CHICAGO – City of Chicago officials and Bank of America Chicago Marathon organizers are reminding the public about the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 8, with 49,000 runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are expected to travel through 29 neighborhoods for the 26.2-mile race, requiring street closures and parking restrictions throughout the Chicago Marathon Course and Street Closures. Plans are in place for a safe and successful Chicago Marathon weekend, which includes the Abbott Chicago 5K on Saturday, October 7 and residents, spectators, participants, and motorists are urged to be mindful of the traffic impacts as well as safety measures in place for these events.

 

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications along with city and private sector partners, will monitor the day's events, activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in order to coordinate resources as needed.

 

"The City of Chicago has been working with race organizers and our law enforcement partners in the planning and execution of the Marathon, in an effort to minimize impacts while making it a safe event for race participants, residents and visitors,” said Jose Tirado, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). “Safety is our number one priority, and we want to remind everyone to report any suspicious or criminal activity by calling 9-1-1.”

 

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s national and international reputation as a world class event has helped to raise millions of dollars for various charitable causes.

 

“We’re thrilled to welcome participants and Chicagoans this weekend for the 45^th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” said Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director. “No event in Chicago brings people, neighborhoods, businesses, public safety, and government agencies together more than the Chicago Marathon. We’re excited to celebrate our city and our sport on the streets of Chicago this weekend.” 

 

The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon includes a few changes this year. The Abbott Health and Fitness Expo, home to the event’s packet pick-up, has been extended to three days and will begin on Thursday, October 5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Abbott Chicago 5K – Saturday, October 7

The Abbott Chicago 5K will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. The 3.1-mile race will kick off in Grant Park at Ida B. Wells and Columbus Drive, running west on Harrison Street before weaving through loop on Wacker Drive and ending on Jackson and Wacker.  Michigan Avenue north of Ida B. Wells will remain open. Parking restrictions are in place starting at 1 a.m. on Saturday along the course. Vehicles that are not removed from the street by that time will be ticketed and towed. For inquiries about towed vehicles, call 312.744.4444.

 

For more information visit Chicago5K.com. The following streets will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. for the 5K on Saturday.

• Columbus Drive, between Jackson Blvd and Ida B. Wells St.
• Ida B. Wells St., between Columbus Dr. and Congress Plaza Dr.
• Congress Plaza Dr., between Harrison St. and Van Buren St.
• Harrison St., between Michigan Ave. and Franklin St.
• Franklin St., between Harrison St. and Van Buren St.
• Van Buren St., between Franklin St. and Wacker Dr.
• Wacker Dr., between Van Buren St. and Dearborn St. (NB & SB Wacker)
• Jackson Blvd., between Wacker Dr. and Wells St.

 

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Race Day Information for Participants

As race day approaches, event organizers strongly encourage participants to stay informed of race day conditions and be familiar with event rules and the color-coded Event Alert System (EAS), which will communicate the status of course and weather conditions to participants leading up to and on race day found here. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park. The first wave of runners will begin the race at 7:30 a.m. The second wave will begin at 8 a.m. The final group will begin at 8:35 a.m. The location for the Runner Reunite section will be staged in Butler Field with alphabetical signs throughout the 27^th Mile Post Race Party to facilitate meeting locations by name.

 

Traffic Impacts/Street Closures

With thousands of participants and spectators along the route, as well as street closures prior and during the race, those traveling throughout downtown and the various neighborhoods should allow extra time, expect delays, or consider alternate routes–such as the expressway system–to avoid the impacts of the race.

 

Street closures in the Grant Park area began on Monday with the closure of Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 10 a.m. Additional Street closures for race day at the start/finish line area can be expected through the weekend, including:

• Wednesday, October 4: Jackson Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will close at 10 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 9 at 6 a.m.
• Thursday, October 5: Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 9 at 3 p.m.
• Thursday, October 5: Columbus Dr. from Ida B. Wells to Roosevelt Rd will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 9 at 3 p.m.
• Friday, October 6: Columbus Drive from Monroe to Jackson St. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 8 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 6: Congress Plaza on Michigan Ave. (Van Buren St. to Harrison St. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 8 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 6: Ida B. Wells from Michigan Ave to Congress Plaza will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 8 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 6: Ida B. Wells from Congress Plaza to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 8 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 6: Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 8 at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, October 7: Columbus Dr. from Randolph to Monroe St. will be closed at 6 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 8 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, October 7: Roosevelt Rd. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed at 11 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 8 at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, October 7: Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will be closed at noon and open on Sunday, October 8 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, October 7: Monroe St. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed at noon and open on Sunday, October 8 at 5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 8: Columbus Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Roosevelt Road will be closed at 4 a.m. and open at 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 8: Michigan Ave. from Madison to 9^th will be closed at 4 a.m. and open at 9 a.m.
• Sunday, October 8: Roosevelt Rd. from Michigan to Columbus Dr. will be closed at 4 a.m. and open at 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 8: Michigan Ave. from 9^th to Roosevelt Rd will be closed at 5:30 a.m. and open at 4 p.m.
• All streets will be fully reopened by Monday, October 9 at 6 a.m.

