October 8, 2023
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/2d97b96b1deec8befc9d4447d7985b6b.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/3055c0b17a04743fd5a1e38fcff6ea9e.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/9c42cdf397a612cc03c5fd7dd27ea947.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/91c33f43e6fb8e09494a778675cdf021.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/78818ec6e39f3795ca96f2dd057a3cb8.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/4eee0eb793cc3f730d4ea0f622b6442b.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/ea60c1540e43de6f31e3f35a891b9dd5.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/01c19471e43c70ebbd21f70186e73dcd.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/9d2c4ebe5ac62660ceeead160b7ac90c.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/f33e62f8c13a11aeb004cfacef5d8656.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/bf39d9abab0d150b66b776627d5ecb6b.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230906135354-dee7430dfd9d2227e703b880029780c1/v1/ddd453788350d77b9835ee9492d23743.jpeg)
October 8, 2023
Thank you for being a part of the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Prior to race weekend, please take time to read through the information in this section, as well as the section specific to your race day role. If your role is not included in this guide, you can expect to receive training and further instruction upon arrival at the event.
If you have questions, please contact our office by emailing eventstaff@cemevent.com or volunteer@chicagomarathon.com.
Wednesday, October 4
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Race office, Event staff and key volunteer credential pick-up
Harrison Volunteer Compound, Grant Park
Thursday, October 5
6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Race office hours of operation
Harrison Volunteer Compound, Grant Park
Media credential pick-up
Media Center, Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballrooms
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo Opening Ceremony
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo hours, Packet Pick-up for Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Abbott Chicago 5K
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Endurance Industry Social**
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center
Friday, October 6
6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Race office, Event staff and key volunteer credential pick-up
Harrison Volunteer Compound, Grant Park
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo hours, Packet Pick-up for
Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Abbott Chicago 5K
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
10 a.m.
Media credential pick-up
Media Center, Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballrooms
Elite athlete press conference**
Media Center, Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballrooms
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Welcome Reception**
Saturday, October 7
4 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Abbott Chicago 5K
Start line: Columbus Drive (between Jackson Drive and Ida B. Wells Drive)
Finish line: Wacker Drive and Jackson Boulevard
4 a.m. – 2 p.m. Race office, Event staff and key volunteer credential pick-up
Harrison Volunteer Compound, Grant Park
4:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Abbott Chicago 5K volunteer check-in
Harrison Volunteer Compound, Grant Park
7:30 a.m. Abbott Chicago 5K start
Columbus Drive (between Jackson Drive and Ida B. Wells Drive)
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Abbott Health & Fitness Expo hours, Packet Pick-up
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center
9:30 a.m. Abbott Chicago 5K finish area closes
Wacker Drive and Jackson Boulevard
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
1 p.m.
Media credential pick-up
Media Center, Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballrooms
Media availability with Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski and Medical Director Dr. George Chiampas**
2 p.m. Sister Cities Presentation**
Media Center, Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballrooms
2 p.m. Grant Park closes for security screening
6 p.m. Race Management Program Reception**
Sunday, October 8
2 a.m. Grant Park opens to vendors and event staff
3 a.m. – 6 p.m. Race office, Event staff and key volunteer credential pick-up
Harrison Volunteer Compound, Grant Park
3:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Volunteer check-in
Harrison Volunteer Compound, Grant Park
5:30 a.m. Grant Park opens to participants
5:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Premier Runner Program Tent hours**
5:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hospitality venue hours (Finish Line Lounge, Skyline and AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships)**
6 a.m. – 4 p.m. Media Center hours
Media Center, Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballrooms
7:20 a.m. Elite wheelchair start (men)
7:20 a.m. Wave 1 Start Corrals close
7:21 a.m. Elite wheelchair start (women)
7:23 a.m. Handcycle start
7:30 a.m. Wave 1 start
7:45 a.m. Wave 2 Start Corrals close
8:00 a.m. Wave 2 start
8:10 a.m. Wave 3 Start Corrals close
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. East Side Viewing hours**
8:35 a.m. Wave 3 start
8:45 a.m. Wheelchair men’s champion finish (approx.)
9:00 a.m. Wheelchair women’s champion finish (approx.)
9:30 a.m. Spectator access to Grant Park begins
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. 27th Mile Post-Race Party
Grant Park, Butler Field
9:35 a.m. Overall men’s champion finish (approx.)
9:50 a.m. Overall women’s champion finish (approx.)
10:30 a.m. Champions’ press conference (approx.)**
Media Center, Hilton Chicago Continental Ballrooms
11:30 a.m. Media availability with Executive Race Director
Carey Pinkowski (approx.)**
Media Center, Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballrooms
2:30 p.m. Media availability with Executive Race Director
Carey Pinkowski and Medical Director Dr. George Chiampas**
Media Center, Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballrooms
4 p.m. Gear check closes
4 p.m. Grant Park closes to participants and spectators
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Late Finisher Area hours
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Lost & Found post-race hours
Hilton Chicago (enter off 8th Street)
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Champions Reception**
** Private venue where a ticket or credential is required for access.
Monday, October 9
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lost & Found hours
Hilton Chicago (enter off 8th Street)
Medical emergency: 312.781.6408 or 9-1-1
American Red Cross Reunification Services: 888.659.9877
Event Support: 312.781.6417
Volunteer Support: 312.796.8392
McCormick Place First aid and security: 312.791.6060
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo Show office: 312.781.6419
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo lost person: 312.781.6419
Grant Park lost person: 312.781.6415
Media Inquiries: 312.201.4052
As a uniformed and credentialed volunteer, please do not speak to any member of the media on behalf of the event, or comment on any aspect of the event. If you are approached by a member of the media, please respond by saying, “I am not an approved spokesperson for the event,” and provide them with the following number to contact a member of the event’s media relations staff: 312.201.4052.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services is the perfect resource to prepare for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Whether you’re running or spectating, the free mobile app includes everything you’ll need to be prepared for a great race week experience.
