2024-10-13 18:35:03
CHICAGO (CBS) — In a matter of hours, the 2024 Bank of America Chicago marathon will begin, with more than 50,000 runners from across the world hitting the pavement for the annual tradition.
Many of those runners stopped by McCormick Place on Saturday to pick up their official marathon bibs along with their swag bags – many of them excited, but also anxious to hit that pavement.
“Training’s tough. I did two 20-milers. That was the longest I did, but I like training in Boston, because it’s so hilly. I think it prepares for something a little flatter,” said runner Riley Brook.
The marathon steps off just after 7 a.m. Sunday at Grant Park, where runners will begin the 26.2 mile trek across the city, weaving through 29 neighborhoods, where they will be able to soak in some of the most picturesque landmarks Chicago has to offer.
Cheering them on, an estimated 1.7 million spectators that are expected to line up along the route.
“I’m a little anxious. I’m a little nervous. First time. My training went well, but it could’ve went better,” said runner Ruben Robelin.
His 5-year-old son on the other hand – couldn’t be more prepared for when he takes his spot in the cheering squad, already cheering “Let’s go daddy!” before the marathon even started.
Danielle Xu said her training fell off a bit because she got married this year, “but hopefully it was enough to run the race tomorrow.”
It’s also going be Lauren Strandberg’s first marathon. The Norwood Park woman had no shortage of obstacles getting to this point, after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2020. She thought the chronic disease was going to sideline her from ever running again, but on Sunday she’s defying the odds.
“It’s just incredible that I can work my way up from running 3 miles to here I am running 26 miles,” she said.
With all the excitement that’s building, there’s also that not-so-excited part to talk about – street closures, which will impact much of the city.
While some of the street closures around the start and finish line are already in place, restrictions along a bulk of the marathon route will go into effect Sunday morning.
Street closures in the Grant Park area began on Monday, September 30 with the closure of Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 10 a.m. Additional Street closures for race day at the start/finish line area can be expected through the weekend, including:
Race day street closures along the route will begin at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 13 and are anticipated to be reopened by 4:30 p.m. or when it is deemed safe to do so.
You can find a full list of closures here. You can find the anticipated street opening times here and a map of the race here.
Most of the streets closing for the marathon will open back up at around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
With heavy traffic and congestion expected to paralyze much of the city on Sunday, officials are encouraging everyone to use public transportation.
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