(Photo: Kevin Morris)
Chicago, IL — September 15, 2025
One of the world’s premier road races is set to return this fall as the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon prepares to take over the city’s streets on Sunday, October 12, 2025, drawing elite athletes and tens of thousands of recreational runners from around the globe.
Now in its 47th year, the Chicago Marathon remains one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, placing it alongside races in Boston, New York, London, Berlin, Tokyo, and Sydney. The event is expected to attract runners from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries, reinforcing Chicago’s status as a global hub for endurance sports.
A Fast Course With Global Prestige
Known for its flat, fast course, the Chicago Marathon has long been a favorite for record-breaking performances. The race begins and ends in Grant Park, winding through 29 neighborhoods and along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering spectators one of the most accessible marathon viewing experiences in the world.
Race organizers have confirmed that the 2025 course will remain largely unchanged, continuing the tradition that has produced multiple world records and national bests over the decades.
Elite Field and Amateur Participation
While the elite athlete field for 2025 is expected to be announced closer to race week, the Chicago Marathon routinely draws Olympic medalists, national champions, and rising stars from East Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond.
At the same time, the race remains a defining event for amateur runners. More than 45,000 participants are expected to take part, many running on behalf of charitable organizations. The marathon’s official charity program typically raises tens of millions of dollars annually for nonprofits across the Chicago region and the Great Lakes.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Beyond athletics, the Chicago Marathon delivers a significant economic boost. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses across downtown and surrounding neighborhoods typically see one of their busiest weekends of the year, as spectators and participants flood the city.
City officials and race organizers emphasize the event’s broader cultural impact, highlighting how marathon weekend showcases Chicago’s neighborhoods, diversity, and lakefront identity to a global audience.
Race Weekend Programming
In addition to race day, marathon weekend will include:
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A multi-day Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place
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Community runs and youth programming
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Accessibility and adaptive athlete divisions
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Live entertainment and neighborhood celebrations along the course
Transportation advisories and road closure information are expected to be released by the City of Chicago in the weeks leading up to the event.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 racing calendar moves toward fall, the Chicago Marathon once again stands as a centerpiece event for the Great Lakes region — blending elite sport, community participation, and international attention into a single weekend along Lake Michigan.