Simple Tips for Running Lifestyles

The ultimate guide for Chicago Marathon weekend contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission based on eligible purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting this content!

As someone who’s traveled the world for multiple races (including three World Majors!), I know how special it is to soak in a race weekend while still enjoying the city around you. If you’re heading to Chicago for the marathon, this list is for you! Whether you’re running, cheering, or just tagging along for the food and fun, here’s how to make the most of your time in the Windy City.

Related Post: Before you visit Chicago, check out the one travel tip you must know when packing your suitcase.

A Quick Chicago History Lesson

Before traveling to Chicago to run through our historic city, it’s worth giving a little background on the overall history of the neighborhoods on the marathon course. Chicago is a city built by immigrants. Throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, Chicago was populated by arrivals from Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Mexico, and many parts of Eastern Europe, followed by Black Americans moving north during the Great Migration. These communities shaped the city’s neighborhoods, labor force, food culture, and spirit.

Chicago Neighborhoods Included on the Marathon Course

There are 29 neighborhoods included in the 26.2-mile marathon course. The course itself carries an incredible amount of history. You can still feel those historic roots in places like:

• Pilsen (Mile 19): A hub for Mexican-American culture and art (also my favorite part of the marathon course). If you see signs or chants that say ¡Sí se puede!, it means “Yes, you can!”
• Greektown (Mile 16): A lively cultural hub just west of the Loop, full of family-run restaurants and the U of Illinois-Chicago.
• Chinatown (Mile 23): An impressive spot on the marathon course! The arch is a landmark, and this neighborhood is full of vibrant shops, markets, and community centers. The dragon dancers on race day are a treat!
• Bronzeville (Mile 24): One of the most important neighborhoods in the history of African American life in the United States. This is where many Black families moved as part of the Great Migration.

Many of these neighborhoods are featured along the marathon route, making race day a powerful way to see the history of the city as you pass through.

Why Is Chicago Called “The Second City”?

Chicago’s nickname, the “Second City,” has two meanings. Chicago is often seen as America’s second city in terms of population, culture, and media, especially when compared to New York. But more importantly, the name also comes from the city’s rebirth after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, when Chicago was rebuilt stronger, taller, and more modern than before. It’s often referred to as the “second” version of the city.

Related Post: This article was in the Top 10 for 2025! Get the whole list of the top-ranked posts here.

Chicago Marathon Weekend Basics

The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park on Columbus Drive, and the course winds through 29 neighborhoods, showing off the best of Chicago.

The Best Way to Get to Chicago from the Airport

One of the best ways to get to the Chicago Loop from O’Hare is the CTA Blue Line. Unless you’re traveling during off hours, getting down the Dan Ryan (I-90) right now is incredibly slow due to a massive construction project. Buy a 3 or 7-day pass depending on how long you’re staying.

Pro Tip: Use Google Maps to determine your route and download the Transit Stop: CTA tracker from the App Store to track the bus and train arrivals. 

Chicago Marathon Runner Logistics

The best option to get to the race is the CTA. The roads close around 5 am, so the L train is a great option. Also Grant Park on race day is closed to car traffic.

Plan on entering through the security gates an hour before your corral closes. Check the security permitted item list and give yourself enough time to get through the gate. The lines for the porta-potties can be long and you’ll be waiting in the corral for a while before you cross the start line.

If you’re looking for a place to do a shake out run in the days before the race, check out the Lakefront Path! It’s 18 and a half miles of the Lake Michigan coast and it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Related Post: Before you visit, create a custom packing list for your trip using this guide with AI-prompts for your Chicago Marathon weekend trip!

Where to Eat During Marathon Weekend

While you’re in Chicago for the marathon, try a few of our classic favorite food items!

Chicago‑Style Hot Dog

The Chicago-style hot dog has a rich history that reflects the city’s immigrant roots, especially during the Great Depression.

The Chicago hot dog was born during the Great Depression in the 1930s. With money tight and appetites large, a hot dog piled high with veggies became an affordable and filling meal.

