Chicago Marathon is a huge economic engine
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Runners compete during the Chicago Marathon downtown on Oct. 8, 2023. Photo: Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua via Getty Images
The 46th Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take over city streets this weekend as the massive event looks to top last year's record-high numbers.
The big picture: The Chicago Marathon is a huge win for the local economy, and has had about the same impact as the NASCAR Street Race and Lollapalooza combined.
By the numbers: In 2023, the city estimated that the economic impact of the marathon was close to $550 million. For comparison, last year, Lollapalooza's impact was $422 million, while NASCAR generated $128 million.
- 48,472: The number of runners who participated last year. This year the organizers are expecting over 50,000.
- 1.7 million: Spectators expected to line neighborhood streets.
- 3,694: The number of full-time jobs the marathon directly contributed to in 2023.
- 200: Charity organizations that raised money by selling slots to runners.
- 29: The number of neighborhoods that the course runs through.
- 41: Planned road closures.
- 1977: The year the marathon started. It was originally named the Mayor Daley Marathon.
💠Editor Lindsey's thought bubble: I was one of those out-of-towners who ran the marathon and contributed to the economic impact in 2022.
Her takeaway: You guys really show up for the race. In most courses, there are sections without any spectators — but not the Chicago Marathon. It was so loud that I couldn't listen to the podcasts I had lined up.
Lindsey's recommendation for spectators: I love a sign with a good, timely joke. Make me laugh and distract me. One I remember from 2022 said "due to inflation" we had to run more than 26.2 miles.
- But if you don't have a sign, being energized and shouting classics like "You got this!" and "Keep going!" help.
- What doesn't help? Telling runners they're "so close" to the end when they are still miles away. We know where we are — don't lie.
The bottom line: Suck up the road closures and the inconveniences the marathon causes. Even though other special events get top billing, the Chicago Marathon is one of the biggest economic drivers in the city.
Go deeper: Chicago Marathon food and drink specials