Everything You Need to Know for Traveling to the Chicago Marathon
- Courtney Coats
- Dec 30, 2023
- 16 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2023
It’s that time of year again! The 2024 Chicago Marathon lottery results are in, and if the lottery fairy drew your name for October 13th’s race…congratulations! Don’t forget though, even if you didn’t have your name drawn in the lottery, there are 200 nonprofit organizations that you can partner with to secure your spot in next year’s race.
Chicago was my very first marathon in 2021. It was such an overwhelmingly amazing experience, I found myself returning without a doubt in 2022. Personally, I was one of the lucky ones to have my name drawn for 2024 and I truly can’t wait to take to the streets again of my favorite and hometown race!
I’ve lived in Chicago for the last 7 years and have such a passion for this great city. Whether you are returning to Chicago or traveling to the city for the first time ever, we Chicagoans will be welcoming you with open arms.
As a Chicago resident and two-time Chicago Marathoner, I’ve decided to share everything you may want to know when it comes to all things Chicago Marathon weekend travel planning! From where to stay, places to eat, the best spots to get your shakeout run in, you’ve come to the right place. I hope I can answer all of your questions. But most of all, I hope this helps calm those logistics planning nerves.
Airport Travel
One of the great things about traveling to Chicago is that you have two options for airports to fly into; O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. Let’s break down the pros and cons to both.
O’Hare is a massive airport located northwest of the city (about 25 miles away) that will offer many flight options. Midway is less vast in size but located conveniently closer to the city (about 11 miles away) but will subsequently have fewer flight options.
Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with either airport. When I travel for leisure and for my job, I always fly out of O’Hare due to it’s high number of flight options and convenience in getting to from where I live in the city.
There is good news for both! Chicago is a major metropolitan area. Which in turn means car traffic will significantly add to your travel time depending on your arrival time. Therefore, I’d highly recommend you travel from either airport into the city via ‘L’ train run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
If you are flying into O’Hare you should take the Blue Line ‘L’ train, located in the basement of the airport. Look for signage throughout the airport that will read ‘Blue Line Trains to City’.
If you are flying into Midway you should take the Orange Line ‘L’ Train. There will also be convenient signage throughout the airport that will direct you to this train.
Ventra is the service that provides ticketing for all CTA travel. Once you arrive at the airport, you will make your way to the trains and there you’ll find airport station ticketing kiosks. Once there, you’ll have four options for paying once you get to the station:
1. Download the Ventra App ahead of time and add a transit value to your account.
2. You buy a Ventra Ticket
3. Buy a Ventra Card
4. Use Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay if it is set up on your phone.
Note: Personally, my suggestion would be to do Option 1. This will save you the most time and will be convenient since you can open your wallet on your phone and place it screen side down on the ticket scanners for easy access to the bus or train.
If you do Option 4, yes, it’s a little faster as well, but travelers will save money if they purchase a ticket through Ventra. They upcharge this Option 4 way of paying.
Overall, I highly suggest you utilize the CTA as much as you can and get the true Chicago experience! It’s significantly cheaper and usually faster than renting a car (seriously, don’t do this unless you need to), Uber/Lyft or Taxiing.
Where to Stay
Close to Start Line
These options are great stays located within walking distance from Grant Park and the start line. You'll have the opportunity to be immersed in the central part of the city and close to the race day action.
This hotel is a 4-star property and is gorgeous! Also conveniently located near Millennium Park offering amazing views of the city.
While this may not offer as much of a budget-friendly option, it is so worth paying extra to stay here. It is a true Chicago gem. Also conveniently located a short 5 minute walk to the start line.
This is one of the most historic hotels in Chicago and a great budget-friendly option for runners. Located right next to Millennium Park.
This hotel is conveniently located 0.3 miles ( 0.5 km) near both the start and finish lines of the Chicago Marathon. It’s one of the most frequently booked hotel by runners.
The Palmer House is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of the Loop. The hotel is a great option and ideal for Chicago Marathoners and the hotel staff are great at hosting for race weekend.
The hotel is located a short 9 minute walk to the start line.
Hilton Chicago is a 4-star hotel located across the street from Grant Park and offers easy access to the Lakefront Trail. All rooms are fairly spacious and come with AC and a fridge.
This hotel is 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from the Marathon start and finish lines.
This 4-star hotel offers impressive views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park and is considered one of the best-value stays for marathon weekend.
Both the start and finish lines are within an easy walking distance of only 0.3 miles (0.5 km), which will take you about 6 minutes to walk.
The Best Western is a great budget-friendly option located right across from Grant Park, so a short walk to the start and finish lines. The hotel has a restaurant, fitness and business centers and is conveniently located near tons of restaurants, shops, bars and more in the Loop.