A real Chicago-style dog is “dragged through the garden,” which means:

• All-beef hot dog (Vienna Beef specifically)
• Yellow mustard (no ketchup)
• Bright green relish
• Chopped onions
• Tomato slices
• A pickle spear
• Sport peppers
• A dash of celery salt
• On a poppy seed bun (no ketchup!)

Some of Chicago’s hot dog stands feature an earlier version of the Chicago-style hot dog known as the “depression dog,” which includes mustard, onions, pickled peppers, and relish. They usually include fries wrapped with the dog in the wax paper. 

Top Chicago Hot Dog Stands

Jewish and Central European immigrants brought sausage-making traditions to Chicago. As vendors set up hot dog carts in working-class neighborhoods, the Chicago dog evolved into an affordable, complete meal with bright, fresh toppings that made it both tasty and eye-catching.

Here are the best hotdog stands within the city of Chicago:

• Jim’s Original (Greektown)
• Wiener’s Circle (Lincoln Park)
• Byron’s (Wrigleyville)
• Wrigleyville Dogs (Wrigleyville)
• Red Hot Ranch (Lakeview)
• Jimmy’s Red Hots (West Side)
• Devil Dogs (Lincoln Park)
• VinnyD’s (Wicker Park)

Chicago Tavern-Style Pizza

When most people think of Chicago pizza, they picture deep dish “casserole pizza,” but tavern-style pizza is the true everyday favorite for many locals. It’s thin, crispy, and cut into squares (aka “party cut”), making it perfect for sharing around a table.

Tavern-style pizza started popping up in neighborhood bars (taverns) around Chicago in the 1940s and 1950s. Italian-American bar owners needed a way to keep customers in their establishments without investing in full kitchens. They began offering simple, crispy pizzas that could be sliced up and handed out on napkins.

It wasn’t fancy, but it was fast, shareable, and salty enough to pair with beer and people loved it. While tourists often go straight for deep dish, tavern-style pizza is what most locals eat. It’s quicker, crispier, and more everyday-friendly than its deep-dish cousin. My favorite part is the crispier little triangles.

Best Tavern Pizza in Chicago

• Pat’s Pizza (Lincoln Park)
• Michael’s (Buena Park)
• Art of Pizza (South Loop and Lakeview)
• Bartoli’s (Roscoe Village and West Town)

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish was invented in 1943 at a restaurant called Pizzeria Uno in downtown Chicago. Owners Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo wanted something that felt a little more filling, a little more Midwestern, and unique.

Their creation? A thick, buttery crust baked in a round steel pan, layered with cheese first, then meats and veggies, and finally topped with a chunky tomato sauce. It flipped traditional pizza on its head and people loved it.

This is what most people think of when they imagine Chicago pizza. It’s thick, cheesy, saucy, and baked in a deep pan.

Chicago Deep Dish Classics

• Pizzeria Uno
• Lou Malnati’s
• Gino’s East
• Pequod’s (famous for its caramelized crust)

Pizzeria Uno is known as the original and their success led to a whole wave of deep-dish restaurants throughout the city. The deep-dish pizza over the years helped define Chicago’s food identity.

Pro Tip: Deep dish takes up to 45 minutes to bake so be ready to wait (or check if you can call ahead!). 

Chicago Local Restaurant Faves

• Au Cheval:  Famous for one of the best burgers in the country. No reservations, but you can grab a seat at the bar if you’re lucky and skip the list (the wait can be hours). They also have a spin-off with a smaller menu, Small Cheval, if you can’t get into the original.
• The Original Mr. Beef: This small little sandwich shop in River North is the filming location for The Bear. It’s cash only.
• Rojo Gusano: Tacos and mezcal cocktails in Ravenswood. They often have live music in the evening.
• Chicago Oven Grinder: Another pizza option, however, this might be the most unique pizza you’ll ever experience. This unique pizza is served upside down. They don’t take reservations, so plan ahead.
• The Original Rainbow Cone: A Chicago ice cream classic! The original location is on the Southside in Beverly where they “stack” their signature Rainbow Cone ice cream (Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate) onto a cone. It’s really unique and they have several locations within the city.

Need something quick? Look for Portillo’s in River North, Shake Shack, or local favorite Do-Rite Donuts for easy grab-and-go options (their fried chicken sandwich is a must).

