2025 Chicago Marathon: Where to eat, drink and watch
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Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2021. Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/GettyImages
Race weekend is here!
The big picture: Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon marks the 47th annual race, with an estimated 53,000 runners and more than 1 million spectators.
If you go: Runners start from Grant Park at staggered times.
- Wheelchair and handcycle racers leave the starting line around 7:20am.
- Wave 1 — generally considered the elite runners — departs at 7:30am.
- Start times run every 30 minutes until 8:35am.
Pro tip: Don't even attempt to drive downtown or really anywhere along the route until after noon! See the route here.
Reality check: CTA is your best bet for transportation to cheering spots along the course, and organizers have mapped out which stops correspond to which mile number.
- Lululemon is hosting a cheer station with a live DJ from 8am-1pm at the 16-mile mark at 1600 W. Jackson Blvd.
Want to cheer from your couch with coffee and a pastry? We're not judging!
- NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, TeleXito and 670 The Score will all broadcast the race.
State of play: You don't have to be a runner to enjoy some of the marathon specials running all weekend, but rock that bib to get extra deals.
🍝 Kindling at Willis Tower has a "Run + Refuel offer" where registered runners get 20% off comfort food like pasta, lobster and French fries.
- Friday, Saturday and Monday.
🍸 Casa Chi by Chef Richard Sandoval on the Mag Mile has "reform cocktails" under 120 calories for runners who want to keep it light.
- Post-race, runners and watchers can indulge in the three-course Boozy Tea experience.
- Tickets start at $59.
☕️ Swadesi Cafe in the Loop is an option near the route for a hearty breakfast like butter chicken croissants, breakfast sandwiches, coffee and chai.
😋 Marathon after party at I|O Godfrey in River North has a recovery buffet, medal engraving and photo opps.
- Noon-7pm Sunday.
- Ticket are $55 for adults and $15 for kids under 12.
💸 Adalina in Gold Coast is offering 26.2% off their check total for anyone who can show their medal or bib.
🥗 Torali at the Ritz has a $60 three-course pre-fixe with a fall apple and squash salad, pasta and tiramisu for dessert.
🧖 iCRYO in Edgewater is giving runners a chance to relax and recuperate for free! Bring your medal from Oct. 13-20 for a complimentary day pass (worth $79).
- Not sure what it is? Check out our review.