Chicago Marathon 2025: start time, route, elite field, how to watch

TL;DR:

Race day is Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Chicago.
TV and streams start 8 a.m. ET, 7 a.m. CT.
Route starts and finishes in Grant Park, flat and fast.
John Korir and Megertu Alemu headline the elite fields.
Expect road closures 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., plan travel early.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon returns on Sunday, October 12, 2025. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors, known for a flat, fast route and huge crowds.

This guide covers start times, elite fields, the course, road closures, and how to watch around the world. It also includes a quick checklist for runners and spectators.

When does the race start?

Live coverage begins at 8 a.m. Eastern, 7 a.m. Central, on NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos. You can also stream on NBCChicago.com and TelemundoChicago.com. Runner’s World notes the broadcast and streaming options, including Peacock access on race day.

For viewers in India, the main start at 7 a.m. Central is 5:30 p.m. IST on October 12.

Who is racing?

World Athletics lists John Korir and Megertu Alemu as the headliners for the elite fields this year. Both return aiming for fast times on a course built for speed. Additional previews this week say the professional fields include many of the world’s top marathoners.

Why Chicago is so fast

The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and runs through 29 neighborhoods. The official site calls the course flat and fast, with four world records and many bests set here. In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum set the current world record in Chicago, 2:00:35, later ratified by World Athletics. Sifan Hassan set the women’s course record at 2:13:44 the same day.

The course at a glance

Runners head north from Grant Park, loop through Lincoln Park, swing west near the United Center area, then go south through Pilsen and Chinatown before the final turn onto Columbus Drive.

NBC Chicago has a clear 2025 map, and the marathon site hosts the course and amenities page. Use both to plan meeting points and cheer zones.

Key times and broadcasts

Item	Chicago (CT)	New York (ET)	London (BST)	Berlin (CEST)	Delhi (IST)	Sydney (AEDT)
Main TV/stream window	7–11 a.m.	8 a.m.–noon	1–5 p.m.	2–6 p.m.	5:30–9:30 p.m.	11 p.m.–3 a.m.
Finish-line ticketed viewing (open hours)	8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.	9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.	2:30–10 p.m.	3:30–11 p.m.	7–2:30 a.m. (Oct 13)	1–7 a.m. (Oct 13)

Hours based on official spectator info and East Side Viewing Area details. Convert times to your zone before travel.

How to watch and track

TV and streaming. Watch on NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos. Stream on NBCChicago.com and TelemundoChicago.com. Runner’s World also lists a YouTube option and Peacock access on race morning.
Official mobile app. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, powered by TCS, offers unlimited live runner tracking, elite profiles, live broadcast, real time weather, and an interactive map. It is available on the App Store and Google Play. NBC Chicago and the official marathon pages confirm features.

Road closures and getting around

Plan for widespread street closures along the route from about 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on race day. Some nearby streets will also be affected. Local outlets have published closure lists, and the official site keeps a live page. Most roads begin reopening after the final runners pass, with full reopening targeted by Friday, October 17, at 3 p.m., per NBC Chicago. Use public transit where possible.

Spectator tips

Grant Park access. Spectators cannot enter the start and finish areas inside Grant Park unless they have credentials or a ticket. Plan to cheer on the course and reunite inside Grant Park later. The 27th Mile Post-Race Party and Runner Reunite area opens at 9:30 a.m.
Best viewing. Choose Chicago suggests Mile 1 on Grand Avenue near State Street for early action, or the official cheer zone near Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road to see the late push. The East Side Viewing Area at the finish was ticketed and is now sold out.
Navigation. Expect dense crowds near downtown. Study the course map and choose two meeting points. Use the CTA instead of rideshares near Grant Park.

Quick checklist

For runners

Pin bib the night before. Pack clear gear check bag and ID.
Enter your correct corral on time.
Set your watch to auto lap off the start line.
Use the app’s map to spot aid stations and gels.
Plan post-race meet point before you start.

For spectators

Download the official app. Add runners for tracking.
Pick two viewing spots that are near a CTA line.
Bring layers, a portable charger, and snacks.
Avoid the finish chute unless you have a ticket.
Agree on a Runner Reunite letter zone.

Records and recent history

Chicago is where the men’s world record fell in 2023. Kelvin Kiptum ran 2:00:35, a mark World Athletics later ratified. Sifan Hassan set the women’s course record at 2:13:44 the same day. Wheelchair course records include 1:25:20 by Marcel Hug and 1:38:44 by Catherine Debrunner, both from 2023. These standards shape pacing plans for this year’s elite fields.

What happens next

After race day, the official site and broadcasters air post-race shows, highlights, and results. If you ran, check the results database for splits and photos. Local preview and recap programming airs across late September and October.

Why it matters

Chicago attracts 50,000 plus runners and close to two million spectators each year. The event drives tourism and shows off the city’s neighborhoods. It also offers a fast chance at personal bests and Olympic qualifying marks. This weekend, the marathon again doubles as a global broadcast for the sport and the city.

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