45 Facts About Chicago Marathon 2024

Date and Location

The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon promises to be an unforgettable event. Let's dive into the essential details and fascinating facts about this iconic race.

1. Date and Location: The marathon will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, starting and finishing in Grant Park.

2. Field Size: Over 40,000 runners are expected to participate, including elite athletes, seasoned runners, and newcomers.

Elite Athletes and Course Design

The Chicago Marathon attracts top talent from around the globe. Here's a look at the elite athletes and the course design.

3. Elite Athlete Lineup: The 2024 marathon will feature a star-studded lineup. Notable names include Sutume Kebede of Ethiopia and Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya.

4. Course Design: Known for its flat and fast route, the course spans 29 neighborhoods and includes iconic landmarks like Lake Michigan.

Course Time Limit and Aid Stations

Runners need to be aware of the time limits and the support available along the course.

5. Course Time Limit: Runners must maintain a 15-minute mile pace or faster to receive full on-course support. The course time limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes.

6. Aid Stations: Multiple aid stations will offer sports drinks and energy gels to help runners stay hydrated and energized.

Prohibited Devices and Street Closures

To ensure safety and fairness, certain devices are prohibited, and street closures will be enforced.

7. Prohibited Devices: Only registered and authorized wheeled devices are permitted on the course.

8. Street Closures: Extensive street closures will occur along the marathon route to ensure participant safety.

World Athletics Platinum Label and Weather Conditions

The Chicago Marathon meets high standards and can experience a wide range of weather conditions.

9. World Athletics Platinum Label: Recognized as a Platinum Label event by World Athletics, the marathon meets high standards for organization and safety.

10. Weather Conditions: The race can experience a wide range of weather conditions, from high temperatures in the upper 80s to lows in the 20s.

Spectator Support and Course Amenities

The marathon is known for its infectious atmosphere and extensive amenities.

11. Spectator Support: Over 1.7 million spectators line the course to cheer on runners.

12. Course Amenities: Digital clocks at the start line, every five kilometers, and at the finish line help runners track their progress.

Registration Process and Time Standards

Getting into the Chicago Marathon involves a specific registration process and meeting certain time standards.

13. Registration Process: Runners can apply for the non-guaranteed lottery starting in October following the previous year's race.

14. Time Standards: The current time standards for guaranteed entry vary by age and gender, ensuring a competitive field.

Nonbinary Division and Charity Participation

Inclusivity and charity play significant roles in the Chicago Marathon.

15. Nonbinary Division: Starting with the 2022 edition, the marathon includes a nonbinary division, which follows the women’s time qualifications.

16. Charity Participation: Runners can participate for charity, with guaranteed entry spots available for approved charities.

History of the Marathon and Elite Athlete Quotes

The Chicago Marathon has a rich history and inspiring quotes from elite athletes.

17. History of the Marathon: The first Chicago Marathon was held in 1977 and has since become an annual event.

18. Elite Athlete Quotes: Athletes like Sutume Kebede and Ruth Chepngetich share their excitement about the race.

Course Map and Medical Support

Navigating the course and staying safe are crucial for all participants.

19. Course Map: The official course map is available in PDF format on the Chicago Marathon website.

20. Medical Support: Extensive medical support is provided along the course, including aid stations and medical tents.

Prohibited Items and Street Closure Information

Certain items are not allowed, and detailed street closure information is available.

21. Prohibited Items: No wheeled devices other than authorized wheelchairs are permitted on the course.

22. Street Closure Information: Detailed information about street closures and no parking zones is available on the Chicago Marathon website.

Runner Transport Vehicles and Hydrogel Fuel Stations

Support for runners who can't complete the race and specialized fuel stations are part of the event.

23. Runner Transport Vehicles: Non-emergency transportation vehicles will be available to transport runners back to Grant Park if they are unable to complete the race.

24. Hydrogel Fuel Stations: Equipped with Gel 100 and Gel 100 Caf 100, these stations provide 25 grams of carbohydrates per gel.

