With the city gearing up for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, over 50,000 runners and a swarm of spectators are set to flood Chicago's streets. The marathon, slated for October 13, will course through 29 neighborhoods on a route that lives up to its reputation as one of the world's six major marathons. "Some of the most elite runners from around the world — and about 47,000 other committed participants — are here to run 26.2 miles," the Chicago Tribune reports.
However, the marathon isn't just for those with running shoes and a race bib. Over one million spectators are anticipated this year, and those looking to witness the event are faced with the quintessential logistical puzzle—where to watch, park, and how cheer on the runners. According to NBC Chicago, the course's start and finish lines are off-limits for gatherings, but multiple cheer zones and the Bank of America Charity Block Party at Mile 15 offer prime spots for encouragement. For a more "exclusive" vantage point, the East Side Viewing Area in Grant Park provides a ticketed area for fans, but it'll cost you $30 for access.
Spectators keen on tracking their favorite runners can do so via the marathon's official mobile app, which allows live tracking of up to 20 runners and offers an interactive course map Spectators and supporters can track runners live via the marathon's mobile app, NBC Chicago informs. When it comes to navigating the course and avoiding the inevitable traffic jams, race officials advise the use of public transportation due to road closures and reduced parking availability.
Live coverage of the event will be broadcast by NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago, ensuring that those preferring to cheer from the comfort of their own home can still catch every stride and sprint. "NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will offer complete live coverage and live streaming of the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon amd the finish line in both English and Spanish," according to NBC Chicago. And for those wanting to reunite with their marathoners post-race, the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Grant Park opens up at 9:30 a.m., with a system of alphabetical signs to ease the meet-and-greet chaos.
