The Bank of America Chicago Marathon returns to the city Sunday, when a record 50,000 runners are expected to take on a 26.2-mile run through Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Spectators can catch a glimpse of runners along the course in dozens of Chicago neighborhoods.
Some neighborhoods have built up marathon traditions that make their communities stand out along the route. Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism agency, highlighted Pilsen’s mariachi bands around Mile 19, colorful lion dancers in Chinatown near Mile 21 and Northalsted’s marathon party, with drag queens, around miles 7 and 9.
Bank of America also has designated cheer zones throughout the neighborhoods, and a ticketed viewing area near the race’s finish.
But where are the lesser-known spots Chicagoans love to watch from? Here’s what Sun-Times readers said:
Downtown
JoAnn Faulhaber said she watches the runners at State Street and Grand Avenue where they make a turn just after the first mile.
Amy Fletcher works near Merchandise Mart and has a quick way to catch runners twice: “[I] will be catching the runners at Kinzie and LaSalle, which is roughly mile 4 and then walking down Kinzie to Wells and catching the runners at mile 12 before they make their way south. Literally walking a block to see the runners early and then almost halfway.”
South and North Sides
Some Chicagoans prefer to escape the big crowds downtown for a view from the quieter neighborhoods, including on the South Side where runners enter into the final stretch of the race.
“South Side! Less crowds make it easier to spot runners and runners love the extra support late in the race! I’m running but, my wife will be passing out GoGo applesauce pouches just after mile 22,” Brian Enyart said.
Mary Jo McGowan agrees.
“Down by Sox park, not crowded and they’re in the home stretch!”
Mike Walsh also prefers watching runners as they near the end of their journey.
“Michigan Avenue between 34th and 35th. As the runners make the turn for the finish, they have hundreds of De La Salle students cheering them on and providing Gatorade and water. The students are giving back to the community.”
Up north, Nicole Zawadzka likes to watch from two points around Broadway Avenue.
“Broadway! You can easily walk to Lake Shore Drive at around mile 7 and then to Broadway at around mile 9 and cheer on a friend or loved one twice!”
Here’s a map of the full course: