UPDATE: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is set to take place this Sunday, October 12, 2025, and it promises to be a thrilling event with a record-breaking 53,000 participants racing through the city. As excitement builds, officials have just announced crucial street closures that will significantly impact traffic.
Starting at 10:00 AM on October 9, various streets in Grant Park will begin to close, including Balbo Dr and Jackson Dr, with some roads remaining shut until 3:00 PM on October 17. If you’re planning to attend or travel through the area, be aware of major closures beginning at 6:00 AM on race day, affecting key routes such as Columbus Dr and Grand Ave until 10:30 AM.
Here’s a quick overview of critical road closures:
– **Balbo Dr:** Closed from Columbus Dr to DuSable Lake Shore Dr until October 17.
– **Jackson Dr:** Closed from Columbus Dr to DuSable Lake Shore Dr until 6:00 AM on October 14.
– **Columbus Dr:** Various segments will close on October 10 and October 11 leading up to race day.
– **Full Course Closures:** Major roads along the race route will close progressively throughout the morning.
Residents and visitors can expect the majority of streets in the Loop to reopen by 9:00 AM on race day. However, officials strongly recommend using public transportation to avoid delays and congestion.
The marathon will feature multiple waves, starting with the men’s and women’s wheelchair races at 7:20 AM and 7:21 AM, respectively. The first wave of runners will kick off at 7:35 AM, followed by subsequent waves at 8:00 AM and 8:35 AM.
For those who want to cheer on the runners, designated cheer zones are available along the race route. Live broadcasts will be provided by NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a livestream accessible via their websites and apps.
As the city gears up for this monumental race, stay tuned for any last-minute updates on road closures and traffic advisories. Share this information to help others navigate the city during this exciting event!