The 2023 official race app features unlimited live race day runner tracking, elite athlete profiles, live broadcast streaming, real-time weather, an interactive course map, participant bib share and more. Spectators, submit a digital cheer through the app for the chance for your message to be displayed on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course as your participant goes by. Visit the “Cheer” page in the app to submit your message.
The Mobile App is available in the App and Google Play stores.
The inaugural Bank of America Chicago Distance Series concludes with the 45th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon! The Distance Series is made up of Chicago’s premier racing portfolio: the Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon. The three races span the outdoor running season and celebrate the vibrant and diverse nature of our local and global running communities. Individuals who finish all 2023 events will receive a unique Bank of America Chicago Distance Series medal and are eligible for a guaranteed entry into the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is excited to host the 2023 Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Championships. The championship race will be held as a part of the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 8, with more than 2,700 top age group runners from across the world vying for podium positions in their respective age categories.
Lost and found items will be collected throughout race weekend at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo and in Grant Park on race day. If you are looking for an item that was lost, please go to the nearest information tent for more information or visit chicagomarathon.com/lostandfound to confirm if your item was turned into the event lost and found. Following the event, items can be reclaimed at the
Hilton Chicago (enter off 8th Street) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 8 and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, October 9. Any items unclaimed by Friday, October 27 will no longer be available.
CulturaLink will provide virtual translation services for participants and spectators at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, as well as on race day. The technology-based video translation service is designed to meet the needs of participants and spectators while in Chicago for the race.
Visit theculturalink.com to learn more.
Incorporating environmentally and socially responsible practices is an important part of the operational planning, preparation and execution of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. In 2018, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon was named an Evergreen Inspire certified event by the Council for Responsible Sport in recognition of our sustained commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. We ask that you join us race weekend as we continue our efforts to be a more sustainable event.
Look for Green Team volunteers staffing Zero Waste Stations throughout Grant Park. Participants looking to dispose any materials will place items on tables for Green Team volunteers to sort into recycling, composting, upcycling or landfill bins.
The following event rules are intended to help produce and direct a large-scale event, to ensure the safety of all participants, to meet the requirements of local government permits and to be compliant with applicable USA Track & Field (USATF) and World Athletics regulations for participant performance records and event liability.
Visit chicagomarathon.com/rules to read the complete event rules.
Creating a safe environment race weekend is everyone’s responsibility. You can contribute to the overall safety of the event by reviewing and following the information outlined in this section.
Prior to entering Grant Park on race day all volunteers and event staff must pass through a designated security and bag screening checkpoint.
All bags will be screened by security personnel. Limiting what you bring with you into Grant Park or opting to not carry a bag will expedite the bag screening process and will help maintain an efficient flow of people into the park. Please make sure that you arrive early on race morning to account for the additional time it will take to pass through security.
The designated entrance and security checkpoint for volunteers is located at Harrison Street and Michigan Avenue (Gate #7). This is the suggested entrance for those checking in at the Harrison Volunteer Compound. These entrances will open at 3:30 a.m.
The designated entrance and security checkpoint for event staff is located at Balbo Drive and Michigan Avenue.
The color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) will communicate the status of race conditions leading up to and on race day. EAS levels range from Low (Green) to Moderate (Yellow) to High (Red) to Extreme (Black) based primarily on weather, as well as other conditions.
• Email and website communication during race week will inform you of the current EAS level and provide race weekend preparation tips.
• Updates will be made at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo via public address announcements and color-coded signs.
• On race day, stay tuned to the current EAS level via public address announcements and colorcoded signs/flags at the start and finish areas and at each of the 20 aid stations along the course.
• If necessary, additional emergency information will be communicated via email and/or text message.
Familiarize yourself with the Event Alert System prior to race day, remain alert for directions from race officials, announcers and volunteers, and take precautions to prepare properly for varying conditions on race day.
In the event you find a lost child/person or are approached by a parent/guardian of a lost child/person, the following steps are to be followed:
1. Keep the child/person or parent/guardian with you.
2. Spend a reasonable amount of time (approximately 2 minutes) checking the surroundings to see if a connection can be made.
3. If you are not at an information tent, walk with child/person or parent/guardian to the nearest information tent.
4. Once at the information tent, the information tent coordinator will place a call to 312.781.6415.
5. Keep the child/person or parent/guardian with you and inform them that the appropriate personnel have been notified through the Monterrey Security network throughout Grant Park.
6. Do not communicate information by radio unless instructed by Grant Park Logistics to communicate over the dedicated Lost Child Channel. Do not relay details about the child over a radio or PA system without permission from Grant Park Logistics. When you call, speak slowly and clearly and provide as much information as possible (see Lost Child Documentation Form).
7. The information tent coordinator will communicate with an event staff member who will work directly with a Monterrey Security team member to document the situation. They will log all details into the Monterrey Security online system for detail tracking and follow up reporting. The Monterrey Security online system will have information if the lost child or parent/guardian has already been communicated to our team from the other party elsewhere in the park.
8. Monterrey Security will broadcast the information to their network of staff throughout Grant Park.
9. An additional Monterrey Security Guard will be deployed to the information tent to provide additional assistance.
10. If a parent insists on continuing to search the park, send a Monterrey Security representative, who is connected to the Monterrey network working on establishing the reconnection, with the parent.
11. Upon reuniting the child/person and parent/guardian, Monterrey Security or law enforcement official will request to see identification prior to releasing the child/person. A Monterrey Security Guard must be present, and Monterrey must document the exchange to close the case. If you are approached by an individual who cannot locate their runner, direct them to the nearest info tent where runner look-up, medical patient tracking and American Red Cross Reunification Services are offered. Once at the info tent if the individual feels as though it is an emergency have them contact the police by calling 9-1-1.
• No food or drink should be offered, except for plain water in case of allergies
• Staff should kneel or sit while talking to child to create a sense of comfort
• Staff should speak in a calm, quiet and soft voice to limit alarm or frightening the child
• Dispatch a security guard based on current location using identified light pole #, tent name or another landmark
• Upon reuniting the child/person and parent/guardian a Monterrey security guard or law enforcement official must be present
• Scene safety - Make sure YOU are safe
- If it is not safe, what can you do to make it safer?
