Thousands of runners will descend on Chicago streets Sunday for the 38th Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Forty-five thousand participants are expected to take part in the event, which steps off at 7:30 a.m.
The city is one of six World Marathon Majors.
Race officials are preparing for warmer weather conditions as runners could face temperatures approaching 70 degrees during the race.
“We are planning for a little warmer weather, making sure we have the resources we need,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director for the marathon. “Obviously we are talking with our volunteers, our medical team, the city agencies involved.”
2015 Chicago Marathon Preparation
City officials revealed their security plan this week, bracing for more than 1 million spectators to line the course and watch the event. Columbus Drive was closed to traffic Thursday as the beginning security measures were put into place.
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“What it is about is communication from our participants, to our spectators,” Pinkowski said. “What I have always said is that Sunday is like no other Sunday, but every other day. So, we have to vigilant and we have a great plan in place that will be implemented again this year.”
For many runners, the event is highlight for the year.
“It’s our own private holiday,” said George Mill, who has run every marathon. “We get to be a part of something much bigger ourselves too. It’s just really neat.”
That’s also what keeps Joan Benoit Samuelson coming back. It has been 30 years since the Olympic Champion first raced in Chicago.
“I never thought I would have the competitive juices flowing for 26.2 miles this many years later, but it’s part of who I am,” she said.
The 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be streamed live beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday on NBC Chicago. Watch it live here.
