By Rachel DaDamio
October 8, 2024
Planning to spectate the Chicago Marathon? With its looped course, grid layout, and convenient public transit, you can see runners multiple times throughout the race.
One key thing to do is download the Chicago Marathon app to track your runner in real-time using their bib number or name. The app’s course map and GPS tracking make it easy to know when they’ll pass each spot.
A pro tip would be to wear bright colors, bring signs or balloons, and pick your viewing locations strategically.
This spectator guide provides two easy-to-follow routes. Whether you’re looking for a simple, low-travel option starting in Lakeview or a more comprehensive plan with multiple stops throughout the city, these routes will ensure you catch your runner at pivotal moments without needing to cross the course too may times. The guide includes detailed directions, transit tips, and recommended pit stops, making it perfect for spectators wanting a seamless marathon-day experience while maximizing their support.
We discussed the best spectating strategy on the latest episode of our podcast here.
Option 1 (Google maps link)
Stop #1: Mile 7 - N Sheridan Rd & W Belmont Ave
– Why here? It’s far enough into the race for the runners to be warmed up, but early enough that you can catch them without rushing.
– Where to stand: West side of Sheridan Rd. to avoid crossing the course.
– Travel to next stop: 6 minutes
- Walk 6 minutes south on Sheridan Rd.
- Turn right onto Belmont Ave to reach your next stop.
Stop #2: Mile 9 - N Broadway & W Belmont Ave
– Why here? You’ll catch your runner again just 2 miles later, so it’s an easy double-viewing opportunity.
– Where to stand: Cross the course as soon as you can and stand on the west side of Broadway.
– Travel to next stop: 33 minutes
- Walk 10 minutes to Belmont Red Line stop.
- Take the Red Line (toward 95th) to Cermak-Chinatown (20 min ride).
- Walk 3 minutes to your next stop.
- Recommended Pit Stop: Pedestrian Coffee near the Belmont red line! Karen highly recommends the sourdough cinnamon roll. Order online here (Lakeview location).
Stop #3: Mile 21.5 - S Wentworth Ave & W Cermak Rd
– Why here? By this point, runners are deep in the race and may need extra encouragement. It's a great spot to cheer them on as they push through the toughest miles.
– Where to stand: East side of Wentworth Ave. to avoid crossing the course.
– Travel to next stop: 10 min walk
- Walk 10 minutes north to Michigan Ave.
Stop #4: Mile 25 - Michigan Ave & E Cermak Rd
– Why here? Runners are closing in on the finish line, and this final stretch is packed with energy and support.
– Where to stand: West side of Michigan Ave
– Travel to meeting spot: 15 min train
- Walk 10 minutes back to Cermak-Chinatown Red Line stop.
- Take the Red Line (toward Howard) to Monroe (10 min ride).
- Meet your runner at Monroe Red Line for post-race celebrations.
Pros
– If staying in Lakeview, getting to stop #1 is super easy! Plus, you get to sleep in a little since your first stop is not until mile 7.
– Lakeview is a fun part of the course to spectate.
– You only have to take the train twice, once between stops #2 and #3 and once to get to the post-race meet-up.
Cons
– You’ll need to cross the course at mile 9 to catch the train. Though you have plenty of time before the next stop at mile 21, the race might get crowded so you’ll have to be patient and aggressive.
Kevin Morris / @KevMoFoto
Option 2 (Google Maps link)
Stop #1: Mile 3.5 - W Chicago Ave & N La Salle Dr.
– Why here? This spot is early in the race, with a lot of energy from both runners and spectators.
– Where to stand: East side of LaSalle to avoid crossing course.
– Travel to next stop: 23 min train ride
- Walk 5 minutes to the Chicago Red Line stop.
- Take the Red Line (toward Howard) to the North/Clybourn stop (5 min ride).
- Walk 12 minutes to your next viewing point.
- Note: Make sure you route to the Chicago Red Line stop, not the Brown Line. The Brown Line will require you to cross the marathon course.
- Recommended Pit Stop: Big Shoulders Coffee before getting on the red line at Chicago! You can order online here (Gold Coast location).
Stop #2: Mile 11 - W North Ave & N Sedgwick St.
– Why here? It’s still relatively early, so runners are strong but settling into their pace. The crowds thin out a bit here, giving you a great view.
– Where to stand: West side of Sedgwick to avoid crossing the course.
– Travel to next stop: 32 min train ride.
- Walk 13 minutes to the North/Clybourn Red Line stop.
- Take the Red Line (toward 95th) to Cermak-Chinatown (15 min ride).
- Walk 3 minutes to the next stop.
Stop #3: Mile 21.5 - S Wentworth Ave & W Cermak Rd
– Why Here? Runners will be hitting “the wall” around this point, so you can give them much-needed encouragement as they power through.
– Where to stand: East side of Wentworth Ave. to avoid crossing the course.
– Travel to next stop: 10 min walk north along Wentworth Ave to Michigan Ave.
Stop #4: Mile 25 - Michigan Ave & E Cermak Rd
– Why here? This is the final stretch! The energy is electric, and you’ll see your runner powering toward the finish line.
– Where to stand: West side of Michigan Ave.
– Travel to the Finish/Meeting Spot:
- Walk 10 minutes to the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line stop.
- Take the Red Line (toward Howard) to Monroe (10 min ride).
- Meet your runner at Monroe Red Line.
Pros
– You’ll never have to cross the course, which is great if you anticipate your runner being in a more crowded section of the race!
– The spectating spots are more spread out compared to option 1, allowing you to see your runner more throughout the race.
Cons
– Since the stops are more spread out, you have to pay attention to train schedules. We recommend downloading the Ventra app!
– You’ll need to take the train three times: between stops #1 and #2, between stops #2 and #3, and to the post-race meet-up.
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Rachel DaDamio
Rachel DaDamio ran at the University of Notre Dame and moved to Chicago after graduating to work as a data scientist, where she’s also training for a fall marathon.