• Notice your location (address, street corner, light pole number).
• Notice the position of the participant (lying down, sitting, standing) and whether conscious, breathing, and moving.
• If sick/injured person is a part of the event (participant, spectator, staff, volunteer, vendor, etc.), call the Medical Emergency number (312.781.6408) to request help. Be prepared to identify the participant by bib number. After two unsuccessful tries to reach the Medical Emergency number, call 9-1-1.
• Start CPR if necessary and apply AED if present.
• If sick/injured person is not participating in or a part of event or if injury occurs outside of race hours, call 9-1-1 directly.
AEDs are located in all medical facilities (main medical tents and on-course medical tents) on race day.
How to operate an AED:
1. Turn the AED on by opening the front cover and pressing the power button.
2. The AED will talk to you and give you detailed instructions.
3. Follow the directions of the AED.
4. You can never hurt a patient by using an AED.
How to do Hands-Only CPR:
• If a runner collapses and is unconscious, first call for help.
• Begin chest compressions by putting your hands in the center of the chest
• Push down in the center of the chest hard and fast.
• Push about two inches deep at a rate of 100 per minute until help comes. Tip: If counting the compressions is too tough, try compressing to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive.”
If you see an unattended bag or package, follow the three “C’s.”
• Claim: Ask if anyone in the area claims the item. If no one claims it, then go to the next step
• Cop: Tell the nearest police officer about the bag. If there isn’t a police officer nearby, then go to the next step
• Call: If there isn’t a police officer nearby, call (312.781.6415). If you cannot reach this number after two attempts, call 9-1-1
Do not touch or attempt to move the package. Quietly move people away from package without causing a disruption or panic.
If an active threat is in your vicinity, follow the steps below:
• Run: Have an escape route and plan in mind, leave your belongings behind and keep your hands visible
• Hide: Hide in an area away from the threat, block entry to your hiding place and silence your mobile devices
• Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, act. Attempt to neutralize the threat.
Call 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.
Provide law enforcement or 9-1-1 operator the following information:
• Location of the active threat
• Physical description of those involved
• Number and type of weapons, if applicable
• Number of potential victims at the location
When law enforcement arrives:
• Remain calm and follow instructions
• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
• Raise hands and spread fingers
• Keep hands visible at all times
• Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding onto them for safety
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating
Follow the directions of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and/or event organizers. Event organizers will issue instructions to race officials (aid station captains/leaders, zone managers, etc.) through the radio dispatch team in the Forward Command facility.
• Follow the directions of the Chicago Police Department or event organizers.
• If you are in immediate danger, evacuate to a safe location.
• If you self-evacuate or are part of a larger evacuation, once you are safe, call Race Support (312.781.6417).
If a dangerous course condition arises resulting in a decision by Chicago Police Department and event organizers implement a race pause, follow these procedures when instructed by the event organizers from the Forward Command facility:
• Aid station personnel in the affected area will pull a rope with red banner flags and barricades across the race course and instruct available aid station members and course marshals to stand on the course holding the rope to halt oncoming runners. Stop signs and bullhorns are in aid station supply crates and will be used to help stop runners.
• The DJ/PA announcer will make announcements to notify participants of the stop and hold.
• HAM radio operators, located in the Medical Tent, will be responsible for changing EAS flags.
• Event Alert System (EAS) course condition flags in the affected area will be changed to BLACK.
• Once runners are stopped, medical volunteers will scan the crowd for runners requiring medical assistance.
A race diversion is a change in the marathon route due to a dangerous condition on the roadway. This would occur after a race pause and only in the direction of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). There are two types of diversions. A race re-direct is a short change in the course around a problem area that brings runners back to the original course after a few blocks. A race re-route is a larger course change that utilizes a new route. To implement a race diversion:
• CPD and event organizers will work closely to minimize race disruption while maintaining safety.
• Event organizers and CPD will review new route for security and safety. CPD will issue instructions to police commanders. Event organizers will issue instructions to race officials (aid station captains/leaders, zone managers, etc.) through the radio dispatch team in the Forward Command facility. Race officials will communicate these instructions to event staff and volunteers.
Wheeled devices are not permitted on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course by anyone other than a registered and authorized wheelchair, handcycle and duo team participants. Prohibited wheeled devices include non-registered wheelchairs and handcycles, baby joggers, strollers, skateboards, rollerblades and bicycles. Motorized devices of any kind are prohibited.
The use of selfie-sticks, camera mounts, video devices, computers or any similar devices by anyone while participating in the event is prohibited.
Camelbaks® and any type of hydration backpack are not permitted. For the avoidance of doubt, fuel belts and hand-held water bottles are allowed. Please be aware you may be asked to empty the contents of these containers before entering Grant Park.
Music devices with headphones are permitted for use on the course; however, participants must be alert to their surroundings at all times and must pay attention to important announcements made in Grant Park and along the course. Music devices with headphones are not permitted for use by athletes in the American Development Program.
Additional prohibited items on the course route include, but are not limited to: large bags (backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags), hard-sided coolers, costumes covering the full face (except face coverings if mandated by governmental order), any non-forming bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body, props and non-running equipment, pets/animals (except for service animals that are trained to perform specific work or tasks for a person with a disability), alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, chairs, weapons, remote controlled aircrafts and drones.
Please note, any items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate will be confiscated at the sole discretion of security personnel.
Medical support is available at 22 on-course locations: medical tents are located at all 20 aid stations with additional medical tents located between Mile 14 and Mile 15 and in the final mile. Medical tents are indicated by tall, red, blade signs with the medical icon. Each medical tent is staffed by a team of medical professionals equipped with medical supplies and equipment, and has access to ambulance service.
In Grant Park, the Main Medical Tent, Podiatry Tent and Ice Station are located directly beyond the finish line. An additional medical tent is in Grant Park adjacent to the 27th Mile Post-Race Party. For the safety of all participants and event attendeees, only those requiring medical assistance may access the medical facilities.
