CHICAGO (CBS) — In just a few hours, the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will begin, with more than 50,000 runners from around the world hitting the pavement for the annual tradition.
Many of those runners stopped at McCormick Place on Saturday to pick up their official marathon bibs and their swag bags – many of them excited, but also eager to hit that sidewalk.
The marathon kicks off just after 7 a.m. on Sunday in Grant Park, where they will begin the 26.2-mile trek across the city, which winds through 29 neighborhoods, where they can enjoy some of the most picturesque sights Chicago has to offer .
“Training is hard. I’ve run 20 miles twice. That was the longest I’ve done, but I like training in Boston because it’s so hilly. I think it prepares for something flatter,” said runner Riley Brook.
“I’m a little nervous. I’m a little nervous. The first time. My training went well, but it could have been better,” said runner Ruben Robelin.
“I had my wedding this year, so training was a bit disappointing, but hopefully it was enough to run the race tomorrow,” said runner Danielle Xu.
With all the excitement building, there’s also that not-so-exciting part to talk about: street closures, which will impact much of the city.
Although some of the street closures around the start and finish lines are already in place, restrictions will be in place for much of the marathon route on Sunday morning.
Street closures in the Grant Park area began on Monday, September 30 with the closure of Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 10am. Additional race day street closures at the start/finish line area can be expected throughout the weekend, including:
- Wednesday, October 9: Jackson Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive closes at 10 a.m. and reopens Monday, October 14 at 6 a.m.
- Thursday, October 10: Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. closes at 4am and reopens on Monday, October 14 at 3pm
- Thursday, October 10: Columbus Dr. from Ida B. Wells to Roosevelt Rd closes at 4am and reopens Monday, October 14 at 3pm
- Friday, October 11: Columbus Drive from Monroe to Jackson St. closes at 4:00 AM and reopens on Sunday, October 13 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, October 11: Congress Plaza on Michigan Ave. (Van Buren St. to Harrison St. closes at 4am and reopens on Sunday, October 13 at 8pm
- Friday, October 11: Ida B. Wells from Michigan Ave to Congress Plaza closes at 4:00 AM and reopens on Sunday, October 13 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, October 11: Ida B. Wells from Congress Plaza to Columbus Dr. closes at 4am and reopens on Sunday, October 13 at 8pm
- Friday, October 11: Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. closes at 4am and reopens on Sunday, October 13 at 8pm
- Saturday, October 12: Columbus Dr. from Randolph to Monroe St. closes at 6 a.m. and opens at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13
- Saturday, October 12: Roosevelt Rd. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive closes at 11 a.m. and opens Sunday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12: Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. is closed at 4 a.m. and opens at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 13
- Saturday, October 12: Monroe St. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive closes at 4 a.m. and opens at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13
- Sunday, October 13: Columbus Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Roosevelt Road is closed at 4 a.m. and opens at 6 p.m
- Sunday, October 13: Michigan Ave. from Madison to 9th St. is closed at 4 a.m. and opens at 9 a.m.
- Sunday, October 13: Roosevelt Rd. from Michigan to Columbus Dr. is closed at 4am and opens at 6pm
- Sunday, October 13: Michigan Ave. from 9th St. to Roosevelt Rd closes at 5:30 a.m. and opens at 4 p.m.
- All streets will be fully reopened from Monday 14 October at 6am
Street closures along the route on race day will begin at approximately 7am on Sunday, October 13 and are expected to reopen by 4:30pm, or when it is deemed safe to do so.
A full list of closures can be found here. Expected street opening times can be found here and a map of the race here.
Most streets that close for the marathon will reopen around 4:30 PM on Sunday.
With heavy traffic and traffic jams expected to paralyze much of the city on Sunday, officials are encouraging everyone to use public transportation.