This property is ideally positioned near both the start and finish lines, the Silversmith Hotel is one of my best picks for Chicago Marathoners.
It is a 7-minute walk to the start line and 20 minutes from the finish.
This hotel is another great budget-friendly option and is located in the South Loop of the city.
It offers runners a short 7 minute walk to the start line in Grant Park. You'll find lots of shops, restaurants and things to do near the hotel.
The Virgin Hotel is a beautiful boutique property located near lots of the Michigan Avenue action.
This is an ideal location for venturing out to explore the Chicago Riverwalk and Grant Park.
Runners will only be required to walk a short 12-minute walk to reach the start line.
Close to CTA ‘L’ Train Lines
While these locations are not within easy walking distance to the start line, they are amazing options and have easy access to CTA ‘L’ Train lines that you can jump on to get quick access to the start corrals race day morning. These are ideal options for runners who would like to stay a little farther away from the high energy of the city center and are looking for a Chicago experience a little more true to where a lot of Chicago locals live.
Located in the Bucktown Neighborhood and a 2 minute walk from the Blue Line Damen stop. This train will spit you out directly downtown which will require a short walk to the start corrals. The Hotel has multiple restaurants and a gorgeous rooftop bar, perfect for a post race celebratory cocktail. One of my favorite spots in the city!
Located in Lincoln Park. A wonderful location though it is outside of the Loop. Great location for your spectators as they can make a short walk to see you around Mile 6. A 10 minute walk to the Purple Line. While get you downtown and require another 12 minute walk to the start corrals
Located close to the highway for easy travel to and from your stay. When it comes to race morning, you can make a 11 minute walk to the Blue Line train Damen stop, take that to the Jackson stop which will require a short walk to the start corrals.
Race Expo
The Race Expo is wonderfully run and there is so much to see! The expo itself is held at McCormick Place, a large event center along Lake Michigan and is free and open to the public. Therefore, feel free to bring any of your friends, family or spectators with you to visit the Expo. You can access McCormick Place by CTA or Metra, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and there are a few options for parking.
My experience has always been to drive and park in the underground lot. I’ve had a good experience of going to pick up my packet on Friday early afternoon. One thing to note is that McCormick Place is VERY large. Therefore, you should be prepared to walk a lot. For this reason, if you can avoid going on Saturday to save your legs a bit, I’d suggest going Thursday or Friday.
Make sure you walk around, visit the varying vendors and exhibits. But I have three favorite areas I always make a point to visit. One of my favorite things to make sure I do is to taste test the Goose Island beer you’ll be handed after you cross the finish line on Sunday! A Fun fact about the Chicago Marathon is that it is the only World Major Marathon that gives finishers real beer after finishing the race. Goose Island is a local brewing company that designs art that is printed on the can of the Finisher beer every year. It’s so special and the can is a great keepsake to hold on to after the race. Truly nothing better than that first sweet sip of your beer after officially finishing your 26.2.
Additionally, the Chicago Marathon has beautiful posters that they have laying out to pick up typically near the exit of the expo. I’ve loved mine and have been able to hold onto them to frame at home. They are easy to spot, but if you aren’t able to locate them, just ask a volunteer.
Lastly, do not sleep on the Nike Pace Team booth. An amazing feature they offer are temporary pace goal tattoos. You can go in and let them know your finish time goal and they will give you the temporary tattoo with the time goal of your choice that can apply back at your hotel. This was such a helpful resource that I utilized for my second Chicago Marathon and aided me in hitting my sub 4 hour finish time.
Time for a Shakeout Run!
The beauty of Chicago is not only the gorgeous architecture, culture and food. One of my favorite aspects of the city is the walkability of the city which in turn leads to the run-ability! Depending on where you are staying for the weekend, here are four suggestions of great pathways that avoid car traffic.
Lakefront Trail
This will be ideal for those of you who will be staying downtown. The Lakefront Trail is beautiful and long, stretching a total of 18.5 miles. This trail is breathtaking and therefore tends to get a little crowded, especially on Race Day Eve. If you’re willing to brave the crowds a bit, this is a must for any first timers to Chicago! The views you can get of the city as you run along Lake Michigan are incredibly picturesque.
Chicago Riverwalk
Like the Lakefront Trail, this option will be crowded, especially if you go later in the day. Tourists love to visit this area, which means there is a lot of foot traffic, many of whom are walking. The great thing about shakeout runs though, is that they should be kept nice and easy. My suggestion would be to get up early before the crowds hit and take the stairs down from the main street level to the Chicago Riverwalk access points at each major intersection (they will be identified with signage) and go venture on the pathways that allow you to be immersed in the gorgeous Chicago architecture that towers over you as you run right along the historic river. From end to end, the Chicago Riverwalk spans about 1.25 miles.