Scenic Dining in Chicago 

Looking for Chicago city scenery? Check out these iconic dining experiences.

• Cindy’s Rooftop: Overlooks Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Gorgeous views, great cocktails, and a solid brunch.
• The Gage: A gastropub right across from Grant Park. Ideal for post-race celebrations or a hearty pre-race dinner.

Fun Things to Do in Chicago on Marathon Weekend

Iconic Attractions in Chicago

• Millennium Park: Home of Cloud Gate (also known as the Bean), Crown Fountain, the Japanese gardens, and the Art Institute.
• Chicago Riverwalk: Take a walk, stop for coffee or gelato. While you can run along the riverwalk, it’s not ideal since it’s narrow and crowded at times.
• Navy Pier: Check out the Ferris wheel, the views of Lake Michigan, and the Children’s Museum if you have kids in tow.
• Shake Out Run: The Abbott 5K is a great option for run club meet-ups, a shake-out run, or friends wanting a premier racing experience without running a full marathon. Register here.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: One of the few free zoos in the country. This adorable zoo is beautiful and has a great variety of exhibits.
• Cloudgate: one of the most iconic tourist attractions, it’s also known as “The Bean.” Take a picture in the reflection!

Things to Do During Chicago Marathon Weekend

• Architecture River Cruise: This is an absolute must for visiting Chicago and a favorite for a reason! See the city from the water and learn about the city’s history from an architectural perspective. Buy your tickets in advance since they will likely sell out for race weekend.
• Museums: The Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science & Industry, and Shedd Aquarium are all worth a visit. My personal favorite is the Chicago History Museum!
• Chicago Magic Lounge: The Chicago Magic Lounge is an amazing experience! This show is speakeasy-style and includes table-side magicians (it’s a hidden gem!)
• Broadway in Chicago Shows: Check out the shows in Chicago on marathon weekend!

Explore the Chicago Neighborhoods

• West Loop: Foodie central. Great for a Saturday dinner or brewery crawl.
• Greektown: Tasty food and a fun cultural vibe.
• Magnificent Mile: Shopping, sightseeing, and pretty views of the lake.
• Old Town: One of Chicago’s original neighborhoods and home of the Chicago History Museum.
• Fulton Market: Some of the best of Chicago’s food scene, including favorites like Beatrix and the Publican.
• Logan Square: A cool neighborhood with vintage shops, a tattoo parlor and cool vibes.

Related Post: Need help booking your Chicago Marathon weekend plans? Reach out to a travel agent to help you plan your race weekend itinerary. 

Chicago Marathon Spectator Tips

Chicago is one of the most spectator-friendly races out there. The course has multiple out-and-backs that return to downtown, which makes it easy to catch runners more than once.

Tracking Marathon Runners

Download the Bank of America Chicago Marathon app to track your runner. It used a predictive pace to determine where the runner is on the course map based on estimated pace. If your runner runs with their phone, use the Apple Find My app or Life 360 to use their phone’s GPS for a more accurate location.

Best Viewing Spots for the Chicago Marathon

The race starts at 7:30 for the elite field (although note, the handcycles start at 7:23). I recommend getting to your first point early in case the curbs are crowded. It’s also inspiring to see the incredible talent at the beginning of the race.

Here are some of the best areas to watch the Chicago Marathon. The crowds can get a little deep in some of the popular areas so you might have to walk to spread out.

• River North: Grand & State at mile 1 is easy to get to from downtown hotels. You can also walk over to mile 4 and 12, all along Grand, within a one-mile walk. 
• Boystown: Miles 7–9 are a high-energy and fun stretch of the course. Check out the costumes from the Frontrunners run club!
• Pilsen: Mile 19 is one of the most spirited neighborhoods on the course (it’s personally my absolute favorite part of the course).
• Chinatown: Mile 21, it’s colorful and lively. This neighborhood is pure energy!
• Finish Line Cheer Zone: Michigan Avenue & Roosevelt at Mile 26 before you head up a hill (loving labeled “Mount Roosevelt.”)

Spectators are allowed to enter Grant Park for the 27th Mile Post-Race party through the security gates once all corrals have started.