If you feel like you need medical assistance on race day, you are encouraged to seek help from a medical volunteer or to visit a medical tent in Grant Park or on course.
Lend a hand, save a life! Participants, volunteers and event staff are encouraged to watch an instructional Hands Only CPR video in advance of race weekend. This training is critical and can be lifesaving.
If a participant is transported to a local area hospital at the discretion of the medical team, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Reunification Services staff will be on hand in Grant Park to provide information regarding that patient to family and friends. Reunification Services staff can be found in the Information Tents located throughout Grant Park as well as at the American Red Cross Reunification Services area. Family members may also call 888.659.9877 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on race day to speak with a Reunification Services Operator to inquire about a patient. Refer to the course map for locations and inform friends and family of this service in advance of race day.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has put into place an exception to our standard event policies to permit deferral for participants who need to cancel their registration due to being pregnant, recently pregnant or postpartum.
In addition to the Pregnancy and Postpartum policy, the event will provide private and semi-private lactation spaces to registered postpartum participants and event attendees throughout race weekend. Continue reading for information specific to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo and race day in Grant Park. Participants with questions can contact the event by emailing office@chicagomarathon.com.
Visit chicagomarathon.com to learn more about the event’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Policy.
Event attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation race weekend. If you drive, allow sufficient time for traffic congestion and street closures due to the race.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to not only get to and from the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, but also to and from the start and finish line.
Visit transitchicago.com for more information.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) encourages all participants and spectators to purchase CTA fares in advance to avoid waiting in long lines at the airports and on race day. Purchase fares in advance at ventrachicago.com.
Exact fare (coins and bills accepted). No cash transfers available.
• Full fare: $2.50
• Reduced fare: $1.25 (applies to children ages 7 to 11 and customers with a valid RTA Reduced Fare Permit)
Single-ride ($3) and 1-day ($5) Ventra tickets are available at CTA station vending machines. These disposable tickets cannot be reloaded. Single-ride Ventra tickets include three rides within two hours. One-day tickets include unlimited rides for 24 hours after first use.
Purchase a Ventra Card for $5 at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) station vending machines, participating Ventra retail locations, by calling 1.877.NOW.VENTRA or online at ventrachicago.com. Once your card is purchased, you can register it to have the $5 charge immediately refunded as transit value to pay for rides. Just tap and board, and full fares and transfers on CTA will be deducted from your card.
• Full fare: $2.25 (bus); $2.50 (rail); $5 (from O’Hare) *
• Full fare transfer: Free
• Reduced fare: $1.10 (bus); $1.25 (rail) (applies to children ages 7 to 11 and to customers with a valid RTA reduced Fare Permit)
• Reduced fare transfer: Free
Pay for up to seven full-fare rides at once. Free transfers must occur within two hours of the first ride.
You can also load transit value and passes to your Ventra Card at CTA station vending machines, participating retail locations, through the Ventra app, online or by phone. Passes offer unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains for a specified period of time and include 1-day: $5; 3-day: $15; 7-day: $20. Passes cannot be shared.
Ventra Cards can also be added to an iPhone or Apple Watch, or to an Android device with Google Pay. Download the Ventra app to add a new virtual Ventra Card to your device or load an existing Ventra Card you already have.
*$5 O’Hare rate applies to people paying with Ventra Transit Account pay-per-use value.
The Ventra app allows you to manage your Ventra account, add transit value or passes to your Ventra Card and buy and use Metra mobile tickets. For more information, visit ventrachicago.com/app.
Use your own contactless bankcard or mobile phone, watch, or other device with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay to tap and travel on CTA and Pace. Tap your card or phone to pay as you go. This symbol: means your card is contactless. Pay for up to seven full-fare rides at once. Free transfers must occur within two hours of the first ride.
Visit ventrachicago.com for more information.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to take advantage of Metra’s $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Pass good for unlimited rides on either Saturday or Sunday. In addition, the $10 Weekend Pass (available on the Ventra app only) is good for unlimited rides on both weekend days. Abbott Health & Fitness Expo attendees are encouraged to take the Metra Electric line to and from the Health & Fitness Expo. Metra Electric provides frequent service between McCormick Place and downtown.
We encourage you to review the schedule in advance of race weekend as the schedule may not accommodate your check-in time.
Visit metra.com for more information.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to take the South Shore Line to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The South Shore Line runs from South Bend, Indiana to Chicago with stops along the way. Please note that busing will be ongoing for passengers to stations between Carroll Ave. and Gary.
Park your car at one of the convenient South Shore Line stations and ride in comfort to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo and to Grant Park on race day. For more information about stations and tickets visit mysouthshoreline.com or call 219.926.5744.
We encourage you to review the schedule in advance of race weekend as the schedule may not accommodate your check-in time.
Visit mysouthshoreline.com for more information.
Check out Divvy Bikes – Chicago’s bike and scooter share system. Event attendees can conveniently rent a bike or scooter from one of the various docking stations located around Chicago. Divvy will operate a bike valet (for Divvy bikes only) on Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard to accept bikes upon arrival to Grant Park. Participants can use the code CHIMARATHON23 in the Divvy or Lyft app and get a free ride (up to $5). The offer expires on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
Learn more at divvybikes.com.
NEW IN 2023! Parking will be available to all Abbott Health & Fitness Expo attendees at McCormick Place Parking Lot C located on Fort Dearborn Drive for a reduced rate of $12. You must have your parking ticket validated by staff located near the entrance of the Health & Fitness Expo to receive the reduced rate.
Please note, parking is available throughout the McCormick Place campus for $25. Parking Lot C is the only parking lot with the reduced $12 parking rate.
Visit chicagomarathon.com/expoparking for driving directions to McCormick Place Parking Lot C.
