The 45th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Race Weekend will take place in the Windy City in early October, attracting over 47,000 runners and 1.7 million spectators. This weekend is a frenzy and can easily feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re visiting the area or running your first marathon.
How you handle the weekend’s logistics can have just as big of an impact on the outcome of the race as your race-day strategy. We surveyed local experts to get their advice on how to get about the weekend’s activities, where to make reservations for pre-and post-race meals, and, of course, what to anticipate on the race course itself. Here is all the information you require for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Suggested Read: How to Watch Chicago Marathon 2023 in Europe
The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Race Weekend
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a reputation for being a quick and flat track, which has led to numerous world records. By setting the American women’s marathon record in the previous year with a stunning time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 29 seconds, Emily Sisson accomplished an amazing feat.
The picturesque Grant Park, located by the beaches of Lake Michigan, serves as both the start and finish line of the marathon’s looped course. The marathon’s route brings runners through 29 different neighborhoods, each of which offers a distinctive setting and ambiance for both competitors and spectators. The Chicago Marathon is still a major event in the long-distance running community because of its unique combination of speed, breathtaking landscape, and vivacious community spirit.
How to Get to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
The first thing to do is to get your bib at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo as soon as you can. Checking this task off your list as soon as possible might save you time on your feet and stress from the crowds because expos tend to get more and more congested as race day approaches.
The Expo is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in addition to starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 5. The cheapest and most practical method to get there, like with most locations during marathon weekends, is by using public transportation. It is located at McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, and 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr. You can use the METRA Electric commuter railroad directly in addition to the L’s red and green lines.
What to Expect at the Expo
Expos for marathons can get crazy. Expect lineups and wait times as a result of the large number of runners arriving to pick up their bibs. Make sure you have one form of identification ID and your Packet Pick-up Ticket email available to speed up the procedure.
This year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon merchandise, as well as the most recent in running footwear, apparel, nutrition, and technology, will be available from more than 180 exhibitors in the health and fitness sector at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. The Expo is a terrific place to pick up any last-minute necessities you might have overlooked and to stock up on plenty of race-related souvenirs.
How to Get to the Starting Line
Public transportation is once again the best option as over 47,000 runners prepare to cross the starting line in Grant Park and highways along the course close early. Kerl Lejune, a 22-time finisher of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and a coach with Chicago Endurance Sports, says that ridesharing has turned into a nightmare for most people and that the expense wreaks havoc on the preparation process. “The L train and bus are best.”
The closest station is Van Buren St. and is where the blue, green, orange, and red L lines all terminate close to Grant Park. It takes roughly eight minutes to walk from Michigan Avenue, where runners enter the park. You’ll need to allocate that time regardless of how you get there, says Cynthia Kmak, a different Fleet Feet Racing team coach.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a runner or a spectator, Bank of America’s Race Weekend is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your family. For runners, it’s a chance to push themselves to their limits, test their physical and mental endurance, and experience the thrill of racing on the flat, fast course. For those running, it is an opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally, and to experience the exhilaration of racing on a flat, quick course.
