In under a week from now, the prestigious Chicago Marathon returns to the streets of the city for the 46th time. While an estimated 50,000 plus runners are set to course the 42.195km course, what if we tell you there’s a way to be part of the prestigious event without having to run the miles-long course?

Yes, spectators can relish the event by simply showing up to cheer for the participants. Sports enthusiasts, family members, or anyone who wishes to witness their favorite runners in action can place themselves at certain strategic spots throughout the course route. Which are these locations? Here are all the details.

Best locations to cheer from at the 2024 Chicago Marathon

Now, there are a few crucial rules in place. Firstly, supporters cannot crowd near the start or finish lines. However, a few locations offer a great vantage point, and these include the designated cheer zones that have been organized by the Bank of America at different checkpoints. Apart from the energetic crowd, the best part is that these zones offer around-the-clock entertainment.

While some fans usually wish to sit closer to the start and finish lines, these are also locations that are usually crowded. Say, the Cheer Zone located at Mile 13 on North Wacker offers a spectacular view of the start. But those who wish to witness the commendable finishes can place themselves at Cheer Zones near Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road.

Here’s a list of some of the best cheer zones at the Chicago Marathon:

• Shamrock Shuffle Cheer Zone: Located at the 8K mark, near Lincoln Park, this Cheer Zone is for runners who participate in the 8K Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race.
• Chicago 13.1 Cheer Zone: Present on the halfway mark, this zone is for spectators on Chicago’s West Side.
• Charity Block Party: Situated on Mile 15, this Cheer Zone is mainly for people who wish to hail the charity runners. Notably, thousands of runners take part in the event to raise funds for charity, and this stop is to commemorate their contribution. It’s located at Adams and Loomis Street, proximal to Whitney Young High School.

Locations to meet up with a runner at the 2024 Chicago Marathon

In case your favorite athlete is participating in the event and you want to meet up with them, you may skip the cheer zones and straight away reach 2 destinations. The first is the 27th Mile Post-Race Party, and the second is Grant Park’s Runner Reunite area.

The ideal time to be here is around 9.30 a.m. And the process to follow includes clearing through the security and bag screening zones at either of these two gates: Entrance Gate #1 (Jackson Drive and Michigan Avenue) or Entrance Gate #4 (Ida B. Well Drive and Michigan Avenue). Now this may take longer than 30 minutes, so it’s ideal to start early. But no wonder where you are seated across the 29 neighborhoods of Chicago; these are some excellent locations you can’t stop for a quick refuel.

Best restaurants to eat at the 2024 Chicago Marathon

As per Modern Luxury Chicago, there are a few offers that one can avail of courtesy of the marathon.

• Avli: This restaurant is organizing dinner for the marathon runners on October 13, followed by a lunch and a dinner the next day too. In case you show them your race finisher medal, be ready for some complimentary beer!
• Cruz Blanca Brewpub: For a post-race treat on October 13, this is another restaurant that you can include in our itinerary. You show your bib or medal, and you can avail of the special Cruz Blanca Mexico Calling beer and a taco.
• Greektown Chicago: They are hosting a special Cheer Zone, for visitors to cheer runners on Miles 14 and 17 with Greektown cowbells. There’s also free coffee and sweet treats! So spectators may want to visit the corner of Gladys and Halsted Streets on Oct. 13 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Michael Jordan’s Steak House: This restaurant is offering a marathon special menu for 15 days starting October 1. Again, a bib or a medal could get you a free beer!
• Mon Ami Gabi: 26.2% discount (not including tax or gratuity) on their meal, from October 13 to 14, for those who show a medal or a bib.
• Pendry Chicago: Hosting a pre-marathon shakeout run on October 11 along Lake Michigan, followed by breakfast.
• Sheraton Grant Chicago Riverwalk: They are putting up a ‘Finish Line Fest’ on Oct. 13. This will enable race participants to grab post-race bites, infused water, and many more exciting perks.

There are also other restaurants like the Trump International Tower & Chicago, The Oakville Grill and Cellar, and the Station Market and Bar giving exiting offers.

Race day guide for the Marathon

Transportation is not much of a hassle, but you may want to keep this in mind. CTA is a very convenient mode of travel to get to Grant Park. Even for those coming outside of America, getting into the city from the airport is easier with the CTA. To get to the start line from closeby locations, Uber could also be used.

Security checks may take time, so sim through details of what’s allowed and what’s not to save time. Plus, if you are a runner, ensure to hydrate well on race day. Notably, the Chicago Marathon prohibits hydration vests, although hand-held or waistband hydration is allowed. We hope we are leaving you with immense information about the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Comment below to share your thoughts!