Chicago Marathon 2024: Weather, Food, and Road Closures You Need to Know

The 46th Bank of America Chicago Marathon is just around the corner, taking place this Sunday, October 13th. This year, the event is special for two reasons. First, runners will honor Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically died earlier this year. Second, Brendan O’Brien will be running to raise awareness about mental health, in memory of his late father. But let's dive into the details you need to know to enjoy the marathon to the fullest. Weather-wise, Chicago is expecting perfect conditions. While Florida faces Hurricane Milton, Chicago will have cool temperatures, ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s. Saturday might see some rain, but it should clear up by race day, with mostly sunny skies greeting the runners. In a thoughtful move, organizers have allowed Florida participants to defer their entry to 2025 if needed.Chicago is a food lover's paradise, and the marathon weekend is no exception. From Green Street Smoked Meats to Purple Pig, there's something for every taste. Pendry Hotel is offering complimentary snacks and beverages before the race, and a special deal for medal-holders post-race. The Mag Mile area is also a hotspot, with complimentary beers and special menus at places like Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse. For pasta lovers, Eataly in River North is a must. Craving Indian? Check out Swadesi Cafe in West Loop. To accommodate the race, several streets will be closed. Balbo Drive, Jackson Drive, and Columbus Drive will start closing as early as October 9th. On race day, State Street, LaSalle Street, and many others will be closed, with most reopening as the race progresses.