Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon begins and ends in Grant Park, sending runners on a flat, fast loop through Chicago. Held annually in October, it attracts over 45,000 finishers, ranging from elite marathoners pursuing record times to recreational runners completing the full 26.2 miles. The course winds through 29 neighborhoods, including Lakeview, Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown, and Bronzeville. As it's a loop and Chicago's public transit system is extensive, spectators can often see the same runner multiple times; approximately 1.7 million people line the route. The race originated when a group of running enthusiasts met at the Metropolitan YMCA on LaSalle Street and organized the first Chicago Marathon for 4,200 local participants. The course's reputation for speed is reflected in its records: 2:00:35 for men and 2:13:44 for women.