The Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2024 is one of the six World Marathon Majors and is scheduled for October every year. It attracts tens of thousands of runners each year. In 2024, there will be around 45,000 runners and an estimated 1.7 million annual spectators. What’s more significant, however, is that it includes more than 50 US states and more than 100 countries.
When you’re outdoors for such a long duration, such as during a marathon, it becomes essential to keep all your devices charged and running. Jackery Solar Generators are a reliable solution you can consider for this. These solar generators are designed to be portable and versatile in a range of different situations, making them the ideal power backup option for the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
Key Takeaways
- The Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2024is scheduled to take place on October 13.
- You can participate in the Guaranteed Charity Entry by raising $1,250 or $1,750 or by drawing, legacy, or time.
- The broadcast of the Chicago Marathon will be aired on NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos.
- Jackery Solar Generator is the ideal power supply option for when you’re watching the marathon with your friends or family.
When Does the Chicago Marathon 2024 Start?
The 46th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled for October 13, 2024. The marathon wheelchair event for men will start at 7:20 a.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m.
How to Apply for the Chicago Marathon 2024
If you’re considering applying for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for 2024, there are three different ways you can participate, including:
- Guaranteed Charity Entry:This option requires the participant to raise $1,250 in donations for those living with ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It doesn’t require you to pay a fee.
- Guaranteed Charity Entry: The second charity entry option is free but requires the participant to raise $1,750 in donations for ALS.
- Drawing/Legacy/Time:This option is for those who secured entry to the marathon through drawing, legacy, or time and requires a minimum of $800 in fundraising.
The steps to apply for the marathon are as follows:
Step 1: Register with your basic details on the Chicago Marathon website.
Step 2: Choose whether you want to apply via the Guaranteed Charity Entry route or via drawing, legacy, or time.
Step 3: Confirm your details and pay the registration fee via your payment mode of choice.
How to Watch Chicago Marathon 2024
According to the Chicago Marathon’s official website, there are three ways to catch a live broadcast of the event on October 13. The broadcast will be aired on NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos. These channels will be available in English and Spanish, and the broadcasts on all three channels will run between 7 and 11 a.m.
If you want to listen to live coverage of the event and not watch it, then 670 The Score Sports Radio will provide complete radio coverage between 7-11 am. You’ll get to hear Josh Liss, and other expert analysts provide a play-by-play of the entire run.
Chances are you might even get together with friends and family to watch the marathon at home or in your backyard, and that makes it crucial that you have some form of power backup to run your projectors or TVs without any interruptions. Jackery Solar Generators can be an ideal option in such situations, as the solar panels can be fast-charged via solar charging, ensuring you can cheer on the runners until the end of the event.
If you’d rather watch the event in person, there are several viewing points along the entire route that you can visit to cheer on the runners:
- If you want to watch the runners closer to the start of the race, you can go to Grand Avenue between Columbus Drive and State Street, near Mile 1.
- If you want to watch the runners close to the end of the race, the Bank of America Cheer Zone at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road are the places to be. You can also find a list of all the cheering zones here.
How Can You Track Runners During the Chicago Marathon?
The best way to track runners during the Chicago Marathon is to download the Chicago Marathon app and add a participant’s information to track them throughout the event. The app will automatically update you as the runners cross milestones such as the 10k mark, halfway, and the 30k checkpoints. The app also provides resources for marathon participants, so you have all the information you need to prepare for the event.
How Can You Get Around During the Chicago Marathon?
Several road closures will be along the event’s route on the day of the Chicago Marathon. This will make it crucial that you use public transportation to get around the city. You can also use the CTA ‘L’ trains to get to the start and the finish line, although these points are only reserved for runners. Family members and friends who want to cheer the participants on must go to the cheer zones or the viewing points along the route.
Pre-Race and Marathon Day Closures
Given the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2024 scale, you can expect several road closures across the route both before the event and on the day itself. The pre-race closures will affect movement as the organizers prepare the route beforehand, whereas the marathon day closures will result from the event itself.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the pre-race and marathon day closures, along with their anticipated closures and openings.
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Pre-Race Closures |
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Street Description |
Anticipated Closure |
Anticipated Opening |
|||
|
Balbo Dr.: Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr. |
9/30/24 |
10:00 a.m. |
10/16/24 |
6:00 a.m. |
|
|
Jackson Dr.: Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr. |
10/9/24 |
10:00 a.m. |
10/14/24 |
6:00 a.m. |
|
|
Balbo Dr.: Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. |
10/10/24 |
4:00 a.m. |
10/14/24 |
3:00 p.m. |
|
|
Columbus Dr.: Ida B. Wells Dr. to Balbo Dr. |
10/10/24 |
4:00 a.m. |
10/14/24 |
3:00 p.m. |
|
|
Columbus Dr.: Balbo Dr. to Roosevelt Rd. |
10/10/24 |
4:00 a.m. |
10/14/24 |
3:00 p.m. |
|
|
Columbus Dr.: Monroe St. to Jackson Dr. |
10/11/24 |
4:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
8:00 p.m. |
|
|
Columbus Dr.: Jackson Dr. to Ida B. Wells Dr. |
10/11/24 |
4:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
8:00 p.m. |
|
|
Congress Plaza Dr.: Michigan Ave. (Van Buren St. to Harrison St.) |
10/11/24 |
4:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
8:00 p.m. |
|
|
Jackson Dr.: Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. |
10/11/24 |
4:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
8:00 p.m. |
|
|
Columbus Dr.: Randolph St. to Monroe St. |
10/12/24 |
6:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
2:00 p.m. |
|
|
Roosevelt Rd.: Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr. |
10/12/24 |
11:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
6:00 p.m. |
|
|
Monroe St.: Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. |
10/12/24 |
12:00 p.m. |
10/13/24 |
2:00 p.m. |
|
|
Monroe St.: Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr. |
10/12/24 |
12:00 p.m. |
10/13/24 |
3:00 p.m. |
|
|
Marathon Day Closures |
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Mile |
Description |
Anticipated Closure |
Anticipated Opening |
||
|
1 |
Columbus Dr.: Start at Grand Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
10:00 a.m. |
|
1 |
Grand Ave.: Columbus Dr. to State St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
10:00 a.m. |
|
2 |
State St.: Grand Ave. to Jackson Blvd. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
10:30 a.m. |
|
3 |
Jackson Blvd.: State St. to LaSalle St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
10:30 a.m. |
|
3/4/5 |
LaSalle St.: Jackson Blvd. to Stockton Dr. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
11:30 a.m. |
|
6 |
Stockton Dr.: LaSalle Dr. to Fullerton Dr. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
11:45 a.m. |
|
6 |
Fullerton Dr.: Stockton Dr. to Cannon Dr. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
11:45 a.m. |
|
7 |
Cannon Dr.: Fullerton Dr. to Sheridan Rd. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
11:45 a.m. |
|
7 |
Sheridan Rd.: Diversey Pkwy. to Belmont Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
11:45 a.m. |
|
8 |
Inner Lakeshore Dr.: Belmont Ave. to Sheridan Rd. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
12:00 p.m. |
|
8 |
Sheridan Rd.: Inner Lakeshore Dr. to Broadway |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
12:00 p.m. |
|
9 |
Broadway: Sheridan Rd. to Briar Pl. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
12:15 p.m. |
|
10 |
Broadway: Briar Pl. to Diversey Pkwy. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
12:30 p.m. |
|
10 |
Clark St.: Diversey Pkwy. to Fullerton Pkwy. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
12:30 p.m. |
|
11 |
Clark St.: Fullerton Pkwy. to Webster Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
12:45 p.m. |
|
11 |
Webster Ave.: Clark St. to Sedgwick St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
12:45 p.m. |
|
11 |
Sedgwick St.: Webster Ave. to North Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
1:00 p.m. |
|
12 |
North Ave.: Sedgwick St. to Wells St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
1:00 p.m. |
|
12 |
Wells St.: North Ave. to Walton St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
1:00 p.m. |
|
13 |
Wells St.: Walton St. to Wacker Dr. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
1:15 p.m. |
|
13 |
Wacker Dr.: Wells St. to Adams St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
1:15 p.m. |
|
14/15 |
Adams St.: Wacker Dr. to Damen Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
1:45 p.m. |
|
15 |
Damen Ave.: Adams St. to Jackson Blvd. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
1:45 p.m. |
|
15/16/17 |
Jackson Blvd.: Damen Ave. to Halsted St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
2:15 p.m. |
|
18 |
Halsted St.: Jackson Blvd. to Taylor St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
2:30 p.m. |
|
18/19 |
Taylor St.: Halsted St. to Loomis St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
2:45 p.m. |
|
19/20 |
Loomis St.: Taylor St. to 18th St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
2:45 p.m. |
|
20 |
18th St.: Loomis St. to Halsted St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
3:00 p.m. |
|
20 |
Halsted St.: 18th St. to 21st St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
3:15 p.m. |
|
20/21 |
21st St: Halsted to Canalport Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
3:15 p.m. |
|
20/21 |
Canalport Ave.: 21st St. to Cermak Rd. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
3:15 p.m. |
|
21 |
Cermak Rd.: Canalport Ave. to Wentworth Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
3:30 p.m. |
|
22/23 |
Wentworth Ave.: Cermak Rd. to 26th St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
3:45 p.m. |
|
23/24 |
26th St.: Wentworth Ave. to Michigan Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
3:45 p.m. |
|
24 |
Michigan Ave.: 26th St. to 35th St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
4:00 p.m. |
|
24 |
35th St.: Michigan Ave. to Indiana Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
4:00 p.m. |
|
24 |
Indiana Ave.: 35th St. to 31st St. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
4:00 p.m. |
|
25 |
31st St.: Indiana Ave. to Michigan Ave. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
4:15 p.m. |
|
25/26 |
Michigan Ave.: 31st St. to Roosevelt Rd. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
4:30 p.m. |
|
26 |
Roosevelt Rd.: Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. |
10/13/24 |
7:00 a.m. |
10/13/24 |
6:00 p.m. |
How to Prepare for the Chicago Marathon 2024
The 2024 Chicago Marathon has hosted seven world record times, which means the competition will be stiff for 2024 as well. The 2023 marathon saw Kelvin Kiptum set the world record for men, having completed the entire course in a blistering 2:00:35, whereas Brigid Kosgei set the world record among the women, having completed the race at a whopping 2:14:04.
Participating in any marathon requires some essentials that ensure your run is as smooth as possible, keeping aside the physical strain that comes with it. Here’s a comprehensive list of the essentials you must have:
- Running Shoes:Running shoes are the most important gear you’ll need on the day of your run. The pair you choose must be comfortable, fit well, and be lightweight.
- Hydration Vest:A hydration vest is the perfect way to stay hydrated during a run without having to carry a bottle or other items.
- Clothing:The clothing you wear on the day of the run should be lightweight and breathable. It should also have moisture-wicking qualities. These ensure that you’re comfortable and that you remain cool as your sweat continues to evaporate.
- Nutrition:It is crucial to keep your body fueled for a marathon, and there are several ways to do so, including using energy gels or bars. After your run, you can rely on simple electrolytes to replenish the salts lost through your sweat.
- Other Essentials:Other essentials include sunscreen, anti-chafing balms, sunglasses, band-aids, massage oils, pain relievers, and so on.
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Marathon Essentials |
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|
Timing Chip |
Race Entry Information |
Identification |
|
Cash |
Phone |
Pain relievers |
|
Massage oils |
Anti-chafing products |
Sunscreen |
|
Sunglasses |
Headphones |
Extra clothes |
|
Foam Roller |
Running Shoes |
Running socks |
|
Hydration Vest |
Wind Jacket |
Water |
|
Energy gels or bars |
Change of clothes and shoes |
Warm blanket |
Preparing and training for a marathon is no simple feat. Most elite athletes spend months consistently training just so they can make it to the starting line. So, if you’re participating in such an event, you should keep a few key tips in mind.
Build Your Running Foundation
The first step is to start training to build your foundations for the marathon. The ideal timeline is to start with six to 12 weeks to become comfortable running 5-6 miles a few days a week. Remember that it’s also okay to walk in between.
Commit to a Race and Come up with a Registration Plan
The next step is committing to a race so you have a fixed timeline to plan out your training schedule. Check for local or destination marathons and how and when you need to register for them. Most marathons fill up quickly, so you’ll need to be prompt.
Choose a Training Plan
Once you’ve completed your base training, you should commit to a sustainable training plan for about four months. You should increase the mileage of your runs weekly to be better prepared for the run on marathon day. Make sure to incorporate strength training into your plan. You will also need to build your muscles and improve your endurance levels.
Get Your Rest, Recovery, and the Right Gear
You should plan your training schedule to give your body a day to rest between sessions. On your rest days, you can do some stretches to help reduce the strain on your muscles and recover well. You should also have the right gear, as mentioned above, while training and on the day of the race.
Building Blocks for Marathon Training
There are five main elements of marathon training. These include:
- Base Mileage:The base miles refer to the standard runs that build the foundations of your training program.
- Longer Runs:A longer weekly run can help build your cardiovascular and muscular endurance to better prepare you for a full marathon.
- Speed Work:Harder and more challenging workouts, such as tempo runs and intervals, help build aerobic capacity and muscular strength.
- Strength Training:Strength training is crucial to ensuring your muscles are trained to withstand the stress of a full marathon.
- Rest and Recovery: Adequate rest during your training helps prevent mental burnout and injuries.
What to do During the Chicago Marathon
Training for a marathon requires months of consistent hard work, but it doesn’t have to be too challenging. Here are a few tips to help you prepare better and perform well on the day of the race:
- Consult a Medical Professional:Before you start training for something as intense as a marathon, it’s always a good idea to consult a medical professional to ensure you’re in good shape. They provide you with tips to help you improve your nutritional intake.