Millennium Garages offers affordable parking options for Bank of America Chicago Marathon attendees at all four convenient underground garages situated beneath Grant Park, Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. Purchase parking for race weekend in advance online for a discounted rate. Parking passes are valid at all four garages: Millennium Lakeside, Millennium Park, Grant Park South and Grant Park North. Individuals parking for more than one day can save up to 50% on hotel parking by purchasing Extended Stay Parking in advance. Use promo code MARATHON23 to save 10% on Extended Stay Parking from Monday, October 2 to Friday, October 13. This option is available in all four garages and includes unlimited in and out access for up to five days. If you need additional days, please contact sales@millenniumgarages.com.
Please note there will be temporary road closures, but all four garages will be open on race day. Grant Park South will only be accessible until 6:30 a.m. from the southbound entrance on Michigan Avenue, between Adams Street and Jackson Street. The northbound lane entrance to Grant Park South, between Jackson Drive and Van Buren Street, will not be accessible.
Should you have trouble reaching your purchased garages, your pass will be accepted at all of Millennium Park garages.
Visit millenniumgarages.com for more information.
The role of Abbott Health & Fitness Expo information volunteers is to serve as a source of information for participants and event attendees at McCormick Place. If you do not know how to answer a question, please direct the individual to the information booth or participant services.
You will likely interact with many race participants throughout your volunteer shift. Please do your best to answer any questions they might have.
What are the hours of operation for the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo (Packet Pick-up)?
Thursday, October 5 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, October 6 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 7 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
I forgot my Packet Pick-up Ticket email OR I lost my bib number. What should I do? Go to the Participant Services desk and a member of the event team will work with you to get your issue resolved.
I have priority access. How do I access the express security lane?
When arriving to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo you must check-in at the Priority Access Booth located to the right of the Health & Fitness Expo entrance. At the Booth, staff will confirm your Priority Access purchase and provide you with a PURPLE Priority Access wristband. The PURPLE Priority Access wristband will grant you access to express security lanes at the Expo and into Grant Park on race day. Look for PURPLE signage throughout race weekend to identify staff and directionals to Priority Access express security lines.
My ID doesn’t match the name I used when registering. What should I do?
If you don’t have a form of ID that matches the name used at the point of registration, please go directly to the Participant Services Booth and event staff will assist you.
I’m picking up a bib on behalf of a friend. Where should I go?
You will not be able to pick up event materials on behalf of someone else. Registered participants are required to pick up their own items in person at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo.
I got my race packet. Where do I pick up my t-shirt and participant bag?
T-shirt and participant bag pick-up is available at the end of the Expo hall.
Are there food and/or beverage stands available at McCormick Place?
McCormick Place has variety of food and beverage stands available. Stands accept all major credit cards and provide a cashless food and beverage experience. Please note, restaurant operations are subject to change, so event attendees are encouraged to check in with the McCormick Place Information Desk upon arrival.
Where are the restrooms?
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo attendees will have access to public restrooms throughout the McCormick Place Complex. Restrooms are accessible and a limited number of single stall gender neutral restrooms are available near the Expo hall, specifically near Packet Pick-up, the dining area and t-shirt/participant bag pick-up.
Where are the private lactation spaces?
McCormick Place has three private Mamava Lactation Suites. The private suites, also known as pods, are in the following locations:
• Lakeside Center, Level 2, by the Gift Shop
• North/South Level 2.5 across from Starbucks
• West Level 1 near the Main Information Desk on Indiana Avenue
The Mamava Suites are available to all Health & Fitness Expo attendees. If you plan to use the space during your time at the Expo, we encourage you to download the Mamava Mobile App in advance to unlock the suite upon your arrival.
Where can I get a bus pass/find out more info about CTA? We encourage you to visit the CTA booth for more information.
I just got here from the airport OR I’m carrying a large bag. Where can I store my belongings?
Attendees are required to check large bags at the bag check area near the entrance of the Expo hall.
Where can I sign up for a Pace Team?
The Pace Team will help you set the pace on race day. We encourage you to visit the Pace Team booth for more information.
I would like to move to a faster start corral (ex. I’m in Corral E and I would like to move to Corral D). How can I update my corral assignment? Go to the data corrections area of the Participant Services desk. A member of the event team will work with you to see if your request can be accommodated.
Is there an area to exchange my participant t-shirt for a different size?
Yes, the t-shirt exchange is located at the back of the Expo hall near t-shirt and participant bag pickup. Alternative t-shirts will be available based on t-shirt inventory and are not guaranteed.
Where is the timing system? How will I get timed?
The timing device is permanently attached to the back of your bib number. Important: do not remove the timing device from your bib or fold it in any way. Wearing your bib improperly could result in improper scoring and possible disqualification. Your time will be recorded from the point that you cross the timing mats at the start line until you cross the timing mats at the finish line.
The role of Grant Park information volunteers is to serve as a source of information for participants and spectators in Grant Park. If you do not know how to answer a question, please direct the individual to one of the nearest information tents positioned throughout Grant Park. If you have or see any issues, please seek out your zone coordinator, who will radio to dispatch.
Information volunteers will report to a zone coordinator throughout their volunteer shift and will likely be paired with another volunteer.
**Private venue where a ticket or credential is required for access.
PRE-RACE PARTICIPANT FAQs
Which gear check should I use and where is it?
• White bib number: American Development Tent (Butler Field)
• Red bib number: Red (Wave 1) Gear Check Tent (east of Buckingham Fountain)
• Blue bib number: Blue (Wave 2) Gear Check Tent (south of Buckingham Fountain)
• Orange bib number: Orange (Wave 3) Gear Check Tent (south of Ida B. Wells Drive and west of Columbus Drive)
Participants who purchased a race day hospitality ticket are able to check gear in the Skyline Hospitality Tent.
Refer to the Grant Park map on pages 48 and 49 for all tent locations.
I am late, what should I do?
Do not panic. Timing mats will be in place at the start line until 9 a.m. If your start wave has not advanced, you can start in the last corral of your wave. If your start wave (Wave 1 and Wave 2) is advancing, you will need to start at the back of Corral N in Start Wave 3.
I am late, can you take my bag to gear check for me?
