How & Where to Watch the 2018 Chicago Marathon

On Sunday, October 7, running fans will have their eyes on The Windy City for the 41st annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon. As we’ve gotten closer to the big event, we gave you a look at the underdogs of the 26.2-mile race, discussed our podium predictions and shared the history of the iconic event.

With just under two weeks left until the big day, we gathered together information on how to watch from home, streetside in Chicago or via the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon app.

How to Watch

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 7 with the men’s and women’s wheelchair races starting at 7:20 a.m. and 7:21 a.m. CT, respectively. The race can be viewed live locally on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo from 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. Viewers outside of Chicago can watch the race on the NBC Sports Network or through NBC Sports Gold (both require subscriptions).

From your laptop, head over to NBCChicago.com or TelemundoChicago.com for live coverage from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT. To tune in via radio, head over to 670 AM The Score, a Chicago-area sport radio channel, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT.

Spectator Zones

There are a variety of places for spectators to watch the race, including specific cheering zones. Bank of America has two official cheer zones located at miles 13.7 and 26. The title sponsor is also hosting a block party at mile 15 at Adams Street and Loomis Street to celebrate the impact runners are making through their fundraising efforts.

At mile 17, the Merrill Lynch cheer zone will be setup to motivate runners crossing the West Loop of the race. Chicago’s CTA rail system can also be used to gain transportation to various miles to cheer on runners along the track; check out VentraChicago.com to find out what lines correspond to what miles.

Track Runners

Download the free Bank of America Chicago Marathon app to track runners in real time as they work their way through the race. The app can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play, and includes elite athlete profiles, live broadcast streaming, real time weather information and an interactive course map.

Purchase Merchandise

Official Nike merchandise, including limited-edition running and lifestyle apparel, can be purchased on Nike.com or at these Chicago locations:

*Abbott Health & Fitness Expo (October 5 & 6)
*Nike Chicago, 669 N. Michigan Ave.
*Nike Running Bucktown, 1640 N. Damen Ave.
*Fleet Feet Old Town, 1706 N. Wells St.
*Fleet Feet South Loop, 1520 W. Roosevelt Rd.
*Fleet Feet Lincoln Square, 4762 N. Lincoln Ave.
*Fleet Feet Lakeview, 3359 N Southport Ave.
*Fleet Feet Elmhurst, 124 E. Schiller St.
*Fleet Feet Oak Park, 102 N Marion St, Oak Park, IL.
*Fleet Feet Deerfield, 800 IL-43, Deerfield, IL.