Where is the finish line for the 2009 Chicago Marathon?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has been held annually for the last 30 years in September/October; next time on October 11, 2009. Since the first Chicago Marathon in 1977, the field of runners has increased from 4,200 to 45,000, but the race has all along the way been one of the largest marathon road races in the world, which makes it an obvious member of the World Marathon Majors. The limit of 45,000 participants is usually reached already 6 months before race day. The record-breaking number of runners is watched by 1.5 million spectators, so the streets of Windy City are packed on Marathon Sunday. Chicago Marathon is one of the many city marathons that boast a fast and flat course with no noteworthy hills. The course starts in Grant Park by Lake Michigan. From here the route goes through the ethnic neighbourhoods in northern Chicago and all the way to the South side before it returns to Grant Park, taking the marathoners on a colourful journey through the many sides of Chicago.
Locations The Start and Finish Line areas are both located in Grant Park on Columbus Drive. The 26.2-mile course runs through 29 Chicago neighborhoods. The route extends north to Addison St., west to Damen Ave. and south to 35th St. Parking and Street Closures No Parking Zones along the course will be enforced beginning at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. Please look for No Parking signs in your area for full details. Street closures along the route will occur between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The roads in Grant Park will be closed longer. City streets will re-open promptly as the final runners pass through (at a 14-minute mile pace). The Chicago Police Department will be responsible for closing and re-opening streets, they will do so in a manner ensuring runner and spectator safety. Please follow their instructions when approaching streets on the course. Do NOT attempt to block the race course at any time.
