Chicago Marathon weekend: What to know on and off the course
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Runners at the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Photo: Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua via Getty Images
The Chicago Marathon dominates the weekend, with specials, deals and festivities for runners and watchers.
Plus, it brings in lots of people.
By the numbers: Bank of America reported earlier this year that 1.7 million spectators watched last year's race and more than 54,000 runners crossed the finish line.
Zoom in: Here's what you need to know about this Sunday's Chicago Marathon.
🚇 Getting around
Miles of roads are closed, buses are screwed up, trains are packed and traffic is a headache.
🚌 In other words, be prepared. CTA will provide extra service on Sunday, and has a list of all the buses that will be re-routed.
🚉 Metra will offer extra service on the Milwaukee District North, Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West lines, with expanded Sunday schedules on the BNSF and Union Pacific North lines.
- Additional midday Metra trains will stop at McCormick Place through Saturday for the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo in the North Building.
🚙 Check out which streets are closed and when they reopen.
🍝 Where to eat before the race
Torali at the Ritz-Carlton: Find a special Chicago Marathon Weekend three-course prix fixe menu for $65, with greens, pasta and tiramisu.
Staytion Market & Bar: Build-your-own pasta bar all weekend for $29.
Osteria Via Stato: Enjoy a prix-fixe Marathon Dinner menu featuring ciabatta with roasted garlic, antipasti, pasta, entrées, and a special take-home treat for $48.95.
Tre Dita: Check out a special three-course Marathon luncheon, including signature focaccia, a choice of insalati, handmade pastas, and gelato for $69.
Michael Jordan's Steak House: Dig into lunch and dinner prix fixe $68 menus, with superfood salad, pasta, fish or veggie entree and dessert. Runners who bring a bib or medal will receive a free beer on Sunday and Monday.
🥂 Where to drink and relax after the race
Casa Chi by Chef Richard Sandoval: A complimentary beer or sparkling wine on Marathon Sunday and Medal Monday with purchase
Toro is offering runners a complimentary classic margarita, glass of bubbles or beer with purchase when runners show their finisher medal.
Pizzeria Portofino: Complimentary glass of Giuliana Prosecco
Guinness Open Gate Brewery: The first 100 runners who drop in with their finisher medal will receive an exclusive Guinness pint glass pre-engraved with a special marathon symbol.
- All guests can get $2.62 pints of any beer brewed and served exclusively at the Chicago brewery.
The Cookie Bar by Summer House: Runners can get any cookie for $3
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! and Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!: Runners get a free dessert
Mon Ami Gabi is giving runners a free, single profiterole on Sunday with the purchase of an entree.
🗯️ My thought bubble: Marathon weekend is a beautiful celebration of hard work, accomplishment and creativity (the signs are always something to behold!) Remember that when you get crabby in traffic.