Chiquita Bananas and Course Records

Unique offerings and record-breaking opportunities add excitement to the marathon.

25. Chiquita Bananas: Aid Stations 15-17 will offer Chiquita Bananas to runners.

26. Course Records: Bonuses are offered for setting course records, with $50,000 for runners and wheelchair athletes who achieve this feat.

Wheelchair Division and Elite Athlete Lineup Highlights

The wheelchair division features top athletes, and the elite lineup is impressive.

27. Wheelchair Division: Defending champions Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner will compete, with Hug chasing his fifth title.

28. Elite Athlete Lineup Highlights: Sutume Kebede and Ruth Chepngetich are among the top contenders.

American Contenders and Charity Fundraising

American athletes and charity participants add to the marathon's appeal.

29. American Contenders: Keira D’Amato and Betsy Saina are notable American runners aiming for top finishes.

30. Charity Fundraising: Runners participating for charity are required to raise a minimum of $2,500.

Team Banquet and Hotel Room Block

Special perks for charity participants include a team banquet and discounted hotel rooms.

31. Team Banquet: Runners participating for the Windy City Angels will receive a Saturday night team banquet and buffet dinner.

32. Hotel Room Block: Access to a discounted hotel room block is available for charity participants.

Personal Fundraising Page and Custom Team Shirts

Charity runners receive personalized support and team gear.

33. Personal Fundraising Page: Runners will receive a personal fundraising page to help meet their goals.

34. Custom Team Shirts: Participants will receive a custom “I Run For” team shirt.

Training Tips and History of Charity Participation

Charity runners get training support, and the marathon has a history of impactful charity participation.

35. Training Tips: Personal training tips are provided throughout the year for charity runners.

36. History of Charity Participation: In 2023, Kyle and Miata made history by being the first individual with Angelman syndrome to cross the finish line.

Media Coverage and Event Credentials

Extensive media coverage and credentialing are part of the marathon's organization.

37. Media Coverage: The marathon will be covered by various media outlets, including NBC Chicago.

38. Event Credentials: Media interested in covering the race can apply for credentials through the marathon’s media relations team.

Course Records and Bonuses

Setting course records comes with significant financial rewards.

39. Course Records and Bonuses: Runners who break the course record will receive a $50,000 bonus, while wheelchair athletes will also receive $25,000 each.

Wheelchair Division Highlights

Top wheelchair athletes bring excitement to the race.

40. Wheelchair Division Highlights: Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner are among the top contenders, with Susannah Scaroni aiming to dethrone Debrunner.

Course Layout and Mile Markers

Understanding the course layout and mile markers helps runners stay on track.

41. Course Layout: The course starts in Grant Park and runs northward for about six miles before turning back south.

42. Course Mile Markers: Digital clocks and kilometer markers are positioned along the course to help runners track their progress.

Timing Checkpoints and Event Vehicle

Timing checkpoints and an event vehicle ensure accurate tracking and safety.

43. Timing Checkpoints: Positioned at the start line, halfway point, and finish line, these checkpoints track split times.

44. Event Vehicle: Following the last starter, this vehicle maintains a 15-minute mile pace, indicating when to re-open the course to traffic.

Event Size and Participation

The Chicago Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world.

45. Event Size and Participation: The 2024 marathon is expected to attract over 50,000 participants.

The Final Stretch

The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon promises an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike. With over 40,000 participants, a flat and fast course, and a star-studded lineup of elite athletes, this event is set to be a highlight in the marathon calendar. From Sutume Kebede and Ruth Chepngetich to Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner, the competition will be fierce. Runners can expect extensive support, from aid stations to medical services, ensuring a safe and enjoyable race. The inclusion of a nonbinary division and charity participation opportunities further highlights the marathon's commitment to inclusivity and community. Whether you're running, cheering, or watching from home, the 2024 Chicago Marathon is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars for October 13, 2024, and get ready to witness history in the making.