CHICAGO — The 40th edition of the Chicago Marathon steps off Sunday morning. Here's a guide of how to enjoy the massive event.
When is it?
Before starting the 26.2-mile course, more than 40,000 racers will begin massing at the starting line at Columbus and Monroe in Grant Park around 5:30 a.m.
Start times will be staggered based on classification. Here's when the racers start:
7:20 a.m. Wheelchair Start
7:21 a.m. Handcycle Start
7:23 a.m. Athletes with Disabilities Start
7:30 a.m. Wave 1 Start
8:00 a.m. Wave 2 Start
8:35 a.m. Wave 3 Start
Wave 1 will include the fastest runners, with the winner usually crossing the finish line a little over two hours later.
The largest group of runners will be in Wave 3.
The official post-race party will take place at Butler Field in Grant Park from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., though there will likely be some racers coming in after that.
In 2016, last place runner Joshua Herrera crossed the finish line in 9 hours, 47 minutes and 56 seconds with two bad ankles.
Where is it?
The race starts in Grant Park, but goes through several Chicago neighborhoods.
Among them are the Loop, River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Boystown, Lakeview, West Loop, Pilsen, University Village, Chinatown, Armour Square, Bronzeville and South Loop.
Here's a map of the 26.2-mile route:
Where can I watch it and how can I get around?
The race will be televised on NBC 5, but part of the fun is going out into the neighborhoods, cheering on racers and laughing at clever fan-made signs.
A spectator encourages racers during the 2013 Chicago Marathon. [DNAinfo/Emily Morris]
The "L" is the best way to get around as the CTA will increase service. Roads will be closed off ahead of the marathon, but will be opened up as racers pass through.
Here's a full list (PDF) of road closures and estimated openings due to the race. Some streets had already been closed Downtown as of Tuesday.
If you're tracking a specific racer throughout the day, download the official Chicago Marathon iOS or Android app.
What will the weather be like?
Sunday should be a "mild day," with temperatures hanging around the 60s at the start of the race and hitting a high in the mid-70s, said Ricky Castro, a National Weather Service meteorologist. The marathon is expected to be dry, but there's a chance for rain showers during the afternoon and into the evening for those planning post-run celebrations. Humidity will be low.
"The earlier parts of the race will be comfortable," Castro said.
Will it be safe?
Following Sunday's mass shooting in Las Vegas, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said officials were "prepared for any eventuality."
Emanuel said the entire course would be placed in a "security envelope" — and urged Chicagoans to contact authorities if they see something that seems amiss.