For security reasons, volunteers CANNOT take baggage for a participant under any circumstances. Bags must be checked at a gear check tent. Any bags left unattended will be removed from Grant Park and will not be made available to the participant.
I do not have my clear plastic event-issued participant bag. Is there somewhere I can get one so I can check my gear?
Additional bags will be located in the locations below for those who did not bring their bags or have damaged bags.
• Information tents throughout Grant Park
• Pre-race supply tents near each gear check facility
Is there a place to change?
Changing facilities will be available near the gear check areas in Grant Park.
Can I get water/Gatorade before the race?
Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon-lime) and water are available near your assigned gear check tent.
Where can I get safety pins/other runner supplies?
Band-Aids, safety pins, skin lubricant and other supplies will be available prior to the race at the prerace supply tent near your assigned gear check tent.
I lost my bib. What can I do?
Replacement bibs are not available, and you cannot access Grant Park without an official race bib. If you choose to participate without an official bib, you will be pulled off the race course when spotted.
What amenities are available on course?
Twenty aid stations are located along the course approximately one to two miles apart. Each aid station consists of a medical tent with access to a Runner Transport vehicle, standard and ADA portable restrooms, Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon-lime flavor), water and a public address announcer.
• The Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Gel stations are located at Aid Station 10 (Mile 13.6) and Aid Station 14 (Mile 18.2).
• Aid Stations 15-18 (Miles 19.5-23.5) will offer Chiquita bananas.
• Biofreeze Pain Relief Spray will be available at the Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone located near Mile 21.2 (Cermak Road and Archer Avenue).
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. After this time, the course will re-open to vehicular traffic. You must maintain a 15-minute per mile pace (approximately) or faster, completing the full marathon distance—start line to finish line—within the event time requirement. Those who finish outside of the time limit may not be recorded or published as official finishers and may not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel.
Unofficial race results will be available at chicagomarathon.com following the race. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by Tata Consultancy features unlimited live race day runner tracking. We encourage you and your friends and family to download the mobile app from the App or Google Play stores in advance of race day.
Participants will use the MYLAPS BibTag timing device. The timing device is permanently attached to the back of your bib number (it does not attach to your shoe as in years past). Important: do not remove or fold the timing strips on the back of your bib number. You must wear your bib number on your outermost layer of clothing to record an official finish time and finish place.
Check your bib for the letter of your assigned start corral.
No, you cannot move to another start corral, neither in front of nor behind your assigned corral. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity of the start corral system, the capacity of the corrals, and to ensure a fluid race start for all participants.
Can my family/friends watch the start?
• Spectators will not be able to access Grant Park until 9:30 a.m.
• For the best view of the race start, head north to Grand Avenue, between Columbus Drive and Rush Street, near Mile 1, or anywhere along State Street, between Hubbard Street and Jackson Boulevard.
Where can my friends/family see me on course?
There are multiple locations along the course where spectators can view the race, many of which are accessible either on foot or via the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) trains and buses.
Can my family/friends watch the finish?
• Spectators will not have access to the finish.
• To view runners closest to the finish of the race, go to the Bank of America Cheer Zone at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road.
• After the race, spectators should plan to meet their runners at Runner Reunite. Alphabetical signs (A-Z) will be staged in Butler Field adjacent to the 27th Mile Post-Race Party to facilitate meeting locations by name. Once spectators have connected with their loved ones, invite them to head to the festival to celebrate.
Where can I find my runner/my friends and family?
Our suggested meeting place is Runner Reunite. Alphabetical signs (A-Z) will be staged in Butler Field within the 27th Mile Post-Race Party to facilitate meeting locations by name. When making plans to reunite with your family and friends, we encourage participants to identify a specific letter to meet their friends and family post-race. In addition to this, it’s also important to factor in the time it will take participants to navigate through the finish area and collect your bag from gear check. We estimate getting from the finish to the Post-Race Party can take 30 minutes or longer.
Where is…(toilets, Runner Reunite, Post-Race Party, etc.)?
Refer to the Grant Park map on pages 48 and 49 for all important locations. Please use the Grant Park map to provide directions to popular areas such as gear check tents, start corrals and the 27th Mile Post-Race Party.
Where is the nearest place to get coffee?
• Dunkin’ Donuts - 406 S. Michigan Ave. (at Van Buren St.)
• The Market by The Blackstone - 640 S. Michigan Ave. (at Balbo Dr., inside the Blackstone Hotel)
• Starbucks - 31 E. Roosevelt Rd. (Wabash St. and Roosevelt Rd.)
All race day visitors to Grant Park are strongly encouraged to use public transportation to get to the start and finish areas as well as spectators traveling to various locations on the course.
For the most up-to-date travel information, visit the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) website at transitchicago.com and the Metra website at metra.com.
Street closures
If you drive, allow sufficient time for traffic congestion and street closures due to the race.
How do injured participants get back to Grant Park?
Runner Transport teams are at every aid station on the course, and there are Runner Transport vehicles continuously shuttling runners from the course back to Grant Park. Transported participants are dropped off at the Jackson Medical Tent, located on the south side of Jackson Drive between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
How can friends/family find out about an injured participant?
If a participant is transported to a local area hospital at the discretion of the medical team, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Reunification Services staff will be on hand in Grant Park to provide information regarding that patient to family and friends. Reunification Services staff can be found in the Information Tents located throughout Grant Park as well as at the American Red Cross Reunification Services area. Family members may also call 888.659.9877 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on race day to speak with a Reunification Services Operator to inquire about a patient. Refer to the course map for locations and inform friends and family of this service in advance of race day.
The role of a start corral volunteer is to regulate access to the start corrals and control the forward progress of participants through the start corrals. Each volunteer is assigned to a specific corral. Within each corral, volunteers will be assigned by their corral supervisors to one of three positions:
• Sign holder: Hold tall corral signs to make each corral easily identifiable to participants.
• Gatekeeper: Stand at the corral entrance and verify that each participant entering has a valid bib number that corresponds with the corral they are trying to enter.
