How to Watch and Cheer the 2025 Chicago Marathon

The 2025 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12, promises an electrifying atmosphere both for those lining the streets and viewers at home.

If attending in person is not an option, you can still keep up with every key moment as elite athletes and passionate amateurs cross the iconic city course. (Did you know that last year, a man ran the Chicago Marathon in a pair of bright red stilettos? Here’s the story)

Television and Streaming Coverage

Local broadcasters NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will provide live coverage beginning with a pre-race show at 6:30 a.m. Central Time.

The race itself airs live from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., showcasing starts from the wheelchair divisions through the final finishers on Columbus Drive.

For Spanish-speaking audiences, Telemundo Chicago and TeleXitos offer dedicated commentary.

Those preferring to stream can watch via NBCChicago.com or the NBC Chicago app.

The NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel is also an accessible option on platforms including Peacock, Roku, Fire TV, and others, ensuring fans can tune in across a variety of devices.

Additionally, NBC 5 Chicago will stream exclusive webcam footage at the finish line from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., perfect for family and friends eager to catch their runner's final moments in the race.

If you prefer audio updates while on the move, 670 The Score Sports Radio delivers live commentary from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with knowledgeable hosts including play-by-play announcer Josh Liss and expert analysts offering insights and race previews.

Experience the Marathon in Person

The energy along the course is unforgettable. While the official start and finish zones in Grant Park are restricted to participants and credentialed guests, the city offers multiple fantastic spots to cheer on runners.

Early spectators might head to Lincoln Park around the 8K mark to catch runners energizing for the downtown leg.

The halfway point near Garfield Park, at mile 13.1, is symbolic home to the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Cheer Zone. This area offers high energy and community spirit.

Further along, the Charity Block Party at mile 15 (Adams and Loomis) stands out for its festive atmosphere, celebrating runners raising money for good causes.

Additionally, two major Bank of America Cheer Zones at miles 13 and 26 feature live entertainment, giveaways, and enthusiastic crowds, especially near Michigan Avenue as runners near the finish line.

Between these, local running clubs and neighborhood groups host unofficial cheer stations, each contributing unique vibes that motivate athletes throughout the race.

For those hoping to watch athletes finish up close, the East Side Viewing Area south of the finish line on Columbus Drive offers one of the best vantage points, though ticket access is required and has already sold out.

After participants cross the line, spectators are welcome at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party starting at 9:30 a.m. in Butler Field of Grant Park.

This space invites runners and supporters to celebrate together with music and refreshments.

With many streets closed, organizers recommend using Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains to navigate between neighborhoods quickly and avoid traffic delays.

Tracking Your Runner

The official Bank of America Chicago Marathon app is an indispensable tool. Available for free on iOS and Android, it offers live runner tracking, up-to-the-minute leaderboards, and detailed progress updates.

Using this app, friends and family can monitor athletes' locations and gauge estimated times at various checkpoints, enhancing the race-day experience.

Expert Viewing Tips

Watching a marathon requires patience and strategic positioning. Arriving early at your preferred spot ensures a good vantage point without crowding.

If planning to cheer, offering positive, energetic encouragement supports runners’ mental resilience a critical factor for endurance athletes beyond physical effort.

For those following virtually, tuning into pre-race shows can provide context on course conditions, elite athlete profiles, and weather forecasts, enriching your understanding of the race dynamics as it unfolds.

Whichever way you choose to engage with the 2025 Chicago Marathon, embracing both the spectacle and the stories behind each stride enhances appreciation for one of the world’s premier distance running events.