For those unable to attend, the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon can be experienced live from the comfort of home. NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will provide comprehensive race coverage, capturing every moment from the initial wheelchair start to the final runners crossing the iconic finish line on Columbus Drive.
The live broadcast will kick off early on Sunday, October 12, with a special pre-race show starting at 6:30 a.m. CT. Viewers can watch the full event from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT. Chicago residents can catch the action on NBC 5, while Spanish-speaking audiences can tune in via Telemundo Chicago and TeleXitos.
Streaming Options for Marathon Day
If you prefer to stream the event, several platforms make it easy. Full race coverage will be available on NBCChicago.com and through the NBC Chicago app.
- NBC 5 Chicago News offers 24/7 streaming coverage on platforms like Peacock, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Google TV, TCL, and Xfinity—allowing you to follow every step of the race.
- For Spanish-speaking audiences, a dedicated stream will be available via TelemundoChicago.com and the Telemundo Chicago app.
Additionally, family and friends who want to track their loved ones can take advantage of NBC 5 Chicago’s exclusive finish-line camera. This feed will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT, giving viewers a close-up look as runners navigate the final stretch on Columbus Drive.
For those who find themselves on the go, live coverage will be available on 670 The Score Sports Radio from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. CT. Commentator Josh Liss will guide the audience through the action alongside a panel of experts. Special preview shows featuring race director Carey Pinkowski will also be broadcast leading up to the marathon.
Cheering in Person
For local residents, experiencing the marathon atmosphere in person is truly unbeatable. While access to the official start and finish areas of Grant Park is limited to participants and credentialed guests, numerous viewing spots throughout Chicago neighborhoods will offer exciting opportunities to cheer for the runners.
Event organizers encourage spectators to line the marathon course, emphasizing that moral support from the crowd can make a significant difference for competitors. As the marathon website states, “Words of encouragement and cheers of support from spectators have helped thousands of participants cross the finish line.”
Top Cheer Locations
- Lincoln Park (8K mark)— This lively location, linked with the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, provides an early rush of excitement as runners pass through one of the first major checkpoints.
- West Side (Mile 13.1)— Being the halfway point, this area near Garfield Park features the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Cheer Zone, marking a significant milestone in the race.
- Mile 15 (Adams & Loomis)— Dubbed the Charity Block Party, this enthusiastic zone celebrates runners raising money for charitable causes.
- Bank of America Cheer Zones (Mile 13 & Mile 26)— These corporate cheer stations provide entertainment, giveaways, and enthusiastic crowds, especially at the finish line close to Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt.
- Community Cheer Zones— Throughout the course, groups like local run clubs and nonprofits create unofficial cheering areas, each contributing unique energy to the event.
The East Side Viewing Area, located just south of Columbus Drive’s finish line, offers one of the best vantage points, although tickets are required and are currently sold out. Additionally, spectator access to Grant Park will open at 9:30 a.m. for the 27th Mile Post-Race Party, allowing runners and their supporters to regroup, enjoy music, relish food options, and celebrate their achievements.
For an efficient experience, organizers recommend utilizing the CTA train system for transportation between neighborhoods, as many streets will be closed to vehicles. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App enhances the spectator experience by allowing users to track runners in real-time and check estimated arrival times at various checkpoints.
Tracking and Results
The official Chicago Marathon app is your best bet for following specific runners throughout the race. Available on both iOS and Android, it offers live tracking, leaderboards, and real-time updates on overall race standings. This app can be downloaded free of charge via the App Store and Google Play.
