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Chicago Marathon 2024

About 1,700,000 people will attend Chicago Marathon 2024 in Chicago.

Mar 10, 2024 → Mar 10, 2024

Chicago Marathon 2023
from $4.10/day
Rated 4.9 by 631,945+ people
$10,000 protection
Free cancellation
13,000+ locations globally

Where to drop your bags near Chicago Marathon 2024?

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Chicago Marathon 2024 

The streets of Chicago will once again be filled with the energy of thousands of runners and spectators at the Chicago Marathon 2024! Make your way to Chicago and lend your support!

The first Chicago run was organized in 1905. While only 20 runners participated, over 100,000 spectators watched the race. Over the years, both numbers grew, and now more than 45,000 participants run while over 1.7 million people gather to watch them! What a spectacle!

The Bank of America has been the title sponsor since 2008, giving the marathon its official name—The Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

This marathon has seen its record shattered six times! Back in 1984, Steve Jones set a noteworthy time in the men's race. The most recent record was set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, who finished at 2:00:35. In the same year, Sifan Hassan set a new women’s record with a time of 2:13:44.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon also includes wheelchair races, with remarkable performances recorded last year. In the wheelchair division, Marcel Hug crossed the finish line in 1:22:37, marking his fourth victory in Chicago. He’s aiming for his fifth Chicago title this year, so stay tuned! Catherine Debrunner also set a new record in the women’s wheelchair division with a time of 1:38:44.

The 2024 Chicago long-distance race will start at 7 a.m. on October 13

The 26.2-mile course begins at the official start line in Grant Park. It will take runners through 29 neighborhoods, such as Lincoln Park, the Loop, and Chinatown before they gather again in Grant Park, where the finish line is. The event has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. 

What to Expect When Attending Chicago Marathon 2024

The fastest athletes will join us at this year's Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Will someone break the record again? Come and find out!

Some of the standout names for the 2024 race in the men's division include Vincent Ngetich, who finished runner-up in the 2022 Berlin Marathon and is seeking his first major victory. In the women’s field, Ruth Chepngetich will compete alongside other exciting marathon stars racing in the USA, like Keira D’Amato and Betsy Saina, who are among the fastest American women.

The Chicago Marathon offers several cheering spots for spectators to encourage runners along the route. You can watch the race from the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle in Lincoln Park, near the zoo—a perfect spot for families with kids! Chinatown is a cheering zone with high-energy music and performances. Another great spot is Grant Park if you want to support your loved ones as they approach the finish line.

The forecast for the America Chicago Marathon predicts a pleasant day, perfect for running. The temperatures will range from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C), which is an optimal temperature for the marathon participants. If you’re going there to support them, dress in layers and don't be surprised by a bit of rain.

Tickets

The entry is $240 for runners from the US and $250 for international runners.

Spectators can watch the race in different zones for free! 

However, if you want to wait at the finish line, you'll need to purchase a $30 ticket to enter the East Side Viewing Area in Grant Park.

Security Protocols

Since this is a large event, the Chicago Marathon has important security protocols.

  • Police and security will be present throughout the course to ensure everyone's safety.
  • Security screenings of bags will be done at some checkpoints, such as Grant Park.
  • Items such as large backpacks, weapons, and drones are prohibited.
  • Smaller bags will be checked at the entrance points.

How to Get To or From the Event

There are several transportation methods you can use if you want to get to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon:

  • Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains, particularly the Red and Blue Lines, can take you to the spots near Grant Park.
  • A train line like Metra Electric Line is convenient for those coming from the suburbs.
  • Chicago is bike-friendly; participants or spectators can use Divvy, the city’s bike-sharing program, to get to the marathon.

Chicago Marathon 2024 Bag Policy

Bringing in larger bags and backpacks isn’t allowed in some zones.

The runners will be offered a gear check service and a designated area to store their stuff in Grant Park. However, there is no specific area for storing bags outside of the gear check, or for the spectators.

If you're bringing a larger bag, Bounce has a solution!

The Bounce platform provides bag storage worldwide. We partner with local businesses such as hotels and souvenir shops with 13,000 locations for storing your luggage in more than 2000 cities. You can easily find us on our website or our mobile app, and we will help you find a perfect spot in Chicago to drop off your luggage.

Chicago Marathon 2024 Bag Storage

Leave Your Bags With Bounce and Enjoy the Race

The simplest solution is leaving your bags with a nearby Bounce partner, who can provide luggage storage at a trusted local business. It is convenient since the price is only $4.10 per day, and we offer 24/7 customer support! If you can’t make it and have to cancel your bag storage, we won’t charge you anything.

How to Stow Your Bags at Chicago Marathon 2024 With Bounce

Follow these easy steps:

  • Book: Contact a Bounce partner after looking for a location and pay online.
  • Go to the location: Head to the location and drop off your luggage there.
  • Enjoy the race: Whether you're a runner or cheering for someone, enjoy without worries!

How to Make the Most Out of Chicago Marathon 2024

These are some tips for you on how to make the most out of this event:

  • Hydrate properly: Take advantage of the many aid stations placed every 1 or 2 miles and drink plenty of water!
  • Enjoy the party at the Grant Park finish line: After the race, enjoy food, beverages, and celebration with others.
  • Choose a good cheering zone: As a spectator, carefully choose your viewing location to follow the race, and make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot!

Who will be the Bank of America Chicago Marathon champion? Head to Chicago, store your luggage with Bounce, and find out!

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All you need to know

  • Where is the starting line for the Chicago Marathon?

    Both the starting line and finish line can be found in Chicago’s Grant Park. The park is located directly east of Downtown Chicago. Registration and other information for participants will be found between Jackson Drive and Columbus Drive, just east of The Loop. 

  • How many weeks should you train for a marathon?

    Training for a marathon can go a lot of different ways, and there is competing information everywhere, but competitors should expect to train between 12 and 20 weeks at a minimum. Each week, you should expect to run three to four times, with rest being important to avoid injury. Prior to the race, you should complete at least two 20-mile runs, with your longest run being about two weeks prior to the race. Running a half marathon is advisable, given it prepares you for the mindset needed to complete a full 26.2-mile race. 

  • How much does it cost to enter the Chicago Marathon in 2024?

    The entry is $240 for runners from the US and $250 for international runners.

  • Is the Chicago Marathon always in October?

    Yes, the Chicago Marathon is on second Sunday in October each year.

  • Is there a time limit for the Chicago Marathon?

    Yes, there is a time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes for the Chicago Marathon.

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