• Rope holder: Form a line stretching from the east to west side of Columbus Drive. Hold the red rope to create a barrier between corrals. At the direction of your corral supervisor, slowly move forward as the race starts.
Once all participants of your designated corral have crossed the start line, each start corral volunteer will have a post-start role to complete before the end of their shift. This role could include any of the following tasks: assist event staff with start line teardown, help to roll up banners and fencing or pick up discarded clothing items on Columbus Drive. Discarded clothing items will be donated to Illinois AMVETS as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s sustainability initiative.
The role of a start gateway volunteer is to regulate access in and out of, and flow through, the corral entrance chutes and the crosswalks. Gateway volunteers will be assigned by their supervisors to one of the three positions:
• Spotter towers: Call out information such as time of day, minutes until entrance/crosswalk closes, minutes until race starts, gear check locations, etc. to the participants.
• People movers: Keep groups of participants moving through entrance chutes or crosswalks and into their respective corrals.
• Corral entrance gate ushers: Restrict access to corrals to participants with assigned corral bibs, volunteers and race officials.
You will likely interact with many race participants throughout your volunteer shift. Please do your best to answer any questions they might have. If you do not know how to answer a question, please direct the individual to a Grant Park Information Volunteer in an orange “Questions? Ask me” vest or to one of the six information tents positioned throughout Grant Park.
Which start corral should I be in?
Check your bib for the letter of your assigned start corral. Refer to the Grant Park map on pages 48 and 49 for specific start corral locations.
Can I run with a friend/change my start corral? (forward/backward)
No. You cannot move to another start corral, neither in front of nor behind your assigned corral. This is to maintain the integrity of the corral pacing and to ensure a fluid race start for all participants.
Which gear check should I use and where is it located?
There are three gear check tents where participants can store their gear during the race. Your gear check is color-coordinated with your race bib.
Refer to the Grant Park map on pages 48 and 49 for all gear check locations.
Where is…(start hydration (pre-race fluids and supplies), toilets, the Runner Reunite Area, changing facilities, etc.)?
Refer to the Grant Park map on pages 48 and 49 for all important locations.
How do I attach my timing device?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon uses the MYLAPS BibTag timing device to record participant finish times. The timing device is permanently attached to the back of your bib number. Important: do not remove the timing device from your bib or fold it in any way. Wearing your bib improperly could result in improper scoring and possible disqualification. Your time will be recorded from the point that you cross the timing mats at the start line until you cross the timing mats at the finish line.
I am late and the entrance to my corral has closed, what do I do?
Do not panic. Timing mats will be in place at the start line until 9 a.m. If your start wave has not advanced, you can start in the last corral of your wave. If your start wave (Wave 1 and Wave 2) is advancing, you will need to start at the back of Corral N in Start Wave 3.
I am late, can you take my bag to gear check for me?
For security reasons, volunteers CANNOT take baggage for a participant under any circumstances. Bags must be checked at a gear check tent. Any bags left unattended will be removed from Grant Park and will not be made available to the participant.
Where can I get safety pins/other runner supplies?
At a Pre-Race Supply Tent, located near each gear check facility.
What amenities are available on the course?
Twenty aid stations are located along the course approximately one to two miles apart. Each aid station consists of a medical tent with access to a Runner Transport vehicle, toilet facilities, Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon-lime flavor), water and a public address announcer.
• Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Gel stations are located at Aid Station 10 (Mile 13.6) and Aid Station 14 (Mile 18.2).
• Aid Stations 15-18 (Miles 19.5-23.5) will offer Chiquita bananas.
• Biofreeze Pain Relief Spray will be available at the Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone located near Mile 21.2 (Cermak Road and Archer Avenue).
Can my family/friends watch the start?
• Spectators will not be able to access Grant Park until 9:30 a.m.
• For the best view of the race start, family and friends should head north to Grand Avenue, between Columbus Drive and Rush Street, near Mile 1, or anywhere along State Street, between Hubbard Street and Jackson Drive.
Where can my friends/family see me on course?
There are multiple locations along the course where spectators can view the race, many of which are accessible either on foot or via the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) buses and trains. Refer to the course map on page 47 for specific locations.
How do injured participants get back to Grant Park?
Runner Transport teams are at every aid station on the course, and there are Runner Transport vehicles that shuttle runners from the course back to Grant Park. Transported participants are dropped off at the Jackson Medical Tent, located on the south side of Jackson Boulevard between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
How can friends/family find out about an injured participant?
If a participant is transported to a local area hospital at the discretion of the medical team, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Reunification Services staff will be on hand in Grant Park to provide information regarding that patient to family and friends. Reunification Services staff can be found in the Information Tents located throughout Grant Park as well as at the American Red Cross Reunification Services area. Family members may also call 888.659.9877 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on race day to speak with a Reunification Services Operator to inquire about a patient. Refer to the course map for locations and inform friends and family of this service in advance of race day.
The role of a course marshal is to assist in keeping the course route clear and support all event attendees to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable event experience.
The elite athlete field (wheelchair and open divisions) will be the first athletes you’ll see on race day. As these athletes approach your area and while they run past your area, your objective is to keep the course route clear of spectators and other hazards. The wheelchair field will be the first athletes you’ll see, and because they are a small group of participants, they rely heavily on course marshals to direct them and to keep the course free from spectators. Elite wheelchair racers are low in profile to the ground and may reach upwards of 20 miles per hour during the race. The elite runners will travel at sub 5:00 per mile pace (around 12 mph), which leaves little time for reaction or action once they are in your area. As a course marshal, we ask that you do what you can to prevent spectators and volunteers from crossing the route when the faster athletes are in your area.
As the main pack of runners come through, please continue to keep spectators from encroaching on the race course. It’s critical that the larger groups of runners have use of the full width of roadway throughout the race. If you are asked for locations of the on-course aid stations, refer to the course map on page 47.