Related Post: Remember to celebrate your cheer squad and thank them for their support!

Getting Around During the Chicago Marathon

Use CTA trains (Red, Green, Blue, Orange, Brown lines) to jump between spots. Skip driving on race day! Many of the roads close by 5am on race day.

Chicago Marathon Weekend Itinerary: What to Plan Each Day

When you arrive in Chicago, take the train rather than an Uber. While you’re planning for the logistics for race day, it’s worth reviewing plans for the whole weekend, including the marathon expo. If this is your first World Marathon Major, Chicago is your start to to earn your first star on your journey!

Friday, October 9th

• Check in and settle into your hotel. Figure out your transportation options to the race expo and to the start line.
• Pick up your race packet at the Abbott Health and Fitness Expo (hosted at McCormick Place). Get your race bib, take some incredible pictures throughout the expo and buy some of the race-specific goodies. The last few Majors I’ve run I’ve checked the Feetures booth for Chicago Marathon race-themed socks. Have fun, but don’t spend too much time on your feet.
• When you’re at the expo, grab a free official race poster. It’s a great keepsake to add to a frame.
• Walk the Riverwalk and grab a drink at Cindy’s Rooftop.
• Pasta dinner or a reservation at The Gage.

Saturday, October 10th

• Join a shake out run.
• Enjoy an architecture cruise. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance.
• Grab lunch and enjoy a local favorite like hot dogs or tavern pizza (my favorite of the Chicago pizza styles).
• Explore Millennium Park and ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
• Make a pasta dinner reservation ahead of time.

Sunday, October 11th (Chicago Marathon Race Day!)

• Runners: Arrive early! Roads close early and opens for spectators. The crowds build really fast once the race has begun.
• Spectators: Start at Mile 1 with coffee in hand! You can view the race easily from multiple points in River North or head to Greektown, Chinatown or Pilsen to cheer later in the race.
• Enjoy the Course! There are 29 neighborhoods on the 26.2 mile course. The energy in each neighborhood is different and ready to cheer for you!
• Make the Last Turn off Michigan Avenue: Head up “Mt. Roosevelt” (one of the only hills on the course) and left on Columbus to cross the finish line!
• Earn Your Finish! Get your Chicago Marathon race medal and a free 312 (pronounced three-one-two) beer from Goose Island brewery.
• Post Race Meet-up: Meet up at the finish line in Grant Park Post-Race Party in Grant Park. There is the 27th Mile party which is the perfect place to meet runners after the race.

Related Post: Looking for tips to plan your race day like a pro? Get the details to plan out your whole race weekend!

FAQs for Chicago Marathon Weekend

What day is the Chicago Marathon in 2025?

The race is Sunday, October 12, 2025. Wave 1 starts at 7:30 am, Wave 2 starts at 8:00 am and Wave 3 starts at 8:35. Corrals within each wave are released every few minutes instead of all at once.

Where does the Chicago Marathon start and finish?

The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, downtown Chicago. Grant Park is easily accessible by public transportation on the morning of the race. You will need to go through security to enter Grant Park on race day.

What’s the best neighborhood to stay in for the Chicago Marathon?

Runners often stay in the Loop, South Loop, or River North for easy access to the start line and public transportation. Chicago has a great transit system, so there is access to the race through the train or buses.

Marathon Weekend Travel Tips

• Make restaurant reservations in advance! Restaurants and tours book up fast and walk-ins might not be available.
• Download the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Participant Guide for all race details.
• Buy a CTA day pass for easy traveling on the bus and train.
• Be careful when crossing bike lanes and treat them like a regular street (look both ways and don’t stand idle in these areas).
• Pack layers – October can be cool in the morning and warm by noon.
• Stay hydrated, snack smart, and enjoy the energy of race day!

Chicago is an incredible city for a memorable race weekend. Have so much fun and let me know in the comments what you’re planning for the weekend!

Shop my full list of travel favorites here.

Related Post: Are you a Chicago Marathon charity runner? Check out these October-themed fundraising tips to wrap up your fundraising before race day!

Let’s stay connected! Follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. And never miss a post by subscribing to my newsletter and catch up on the most recent posts!