Chicago Marathon 2025: Elite runners, prize money, and how to watch

Over 50,000 participants will gather this Sunday morning to contest the 26.2-mile journey through Chicago, paying for the opportunity to compete. The 47th edition of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon unites together the athletes from diverse backgrounds, each encouraged by their personal motivation for the competition. “The Chicago Marathon 2025 takes place on Sunday 12 October, starting and finishing in Grant Park,” organizers stated.

Start Times and Schedule

The marathon will have several waves:

• 7:20 a.m. – Men’s wheelchair start
  
• 7:21 a.m. – Women’s wheelchair start
  
• 7:23 a.m. – Handcycle start
  
• 7:30 a.m. – Wave 1 (Elite & Corrals A-E)
  
• 7:45 a.m. – Wave 2 (Blue) start corrals close
  
  

Route Overview

Runners will begin and conclude in Grant Park, spanning Chicago’s iconic streets. A complete course map is accessible on the official marathon website.

How to Watch

Fans in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and Ireland can stream the live stream through FloTrack, beginning at 1:15 p.m. BST (7:15 a.m. local time). They can also line the roads or watch the designated cheer zones, while NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos broadcast live from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., with streaming available until 3 p.m. through apps and smart TV platforms.

Prize Money

Top elite finishers compete for major prizes:

Men’s & Women’s Races

• 1st: $100,000
  
• 2nd: $75,000
  
• 3rd: $50,000
  
• 4th: $30,000
  
• 5th: $25,000
  

Total prize pool: $560,000 ($280,000 per gender)

Course Record Bonuses:

• Men’s Open Division – 2:00:35: $50,000
  
• Women’s Open Division – 2:09:56: $50,000
  
  

Elite Fields

Men: John Korir (KEN), Timothy Kiplagat (KEN), Amos Kipruto (KEN), CyBrian Kotut (KEN), Bashir Abdi (BEL), Jacob Kiplimo (UGA), Philemon Kiplimo (KEN), Geoffrey Kamworwor (KEN), Huseydin Mohamed Esa (ETH), Conner Mantz (USA), Daniel Ebenyo (KEN), Galen Rupp (USA), Hiroto Inoue (JPN), Zouhair Talbi (MAR), Matt Richtman (USA), Ryan Ford (USA), Rory Linkletter (CAN), CJ Albertson (USA), Hideyuki Tanaka (JPN), Patricio Castillo (MEX), Marc Scott (GBR), Colin Mickow (USA), Kevin Salvano (USA), Nick Hauger (USA), Robert Miranda (USA), Afewerki Zeru (USA), Casey Clinger (USA), Tai Dinger (USA)

Women: Megertu Alemu (ETH), Hawi Feysa (ETH), Irine Cheptai (KEN), Bedatu Hirpa (ETH), Haven Hailu Desse (ETH), Mary Ngugi-Cooper (KEN), Calli Hauger-Thackery (GBR), Lindsay Flanagan (USA), Natosha Rogers (USA), Florencia Borelli (ARG), Gabi Rooker (USA), Dakotah Popehn (USA), Melody Julien (FRA), Philippa Bowden (GBR), Aubrey Frentheway (USA), Maggie Montoya (USA), Loice Chemnung (KEN), Ejgayehu Taye (ETH), Emily Venters (USA)

FAQs:

Q1. When is the Chicago Marathon 2025?
It is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The race begins and concludes at Grant Park.

Q2. How long is the Chicago Marathon?
The course spans the standard 26.2 miles (42.195 km).