Chicago Riverview
If you are staying North West of the city (specifically in neighbors like Bucktown, Logan Square, Irving Park) this is a wonderful option. It’s much less popular, but there is a beautiful wooded path that runs along the North Branch Chicago River. This may be a bit more difficult to find, but there are multiple access points and an easy find when utilizing your Strava, Google or Apple Maps.
606 Trail
Oh the 606…this walking/running/biking trail has my heart. I’m biased because I live directly off of it, but this elevated trail that runs East to West beginning in the Bucktown neighborhood and runs West to the Humbolt Park neighborhood is a great option for tackling your shakeout run. The trail is built on the historic location of an old Chicago train line, provides a running pad on each side of the trail and allows for a beautiful tour of Chicago neighborhoods. Due to it’s location, this would be ideal for those of you staying in the Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, Humboldt Park neighborhoods.
Race Day – Runner Logistics
While you should be on the lookout for a future mile by mile break down of the course itself, this is an insider into some of the logistical questions you may have when it comes to race morning.
First of all, my best advice to you as race day gets closer, is to keep an eye on your email for the Chicago Marathon Participant Guide. This will contain helpful information specifically regarding your assigned Corral’s location and start time. It will also include the closing time of your Corral. It’s imperative that you arrive to your corral with plenty of time, because if you miss the cut off time, you’ll be required to move back to the last corral and begin with the last corral. If you aren’t planning to be in the last corral, this could really throw off your race plan and the plan for when your spectators will expect to see you.
When it comes to traveling to the start line, whatever you do, DO NOT plan on getting an Uber or Lyft to drop you off anywhere near the race corrals. I have made this mistake before, and I ended up walking nearly a mile to get to the corrals. The streets of Chicago will begin shutting down as early as 5am, therefore, it’s very difficult for drivers to get you anywhere near the entrance to the corrals. Ideally, if you are staying close to the start/finish lines, you’ll be able to walk from where you’re staying. However, for those of you outside of walking distance, I’d highly suggest you utilize the CTA ‘L’ trains. Many of the lines will spit you out downtown and you can have a nice easy walk to the corrals.
A point that many first time Chicago Marathoners may not be aware of it that when you are downtown, specifically around Miles 1-3, the interference with the skyscrapers will more likely than not affect your GPS watch. I’ve had friends who have the nicest Garmin’s on the market still glitch a bit at the beginning of the race. My suggestion to you is to rely on what your watch is telling you your overall time is, in relation to the physical mile markers along the course instead of what your watch is telling you your pace is at these points specifically. Remember to take a deep breath, know that this could be a possibility, and stick to your race plan. It is not worth allowing this to shake your confidence and have a freak out moment. It will get back on track as you get out of downtown. Side note: back to my Race Expo excerpt, this is where you Nike Race Pace tattoos can be super helpful!
Race Day – Where Should Spectators Go on the Course?!
The Chicago Marathon App is a must for your spectators cheering you on in person as well as for those cheering you on from home! Through the app, your friends and family will be able to track your progress and location from start to finish. My family and friends have used the Marathon app as well as the Apple ‘Find My iPhone’ app in order to track my progress.
Spectator Race Plan
For spectators that will be staying on the loop or coming in from the Blue Line CTA ‘L’ Train, these two options are what I’d suggest are best for your spectator’s race plan.
First Half of Race
Option 1
*Locations indicated with Red Circle on picture below*
Spectators will take blue line and get off on the Jackson stop. Exit at Jackson Blvd, there your friends and family will be able to see you around Mile 2. One note about this option is that runners will be tight together at this point in the course as things haven’t started spreading out yet and it could be a little harder for your spectators to track you as those GPS’s are wonky until about mile 3. But the energy is electric! Spectators can then hang around that area in the loop for a while as you will run north. As you come back, they can make the short walk over to go stand on S Wacker Drive and see you at Mile 13 before you turn onto Adam’s to head west. Again, this area is a super electric environment, heavy crowd support, but the main benefit is that you and your spectators can see each other more at the half marathon point of the race.
First Half of Race
Option 2
*Locations indicated with Blue Circle on picture below*
Note: Personally, this option is what has worked well for my family in years past.
Take the CTA Blue Line (if you need to take the train) Get off on the Clark/Lake stop. When you get off the train, walk to your right and up the stairs. Head to LaSalle street. Walk down to LaSalle and Kinzie. You can stand anywhere around this area that you find a spot on LaSalle. The main benefit of standing here is that once your spectators see you around mile 3 or so they then only have to walk one block West over to Wells St to see you again at about Mile 12 or so!
Second Half of Race
If your spectators want to see you four times, I’d suggest this as their third option. Or this is the one to skip if they are going to see you three times instead of four. Spectators will jump on the red line and take it to the Cermac-Chinatown stop. There they can see you around Mile 21.5. At this point in the race, you may need them. Chinatown is BOOMING and after the crowds are light and quiet for a while this provides the biggest surge of energy to send you home towards that finish line. It's also a super cool experience for spectators to see as well, your GPS’s will work well, the crowds will just be heavy.
