When Does The Chicago Marathon Start

So, I was out for my morning jog the other day, you know, trying to keep up with the whole 'runner' thing I've been attempting since New Year's. I'm not gonna lie, I'm more of a 'walk-jog' kind of gal, but hey, baby steps, right?

Anyway, I'm panting away, trying to keep up with this guy who's been lapping me for the past few weeks. Suddenly, he stops, turns around, and starts running backwards. I mean, talk about a confidence boost, right? He yells out, "You ready for the Chicago Marathon? It's coming up!" I laughed, huffed out a "No way!" and kept moving. But it got me thinking, when does the Chicago Marathon start?

Mark Your Calendars

Alright, so you're not a runner like me, or maybe you are, but you're curious about this marathon thing. The Chicago Marathon, one of the six World Marathon Majors, is a big deal. It's like the Super Bowl of running, you know?

Now, you might be wondering, "When does this shindig kick off?" Well, my friend, it's always held on the second Sunday of October. Yes, you heard it right. So, this year, it's on October 10th. You can mark that down in your fancy new planner, or just set a reminder on your phone. I won't judge.

What time does the Chicago Marathon start? Full race day schedule – NBC

What Time's The Gun?

Now, you've got the date, but you're still wondering, "What time does this marathon start?" Well, the official start time is 7:30 AM. Yes, that's right, early bird gets the worm, and in this case, the worm is a shiny finisher's medal.

But here's the thing, if you're a wheelchair athlete or an elite runner, you get to start a bit earlier. The wheelchair division starts at 7:20 AM, and the elite athletes start at 7:30 AM, but they have their own special starting area. The rest of us mere mortals line up in our respective corrals based on our estimated finish time.

Chicago Marathon start times: What Time Does The Chicago Marathon Start

What About The Weather?

Chicago in October can be a bit of a weather wildcard. One year it's sunny and warm, the next it's chilly and rainy. The average temperature on race day is around 50-60°F (10-15°C), but it's always a good idea to check the forecast closer to the date.

So, there you have it. The Chicago Marathon starts at 7:30 AM on the second Sunday of October. Now, go forth, train, and conquer those 26.2 miles. And if you see me out there, give me a high-five, would ya?