The Ultimate Guide to the Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, which includes the largest and greatest running events in the world. The Chicago Marathon regularly attracts over 40,000 runners, and five marathon world records have been set on the course. It is also one of the top Boston Qualifiers.
I’ve run the Chicago Marathon 3 times [2015, 2017, 2021], as well as spectated a number of times. It’s one of my favorite marathons to date – the course is flat, the crowds are loud, and the event organization is unparalleled. I also currently reside in Chicago.
This guide will provide everything you need to know to have an amazing race weekend - from the initial sign up to race logistics to where to eat to the must-do activities while you are visiting!
How to sign up for the Chicago Marathon
First things first. How do you register to run the Chicago Marathon? It’s not a race you can just sign up and run, as the demand to run the race is high. Here are the different ways you can get into the race:
Lottery: This is the most popular way to run the race. The lottery for the next year usually opens a week or two after the current year’s race concludes [in late October]. The lottery is open for a few weeks and results are announced a few weeks later.
Fundraise: There are a ton of charities to choose from if you want to go the fundraising route. In 2022, there were 170 different charities. The minimum for most charities is $1,750, which is the lowest minimum for any World Major Marathon.
International Tour Group: This will cost you a little extra, but you get a guaranteed entry and some support for navigating race weekend. This is usually an option used by international travelers. The most popular one is Marathon Tours & Travel. There are others - just make sure they provide a guaranteed entry.
Time Qualifier: These are similar to qualifying times for the Boston Marathon - if you run under a certain time, you can bypass the other options and submit your qualifying time.
Legacy Finisher: Runners who have completed 5 or more Chicago Marathons within the last 10 years have guaranteed entry. Note that completing the virtual marathon in 2020 does not count toward this.
Chicago Distance Series: New for 2023! Runners who complete the Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago 13.1, and Chicago Marathon in the same year will be eligible for a guaranteed entry into the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
More information about how to sign up for the Chicago Marathon can be found here.
Where to stay for the Chicago Marathon
The race starts and ends in Grant Park, which makes the logistics for selecting accommodations a little easier. If possible, I recommend staying somewhere downtown, as you’ll be able to easily walk to the start/finish line, along with a lot of restaurants and popular spots. If you’re not staying within walking distance, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of a train stop [ideally the red, brown, orange, or blue line].
Hotels: There are a ton of hotels within walking distance or a short train ride from Grant Park. The Chicago Marathon website shares a comprehensive list, found here.
AirBnB’s: These are another good option. I recommend filtering for Superhosts to get the best quality options. And if you are leaving on Sunday evening, keep in mind that most AirBnB’s don’t have late checkout, so you’ll want to book it through Monday so you can shower after the race.
When you’re choosing a spot to stay, keep in mind what activities you want to do besides the race. Even if a place further away from Grant Park is less expensive, you’ll likely spend a lot more time and money getting to and from downtown if you plan on going out downtown to eat, celebrate, or see the popular spots. Just something to consider if you have limited time and want to see a lot while visiting one of the greatest cities in the world.
How to get around for Chicago Marathon weekend
Chicago is a very walkable city, and if you are staying downtown, you’ll be able to walk to most of the places you’ll go during race weekend. You can also use the Divvy bikes to get around.
Outside of walking or biking, I highly recommend using public transportation in Chicago. The CTA, called the “L” by most, is the nation’s second largest transit system. Both the busses and the trains are pretty efficient.
If you want to avoid having to carry around a card all weekend, you can download the Ventra app on your phone, purchase a pass, and save it to your Apple Wallet [iPhone] or Google Pay [Android] to pay from your phone. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.
Of course there is Uber, Lyft, cabs, etc, but expect they will be more expensive during race weekend.
Where to spectate for the Chicago Marathon
It’s really easy to see runners in multiple spots along the marathon course in Chicago, making it a very spectator friendly course. Check out this detailed post for a few ways to see runners in multiple spots along the course, as well as some spectating tips!
Where to carb load for the Chicago Marathon
Chicago is full of great food, which makes carb loading easy! Below are some spots to check out for your various carb loading desires.
Italian:
La Scarola
Nonnina
il Porcellino
Coda Di Volpe
*There are SO many Italian spots - these are a few of my favorites.
