When Bank of America Chicago MarathonGrant Park rolls through the streets of Chicago on Sunday, October 12, 2025, more than 53,000 athletes will chase personal bests while a sea of fans—estimated at over one million—lines the 26.2‑mile route. The race, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, is famed for its flat, fast course that starts and finishes in Grant Park, a venue that will be off‑limits to non‑participants until the post‑race celebrations begin at 9:30 a.m. The twist is: you don’t need a bib to be part of the action, you just need a plan.

What to Expect on Race Day

First things first: the start and finish corridors inside Grant Park are ticketed zones. Bank of America, the title sponsor, confirmed that only runners, credentialed staff and ticketed guests can access these spots. Families will have to meet the finish line elsewhere in the park, where the 27th Mile Post‑Race Party and Runner Reunite area opens its gates for everyone. That’s where you’ll hear the triumphant cheers, snap photos, and maybe even hug a friend who just shattered a marathon record.

How to Navigate the Course with CTA

Getting around the city without a car is surprisingly easy, thanks to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The agency has mapped out several “viewing stations” along the route. For example, at Mile 11 you can hop off at Sedgwick Brown Line Station, stroll a half‑block north to North Avenue, and watch the runners thunder past. Mile 13.5 is best seen from the Washington/Wells Brown, Pink or Orange Line stop—just a two‑block walk west to Wacker Drive. The UIC‑Halsted Blue Line station serves both Mile 14 in Greektown and Mile 17 a few blocks north; the trick is to exit onto Halsted Street for the former or Morgan Street for the latter.

Later in the race, the Pink Line’s 18th Street stop drops you near Mile 19.25; a short four‑block trek east lands you on Loomis Street. If you’re eyeing the Chinatown section, the Cermak‑Chinatown Red Line stop is your gateway to Mile 21.5, where lion dancers dance to the sound of sneakers. Finally, the Sox‑35th Red Line stop puts Miles 23, 23.25 and 23.5 within walking distance. Pro tip: grab a Ventra card in advance and keep it topped up—you’ll be hopping trains all day.

Aid Stations and Runner Support

The marathon features 20 aid stations, roughly one every mile. Each stop offers a medical tent, ADA‑friendly portable toilets, Gatorade Endurance Formula, a public address announcer, and water. At Mile 12.4, 15.7 and 18.1, runners can snag Maurten Hydrogel Sports Fuel—caffeinated or non‑caffeinated Gel 100 packs packing 25 grams of carbs. The brand’s patented hydrogel tech shuttles carbs past a hungry stomach, reducing that dreaded “bonk.” From Miles 20 to 23 the stations hand out Chiquita bananas, a sweet boost that many athletes swear by. And if a runner’s legs feel like jelly around Mile 21.2, the Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone near Cermak Road and Archer Avenue steps in with cooling spray—think instant relief without a prescription.

Tips for Spectators: Gear, Parking, and Food

Bright colors are your best friend. Wear neon, bring a flag or a balloon—anything that makes you stand out in the crowd so runners can spot you before they’re a blur. Tata Consultancy Services-powered Bank of America Chicago Marathon App (free on iOS and Android) lets you track individual runners, see live updates on aid stations, and get real‑time crowd density at each viewing spot.

Parking is a nightmare if you try to hug the start line. Instead, aim for peripheral spots: SpotHero has spaces near the Mile 14 Jackson/Jefferson corner; for Mile 22 you can drop off on State Street, then scoot east on 18th Street to the Cermak side. If you prefer a garage, Millennium Park’s underground lot offers discounted pre‑bookings.

Once you’ve cheered enough, satisfy that marathon‑fuel appetite at nearby eateries. Wildberry Pancakes & Café is a favorite for sunrise breakfasts, while the Italian restaurants of Greektown serve carb‑loading pastas that even the pros rave about.

Beyond the Marathon: Things to Do in Chicago

Don’t let the race consume your entire weekend. The marathon expo at McCormick Place is a tech‑and‑gear wonderland—think shoe demos, nutrition samplers, and a chance to snag a selfie with the city’s mayor, Brandon Johnson. After the expo, stroll the Lakefront Trail for skyline views, swing by Navy Pier for a quick ride on the Ferris wheel, or wander the Magnificent Mile for some retail therapy. The city’s public bike‑share, Divvy, and scooter‑share, also named Divvy, make zip‑lining across neighborhoods a breeze.