2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Steps Off Sunday
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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.”
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As race day approaches, crews work to prepare the Chicago Marathon's start and finish lines in Grant Park. Several days in advance of the Oct. 11 race, tents, barriers, tables and bathroom stations are starting to appear. Chicago Marathon crews posted signs around Millennium Park on Thursday, Oct. 8 announcing marathon runners will access the race on Oct. 11 from Michigan Ave.
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As the Chicago Marathon approaches, navigating the city becomes more challenging. More than 40,000 people will run the race and more than 1.7 million spectators are expected to line the 26.2 mile race route. Part of South Columbus Drive was closed by Grant Park in preparation for the Oct. 11 race.
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Workers are preparing the start area of the race in Grant Park. They put up tents and fences to help control traffic on race day.
Stacks of tables, tents and fences wait to be set up in Grant Park ahead of the Chicago Marathon.
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A prominent information station will greet runners on the S. Columbus Dr. side of Buckingham Fountain in Grant park.
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On race day, Chicago Marathon runners will crowd Grant Park and make use of these tents.
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Tents, bathroom stations and trash cans surround Grant Park's Buckingham Fountain in preparation for the marathon on Sunday, Oct. 11.
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As some workers set up tents, tables and fences for the marathon in Grant Park, others were working on a drained Buckingham Fountain. The tents will not remain empty on race day, however, when more than 40,000 runners will start the marathon nearby.
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Tent after tent stretches between South Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive in Grant Park near the marathon's start line. On Oct. 11, Grant Park will be filled with thousands of runners getting ready to traverse the 26.2 mile course that will take them through 29 different Chicago neighborhoods.
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When more than 40,000 runners start the 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon in Grant Park, they will be treated to a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline.
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.
“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 one Chicago alderman, this year’s Chicago Marathon is a way for him to raise money for the Special Olympics. Carol Marin reports.
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.