Pizza:
Chicago deep dish: Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, Giordano’s, Gino’s East
Detroit style: Jet’s, Professor Pizza
New York style: Zaza’s
Other: Happy Camper, Piece Brewery, Bob’s
Bagels:
Tilly Bagel Shop [go here if you’re from the East Coast and are picky about your bagels]
Zeitlin’s Deli is also good [and up to East Coast standards] but only at farmer’s markets right now
Others to check out if you aren’t super picky about bagels: Chicago Bagel Authority, The Bagelers Coffeehouse, Corey’s NYC Bagel Deli
Donuts:
Carb load or treat yourself after the race - this post details the best donut spots in Chicago!
*Dishes with primarily noodles or rice [Thai, Chinese] are also great options for carb loading. It’s impossible to list all the great restaurants in Chicago and I highly recommend using the Yelp app if you are looking for something specific in the area! Most popular places will not have any reservations left as you get closer to the race, so be sure to have some backup places!
What to expect on race day
Logistics: There are multiple entrances to Grant Park and the security line moves quickly. It’s still a large race, though, so give yourself 60-90 minutes in the starting area to drop off your bag, use the restroom, and get in your corral. If you are staying really close, you can get away with a little less time since you likely won’t use the restroom, but don’t rush yourself.
Corrals: They are pretty strict about staying in your assigned corral on race day, so if you’re used to jumping ahead to a faster one in other races, it’s much harder to do here, as they check your bib at multiple points as you’re getting into your wave and corral.
Course:
As you’ve probably heard, Chicago is a very flat course. There is one small hill at the very end [“Mount Roosevelt”] that feels much bigger because it’s at the end of the course.
Watch your footing on the bridges.
Your GPS signal usually gets messed up at the beginning with all of the tall buildings [miles 1-3]. Lap your watch for accurate splits.
You run through a lot of fun neighborhoods along the course. Some of my favorites are Boystown, Old Town, Pilsen, and Chinatown.
The course is mostly packed with people, but there are a few quieter spots between miles 16-18 and then miles 24-25 [in the past].
Weather: Be prepared for anything because the weather varies A LOT in Chicago this time of year. It might be cold and rainy, it might be hot and humid, it might be perfect fall weather. Wind is always a potential factor, as well.
Non-running things to do during Chicago Marathon weekend
There is no shortage of non-running activities to explore and establishments to eat and drink at while visiting Chicago. Below is a short list of some of my favorites if you’re only in town for the weekend.
1. Go on an architecture tour.
This is the best way to learn about Chicago’s history and skyline, while taking a relaxing boat ride on the river - great for pre or post race!
There are various companies that offer them at a number of times and docking locations. A few to check out - Wendella Tours & Cruises, Shoreline Sightseeing, Chicago Architecture Foundation Center, Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours.
2. Walk [or run] along Lake Michigan.
This is one of the highlights of Chicago and you don’t run along it on the marathon course. Do a shakeout run along it or do some active recovery on Monday by walking the Lakefront Trail.
This is a handy map of all the places you can enter/exit the trail.
3. Go to Cloud Gate [aka “the Bean”].
This is an iconic Chicago structure in Millennium Park. It’s full of tourists, but it’s worth seeing.
The Bean is walking distance from the finish line and a cool place to get a finisher picture.
**Note: The Bean is currently under construction, so you won’t be able to get up close during the 2023 marathon weekend.
Other activities to check out depending on time and interests:
Michigan Ave/Mag Mile [if you like to shop]
A rooftop bar to see the sights [Cindy’s Rooftop and London House are two of the top ones in the city]
Lincoln Park Zoo [free]
Lots of great museums [great roundup here]
A show - comedy, dancing, theater, concerts - you name it, Chicago has it. You’ll likely want to book a ticket ahead of time.
Navy Pier [I personally think it’s a little overrated, but it is a popular spot]
Eat all the food:
In addition to the carb-loading mentioned above, here are some of my other favorite spots to check out.
Burgers: Gretel, The Drop In, Au Chevel [and Small Chevel], The Loyalist, Little Bad Wolf
Pilsen for good, authentic tacos
Chinatown for authentic dim sum, dumplings, and other Chinese favorites
Ravenswood area for several great breweries
There are a lot of Michelin star restaurants in Chicago, as well
Have you run the Chicago Marathon? Are you running it in 2023? Let me know in the comments and I’ll see you out there!