Everything You Need to Know About Chicago Marathon 2025: Street Closures and Start Times
Chicago Marathon Brings Major Street Closures: What You Need to Know
Mark your calendars for Sunday as the Chicago Marathon takes over the Windy City. Thousands of runners are set to challenge themselves on the scenic 26.2-mile route, impacting many local streets. The event begins from downtown Chicago and stretches through the North Side, Near West Side, and the South Loop. Here’s everything you should know to navigate the city smoothly on race day.
Key Street Closures for Chicago Marathon
Street closures are scheduled to begin as early as 4 a.m. on the day of the race to accommodate the marathon’s extensive route. Additional closures may be enforced if deemed necessary by marathon officials.
| Street | Closure Start | Reopen |
|---|---|---|
| Balbo Drive (Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive) | Since Sept. 25 | 3 p.m. on Oct. 17 |
| Columbus Drive (Numerous sections) | 4 a.m. | Varied, up to 8 p.m. on Sunday |
| Jackson Drive (Michigan Avenue to Columbus) | 4 a.m. on Friday | 8 p.m. on Sunday |
| Roosevelt Road (Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive) | 11 a.m. on Saturday | 6 p.m. on Sunday |
Alternative Routes and Important Traffic Information
Avoiding marathon-related congestion is possible if you stick to the following open routes:
- DuSable Lake Shore Drive: Both northbound and southbound lanes remain open.
- Inner Lake Shore Drive: Accessible from Diversey Parkway to Belmont Avenue.
- Main expressways including Dan Ryan, Kennedy, Eisenhower, and Stevenson Expressways will also remain open.
Nonetheless, expect towing enforcement on closed streets from 1 a.m. on Sunday. If your car is towed, you can reach out to 312-744-4444 for assistance.
Abbott Chicago 5K and Event Schedules
The marathon festivities start early with the Abbott Chicago 5K on Saturday morning in Grant Park. Street closures for this event will run from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Timeline: Chicago Marathon Race Day
- 5:30 a.m.: Grant Park opens for participants.
- 7:20 a.m.: Professional wheelchair races begin.
- 7:30 a.m.: Men’s and women’s professional race start.
- 8:00 a.m.: Wave 2 start.
- 9:30 a.m.: Grant Park opens for spectators.
Course Map Overview
The marathon course provides an incredible tour of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Starting in Grant Park, it leads runners through iconic areas like Streeterville and Wrigleyville, before turning towards the Near West Side and heading south to 35th Street. Runners will make their way back north, finishing the race at the heart of Grant Park.
Plan ahead, whether you’re a participant or a spectator, to fully enjoy the annual excitement that the Chicago Marathon brings to the city.
