An independent, unofficial guide. Not affiliated with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Last updated September 24, 2026. Official info: chicagomarathon.com
Short linkwww.chi.run/raceday
Key Times
| Wave | Corrals | Corral closes | Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | A, B, C, D, E | 7:20 a.m. | 7:35 a.m. |
| Wave 2 | F, G, H, J | 7:45 a.m. | 8:00 a.m. |
| Wave 3 | K, L, M, N | 8:10 a.m. | 8:35 a.m. |
- Miss your corral close and you start at the back of your assigned wave.
- It takes about 20 to 25 minutes for each full wave to cross the start line.
- Crosswalks inside Grant Park close at 7:30, 7:40, and 8:10 a.m.. Check the map for the one you need.
- Grant Park opens to spectators at 9:30 a.m.. The Post-Race Party area opens at 10:30 a.m..
- Course time limit: 6:30:59.
📱 Screenshot this. Cell service in Grant Park is rough on race morning.
Race Week
- Packet Pick-up tickets arrive by email on Wednesday, September 30. Check that your name, age, and gender are right. Fixes go to office@chicagomarathon.com.
- Expo: McCormick Place, North Building, Level 3, Hall B1.
- Thursday, Oct. 8: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 9: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 10: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Bring your ticket (phone or printed) and a photo ID. You have to pick up your own packet. Nobody can grab it for you.
- Deadline: 6 p.m. Saturday, October 10. No race day pickup and nothing gets mailed.
Race Morning Checklist
- Bib pinned to the front of your outer layer with 4 pins
- Don't fold, cut, or cover your bib, and don't pin it over a fuel belt or pack. The timing chip is on the back.
- Gear check tag on your clear bag (only the clear bag from the expo gets through security)
- Throwaway layers for the corral
- Your fuel, and a plan for the aid stations
- Your meet-up letter at Runner Reunite, agreed on before you leave
Grant Park Map
Map: Bank of America Chicago Marathon, 2026 site map dated 9/22/26. Subject to change.
- Enter through the gate printed on your bib.
- Gear check has three areas: Red, Blue, and Orange. Your tag tells you which one.
- Restrooms are north and south of Ida B. Wells Drive, north of Buckingham Fountain, and near the Wave 1 corrals. Urinal-only banks are near the Wave 1 corrals.
- You can leave your corral for the restroom as long as you're back before it closes.
On the Course
- 20 aid stations, about every 1 to 2 miles.
- Each one goes in this order: medical tent, restrooms, Gatorade Endurance (lemon-lime), PA announcer, then water.
- Water is last. If you want both, don't grab the first cup you see.
Official Links
Street closures and the official app are posted on chicagomarathon.com during race week.