In Brief:
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a world class long distance running event, drawing international attention, participants, and spectators.
Where:
The Chicago Marathon starts and ends in Grant Park near the Buckingham Fountain. The course winds through 15 Chicago neighborhoods. Here's a detailed Chicago Marathon course map.
When:
October 9, 2011
Registration opens February 1, and it's best not to procrastinate as slots are usually full by spring at the latest.
Marathon Start Times (CST):
Wheelchair race, 7:20 a.m.; Marathon, 7:30 a.m. (subject to change)
Spectator Information:
Over 1.5 million spectators line the 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon course to watch the runners in action.
Marathon Runners Information:
Full participant information, including registration info, Race Weekend events and times, course information, and official marathon rules are available at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon website.
Chicago Marathon Volunteers:
The success of the marathon relies on a large group of volunteers, who perform duties such as runner packet preparation, packet and t-shirt distribution, and manning the Aid Stations. Volunteers must be age 13 or older. Find out how you can be a Chicago Marathon volunteer.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon:
Starting in 1977 with over 4,200 runners, the Chicago Marathon continues to increase in popularity, and now 45,000 marathon runners (a number which would certainly be much larger if it wasn't capped for logistical reasons) and 1.5 million spectators turn out for this annual fall event. Runners come from around the world to take advantage of Chicago's fairly flat landscape, which aids in their speed and is accredited to be the reason a number of marathon world records have been set in the Windy City. The next Chicago Marathon is scheduled to take place on October 11, 2011.