA bus routes will be affected, including all routes in the Loop and many operating south of Irving Park Road, east of Damen Avenue and north of 35th Street. Rail may be easier to navigate than buses during the race, but passengers should allow extra travel time.
Metra is adding early inbound and afternoon outbound trains on the Milwaukee District North, Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West lines. Expanded Sunday schedules are also planned on the BNSF and Union Pacific North lines.
CTA offers an unlimited 1-Day Pass for $5 and a 3-Day Pass for $15. Metra's $7 Sunday Day Pass covers unlimited Metra travel, while a $2.50 Regional Day Pass add-on through Ventra extends eligible travel to CTA and Pace.
Driving requires additional preparation. Most course streets close around 6 a.m. Sunday and reopen progressively as runners pass, but some Grant Park roads close earlier and remain restricted later. Sections of Roosevelt Road are scheduled to reopen as late as 6 p.m.
No-parking restrictions along the course begin at 1 a.m. October 11. Vehicles left in posted tow zones may be ticketed and removed. Drivers can call 312-744-4444 to locate a towed vehicle.
Where to meet runners after the finish
Spectators cannot enter the secured start and finish areas in Grant Park without appropriate authorization. Family members and friends should arrange to meet runners in designated public areas rather than attempting to greet them directly at the finish line.
Grant Park opens to spectators at 9:30 a.m., when the Runner Reunite area and 27th Mile Post-Race Party also open. The party continues until 4 p.m. Families can monitor their runner's Mile 25.2 timing update to estimate when to return to the park.
Different arrangements apply to runners finishing after 3:30 p.m. These participants will be directed to an area immediately west of the finish line to collect their medals and refreshments. Spectators meeting them should enter from 11th Street and Michigan Avenue rather than head to the post-race party.
The marathon has a six-hour, 30-minute course time limit, equivalent to approximately 15 minutes per mile. Participants who fall behind that pace may lose full on-course support as streets reopen.
For spectators following remotely, NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago and TeleXitos will carry live television coverage from 7 to 11 a.m. CDT, with streaming available until 3 p.m.
Race-day checklist for spectators
Before heading to the marathon, confirm:
- Your runner's bib number, starting wave and expected pace.
- The current course map, particularly the Dearborn Street reroute.
- Your viewing location and nearest CTA or Metra station.
- Transit alerts, street closures and weather conditions.
- An agreed meeting point, including alternate arrangements for runners finishing after 3:30 p.m.
Check the official tracking app and transit updates again on October 11 before leaving. With a confirmed viewing spot, realistic travel times and a clear reunion plan, you'll have a better chance of catching your runner along the course and celebrating together afterward.