Now for your final time to see your spectators before you get to that Finish Line!
Spectators will get back on the CTA Red Line if they are coming from Chinatown (they will most likely need to hustle a bit depending on your pace).Take the Red Line train to the Roosevelt stop. Note: Your friends and family could simply walk to Roosevelt and Michigan Avenue if they are skipping Chinatown. Here they can see you at Mile 25-26. At this point the crowd will be incredibly dense and loud! There will be fences set up along the course at this point, so be sure to try to communicate with your spectators whether they will be on “Runners Left”, aka your left, or “Runner’s Right” of the road so that you can see them, high five, hug, etc. Michigan Avenue is shut down entirely so it’s very wide and you won’t want to miss them.
After the Race
After you cross the finish line, make sure to grab your medal of course. But also, all of the snacks, beverages, and such so that you can start jumping on that recovery as soon as possible. You need to be replenishing those much deserved calories even though you most likely won’t have much of a desire to eat.
Keep walking, and you will see very large inflated red columns that have letters on them near Finisher’s Village. I’d suggest you discussing with your friends and family ahead of time which column you want to meet around. Remember, you’ll be tired, so try a column like ‘F’ so that it isn’t right at the front where people will be congregating but you also won’t need to walk all the way to a column like ‘X’.
Personally, my phone service has been fine in the past but it can be spotty for some people. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a rough game plan ahead of time for where to meet up after the race. Especially because you’ll be physically and mentally tired and the less coordinating, the better.
Where to Eat
Whether you are looking for a Dinner the night before the race, or general suggestions around the city of Chicago; here are some of my favorites! One of my absolute favorite things about living in Chicago is the food, so enjoy!
Make sure to make your reservations as soon as possible especially for your Pre-Race Day Dinner as things will book up.
Carb Loading
Pequod’s Pizza: Located in Lincoln Park. You’ll want to make sure that you allow for enough time at this deep dish Chicago staple. Pizzas will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook, and wait times to get a table can take long time. BUT it is so worth it, their pizza is the best in the city (in my opinion).
Club Lucky: Located in Bucktown. A friendly, old school Italian restaurant that loves welcoming runners and their families. The night before the race they’ve had special menus that even read ‘Welcome Runners!’. They have large portions and plenty of seating for large groups.
Parlor Pizza: Parlor offers two locations; One in Wicker Park, another in West Loop. Their pizza and drinks are amazing and their restaurants are very large. Therefore, it’s a great option for large groups. Ideal for pre-race dinners or celebratory dinners after the race!
Sapori Trattoria: Located in Lincoln Park; Amazing authentic Italian restaurant with delicious pastas. This is my all time favorite spot for pasta in the city!
Rosebud on Rush: Located in the Chicago Loop. A Chicago staple and great option for those that aren’t wanting to venture too far out of the Loop.
Great Eats All Around
Beatnik on the River: Located in the Loop right along the river. Offers creative global eats & tropical cocktails, paired in a funky-ornate, Bohemian setting with riverfront seats.
Monk’s Pub: Located in the Loop. Long-standing bar filled with German & Old English antiques such as vintage books & wooden barrels.
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!: Located in Lincoln Park. Has amazing Spanish tapas, paella & pitchers of sangria and other cocktails. A classic Chicago restaurant.
Armitage Alehouse: Located in Lincoln Park. Upscale operation with a lavish old-world-pub theme serving hearty dinners, plus weekend breakfasts.
MingHin Cuisine: Chinatown is the best! Such a fun and unique pocket inside Chicago. This is the best and biggest Dim sum restaurant in Chicago and the Midwest, specializes in traditional and contemporary Cantonese and dim sum cuisine.
Celebratory Drinks
Cindy’s Rooftop: Located in the Loop right along Michigan Ave. Beautiful views of the city and upscale cocktails.
Federales: A signature Chicago bar, located in the West Loop. Order a tequila shot, which comes in an ice shot glass. Take your drink and throw the ice shot glass at the large bell!
Robey Rooftop: Located at the top floor of the Hotel Robey. Can have long waits and does not take reservations. But one of the most amazing views of the skyline.
Paradise Park: Located in Wicker Park. Super fun, eclectic spot for classic & creative pizza plus cocktails & beers served on a huge patio. Will be covered if the day is cold.
*Paradise Park also owns Homeslice (in Lincoln Park) and Happy Camper (in Old Town). Serves the same food and bar menu.
City Winery: Located along the river, grab a glass of wine or beer and celebrate the race finish.
Good luck 2024 runners! I'll see you on the course!
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