 

Race day street closures along the route will begin at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 8 and are anticipated to be reopened by 4:30 p.m. or when it is deemed safe to do so. Visit link for Chicago Marathon Street Closures and Route.

 

Beginning early Sunday morning, parking restrictions will be in effect along the course. For public safety and traffic flow, the towing of vehicles along the route and other posted “No Parking Zones” will be strictly enforced. Motorists are encouraged to read signage before parking and should call 3-1-1 to locate a towed vehicle.

 

The following main thoroughfares, among others, will remain open:

• DuSable Lake Shore Drive
• Inner Lake Shore Drive will remain open from Diversey Parkway to Belmont Avenue. Access to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will remain open at Belmont.

 

Public Transportation

As always, public transportation is encouraged if heading to the Marathon or other destinations in the impacted areas. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA. Metra will offer extra service on race day. For specific schedule information, visit Metra.com. The City has worked with licensed Transportation Network Providers (TNP rideshare services) to ensure that pick-up and drop-off locations are available throughout the city, in geo-fenced areas that are a safe distance off the route.

 

Security Measures

Safety is always a primary concern and several security measures and restrictions that have been place for several years will be strictly enforced. Participants will be required to show an ID to obtain race packets at the Abbott Health and Fitness Expo prior to Sunday and must use race-issued clear bags to store their personal belongings during the race. Runners must enter the race staging area at one of the seven designated gateways in Grant Park through security checkpoints at Michigan Avenue near Congress Drive, Jackson Drive, Van Buren Street, Congress Boulevard, and Harrison Street.

Race organizers expect more than 1 million spectators to line city streets along the Marathon route. Chicago Police will be deploying uniformed and plainclothes officers as well as implementing other safety measures to ensure the event’s safety. Officers will also conduct random bag checks of spectators carrying backpacks or large bags. As in previous years, runners will not be allowed to leave unattended bags or clothing items within Grant Park or along the route. If officers or race officials see an unattended bag along the route, it will be collected and discarded.

 

Only participants displaying their event-issued bib numbers, credentialed event staff and ticketed guests (where applicable) will have access to the race start and finish areas within Grant Park. Spectators should be aware that they will not have access to these areas. Only registered runners are allowed to participate in the Marathon. Non-registered runners joining the race at any point throughout the route or finish line is prohibited and will be strictly enforced.

 

For more information, including race-day restrictions and policies, visit the Marathon website at ChicagoMarathon.com

 

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a TFR for the airspace within a 2 nautical miles (2NM) radius of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, October 8, 2023. The TFR will be in place from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Unauthorized drones, unmanned aircraft systems, and manned aircraft will be prohibited to fly within the TFR without an approved FAA Waiver. Individuals who fail to adhere to the TFR could face detainment/fines by law enforcement and/or FAA personnel.

 

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) advises residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, and increased traffic in the area.

 

Report Suspicious Activity:  If You See Something, Say Something™ OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity – especially in large gatherings. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Although the City has not received actionable threats, the Department of Homeland Security released an advisory on May 24, 2023 -  National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. DHS emphasizes the continued heightened threat environment across the United States. It notes that “lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States.”

 

Citywide deployments for the weekend are planned in order to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will monitor events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources as needed., OEMC, Chicago Police Department and city departments collaborate to share communications regularly through daily coordination calls that allows for enhanced citywide coordination and activation of safety plans. 

 

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.

 

Public Transportation: For all large events, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events.

 

Weather and Public Safety:  OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.

 

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

• Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

 

Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the light poles throughout the Grant Park area and along the lakefront. The green signs with white letters and numbers are also located from 5700 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and on the lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton and Montrose to Foster Avenue to help residents reference their location within the park to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency and you call 9-1-1.

 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).

 

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About OEMC

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) oversees several functions that support public safety and provides assistance to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The OEMC manages the following operational areas for the city: 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch; the 3-1-1 call center; emergency management; and traffic management. The OEMC coordinates with departments citywide, including the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, in addition to various other local, state, and federal agencies as it relates to public safety planning and coordination for everything from large-scale special events to public safety emergencies and disasters.