As the more than 40,000 runners in the Chicago Marathon prepare for the big day Sunday, the city of Chicago released its security plan and offered traffic tips to help runners and spectators safely navigate the course.

Security Measures

Prior to picking up their race packets, runners will have to show their IDs. When they arrive at Grant Park on race day, they must enter the park through security checkpoints at Jackson Drive, Van Buren Street, Congress Boulevard and Harrison Street.

Any runners who want to store their belongings in the park during the race must use the race-issued clear bags provided at the packet pick-up.

With more than 1 million spectators lining the city streets along the marathon route, uniformed and plainclothes Chicago police officers will perform random bag checks and stand guard at various checkpoints. Any unattended bags or clothes in Grant Park or along the route will be confiscated and discarded.

All runners and spectators must go through security to access Grant Park, but certain areas within the park are only open to runners. This includes the start and finish areas of the race.

Prohibited Items

Runners are not allowed to use video devices, cellphones, computers, cameras or other similar electronics during the race.

In addition, baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles or other wheeled devices not used by wheelchair participants are also prohibited on the course.

Traffic Impacts

Due to the thousands of people who will converge on the 26.2-mile route and the associated street closures, city officials encourage people traveling throughout the city to allow extra time for their commute and consider taking alternate routes when possible, such as using the expressways.

A series of street closures will go into effect before race day. This includes: 
- Balbo from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive (Wednesday)
- Jackson, from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive (Wednesday)
- Columbus, from Roosevelt Road to Monroe (Friday)
- Several other closures around Grant Park, including sections of Columbus, Balbo, Congress, Jackson and Monroe (Saturday)

Most closed streets are expected to reopen by Monday morning.

See a full list of street closures and No Parking Zones here.