A police officer will be stationed at most intersections throughout the course route. Introduce yourself to the officers near you as soon as you arrive and let them know you are volunteering as a course marshal. If you need help with an unreasonable person, contact the officers for assistance. If you witness a person in need of medical attention, please call 312.781.6408 or 9-1-1 immediately.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon welcomes the support of spectators along the course. Spectators wishing to cross the route should be encouraged to wait for a gap before crossing. Spectators should cheer for participants from the outside curb of the street and not stand on any part of the street, especially where it is narrow. Please familiarize yourself with your area of the course.
Below are the approximate times the first and last participants will pass through the listed mile markers.
Start to Mile 2
Wheelchair participants: 7:20 a.m.
Runners: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Mile 2 to Mile 4
Wheelchair participants: 7:26 a.m.
Runners: 7:39 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Mile 4 to Mile 6
Wheelchair participants: 7:32 a.m.
Runners: 7:49 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Mile 6 to Mile 8
Wheelchair participants: 7:40 a.m.
Runners: 7:58 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Mile 8 to Mile 10
Wheelchair participants: 7:45 a.m.
Runners: 8:08 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mile 10 to Mile 12
Wheelchair participants: 7:52 a.m.
Runners: 8:17 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mile 12 to Mile 14
Wheelchair participants: 7:58 a.m.
Runners: 8:27 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Mile 14 to Mile 16
Wheelchair participants: 8:05 a.m.
Runners: 8:36 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Mile 16 to Mile 18
Wheelchair participants: 8:11 a.m.
Runners: 8:46 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Mile 18 to Mile 20
Wheelchair participants: 8:18 a.m.
Runners: 8:55 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mile 20 to Mile 22
Wheelchair participants: 8:24 a.m.
Runners: 9:05 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mile 22 to Mile 24
Wheelchair participants: 8:31 a.m.
Runners: 9:14 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mile 24 to Mile 26
Wheelchair participants: 8:37 a.m.
Runners: 9:24 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mile 26 to Finish
Wheelchair participants: 8:44 a.m.
Runners: 9:34 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Use Chicago’s convenient and affordable CTA rail system to cheer on your runner from start to finish at the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Find out your runner’s planned pace per mile to estimate when they will arrive at easy-to-reach locations along the course. Spectators are encouraged to move along the course throughout the event.
Grand Red Line Station – Miles 1, 3 and 12.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Grand Avenue (mile 1). Walk three blocks west to LaSalle Street (mile 3) and four blocks west to Wells Street (mile 12.5).
Jackson (Red or Blue Line) Station – Mile 2
Board a Red or Blue Line train and exit at Jackson Street.
Chicago Red Line Station – Miles 3.5 and 12.25
Board a Red Line train and exit at Chicago Avenue. Walk three blocks west to LaSalle Street (mile 3.5) and four blocks west to Wells Street (mile 12.25).
Clark/Division Red Line Station – Miles 4 and 12
Board a Red Line train and exit at LaSalle Street (mile 4). Walk one block west to Wells Street (mile 12).
Sheridan Red Line Station – Mile 8
Board a Red Line train and exit at Sheridan. Walk four blocks east to Broadway.
Addison Red Line Station – Mile 8.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Addison Street. Walk four blocks east to Broadway.
Sedgwick Brown Line Station – Mile 11
Board a Brown Line train and exit at Sedgwick Street. Walk a half-block north to North Avenue.
Washington/Wells Brown, Pink or Orange Line Station – Mile 13.5
Board any Brown, Pink or Orange Line train and exit at Washington/Wells. Walk two blocks west on Washington to Wacker Drive.
UIC-Halsted Blue Line Station – Miles 14 and 17
Board a Blue Line train and exit at UIC-Halsted. Use the Halsted Street exit or Morgan Street exit and walk two blocks north to Adams Street to view the runners around Mile 14 in Greektown. Or use the Halsted Street or Morgan Street exit and walk one block north to Jackson to view runners around Mile 17.
18th Pink Line Station – Mile 19.25
Board a Pink Line train and exit at 18th Street. Walk four blocks east to Loomis Street.
Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station – Mile 21.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Cermak-Chinatown.
Sox-35th Red Line Station – Mile 23 and 23.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Sox-35th. Walk four blocks east on 35th Street to Michigan Avenue to view runners around Mile 23. Walk 5 blocks east on 35th Street to Indiana to view runners at Mile 23.5.
35th-Bronzeville-IIT Green Line Station – Mile 23 and 23.5
Board a Green Line train and exit at 35th-Bronzeville-IIT. Exit at 35th Street and walk one block east to Michigan Avenue to view runners around Mile 23 and two blocks east to Indiana to view runners at Mile 23.5.
Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Station – Mile 25
Board a Green Line train and exit at Cermak-McCormick Place. Walk two blocks east to Michigan Avenue.
Roosevelt (Red, Green and Orange Line) Station – Finish line
Board a Red, Green or Orange Line train and exit at Roosevelt Road. Walk east on Roosevelt Road toward the Museum Campus/Grant Park.
You will likely interact with many spectators and the general public throughout your volunteer shift. Please do your best to answer any questions they might have.
Where is the nearest Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) station?
Refer to pages 41 and 42 for CTA locations along the course.
When will the first and last runners pass this point?
Refer to pages 39 and 40 for a pace guide.
What is the nearest mile marker?
Refer to the course map on page 47 for the nearest mile marker.
Where is the nearest aid station / toilet / medical tent?
There are twenty aid stations located along the course approximately one to two miles apart. Each aid station has water, Gatorade, toilets and a medical tent. Refer to the course map on page 47 for the nearest aid station location. Before the race begins, please familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest aid stations to your location and how to direct people to that location.
How can friends/family find out about an injured participant?
If a participant is transported to a local area hospital at the discretion of the medical team, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Reunification Services staff will be on hand in Grant Park to provide information regarding that patient to family and friends. Reunification Services staff can be found in the Information Tents located throughout Grant Park as well as at the American Red Cross Reunification Services area. Family members may also call 888.659.9877 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on race day to speak with a Reunification Services Operator to inquire about a patient. Refer to the course map for locations and inform friends and family of this service in advance of race day.