- Train Consistently:Create a detailed plan that involves a mix of running and strength training in the months before the marathon. This will ensure you’re in a better place to complete the race on the final day.
- Try Cross-Training:Sports like swimming, cycling, and speed-hiking can be great alternatives to running and can help you prepare better for the race.
- Fuel Your Body:Consuming energy gels or bars during your run can be a brilliant solution to giving your body the fuel it needs to sustain the rigors of a run till the very end. You should also keep yourself hydrated.
- Warm Up:Get to the starting line with enough time to warm up before the run.
- Cool Down:Stretching at the end of your run is crucial to ensuring optimal recovery and preventing injuries.
Jackery Solar Generators for the Chicago Marathon
Jackery is one of the most well-known brands that make solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. The Jackery Solar Generators combine the Jackery Portable Power Stations and the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels.
When the solar panels are placed outdoors under direct sunlight, they absorb solar energy from the sun’s rays and convert it to DC electricity. This is then fed through the pure sine wave inverter in the portable power station to convert it to AC electricity.
These solar generators are ideal for ensuring a steady supply of power while watching the 2024 Chicago Marathon live, even outdoors.
Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus is the perfect solar generator for running small-to-medium-capacity appliances, including smartphones, drones, and projectors. It’s highly portable, with foldable solar panels and a portable power station that has a foldable handle. These allow you to easily carry it with you even if you plan on catching the live telecast of the marathon outdoors with your friends and family.
Appliances Running Time:
- Radio (15W): 35.8H
- Drone (90W): 5.9H
- Smartphone (29W): 18.5H
- Projector (100W): 5.3H
- Camera (8.4W): 63.9H
Customer Review:
“My new Jackery Explorer 600 Plus + SolarSaga 100 x 1 works great for setting up my telescope, cooled camera, and laptop in remote dark sky locations. It provides all the power I need to get me through long night astrophotography sessions.” - Chris.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a larger solar generator offering enough juice to run most appliances. Like the previous model, it has foldable solar panels and a portable power station that you can easily carry around, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Its whisper-quiet and emission-free functioning also means this is a safe indoor generator for your home.
Appliances Running Time:
- Radio (15W): 71.6H
- Drone (90W): 11.9H
- Smartphone (29W): 37H
- Projector (100W): 10.7H
- Television (60W): 17.9H
Customer Review:
“We've had the unit for a while now and absolutely love how rugged it is. The solar panels work great, and the peace of mind of knowing we have a battery backup for all our devices and some appliances is awesome.” - John.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an expandable solar generator that allows you to add more battery packs and solar panels if you need to run more appliances. However, it can easily run 99% of household appliances even in its default configuration. As a result, you can run your projector, TV, or even a drone if you want to record or watch the Chicago Half Marathon 2024 live.
Appliances Running Time:
- Radio (15W): 115.7H
- Drone (90W): 19.2H
- Smartphone (29W): 59.8H
- Projector (100W): 17.3H
- Electric Grill (1700W): 1H
Customer Review:
“Very good quality, and the battery lasts a very long time. Very easy to move around with the built-in tires. Love the upgradeability. The best solar generator I have ever had.” - Marc
Chicago Marathon 2024 FAQs
What size solar generator do I need for the Chicago Marathon?
The right size of the solar generator you need for the Chicago Marathon will depend on how many appliances you need to run. For example, if you’re using the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus to run your drone (90W) and your projector (100W), here’s how you can calculate the working hours:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliance = 2042.8Wh × 0.85 ÷ 190W = 9.1H
Note: The 0.85 is the power conversion factor multiplied by the battery capacity to account for power loss when charging the appliances.
How much time is it to run the Chicago Marathon?
Participants in the Chicago Marathon have a total of six hours and thirty minutes to complete the race.
What time do you need to qualify for the Chicago Marathon?
To qualify for the Chicago Marathon, you must achieve a qualifying time of six hours and thirty minutes.
What is the cut-off time for the Chicago Marathon?
The cut-off time for the Chicago Marathon is six hours and thirty minutes.
Is the Chicago Marathon hard to get into?
While it can be difficult to get into the Chicago Marathon, there are a few ways to participate: the Guaranteed Charity Entry or via drawing, legacy, or time.
Final Thoughts
Running the 26.2-mile course of the Chicago Marathon 2024 requires months of training to build muscle strength and endurance. However, with the right training plan, you can ensure you’re in a good place to participate without any injuries or burnout. This guide has provided all the details you need about the Chicago Marathon, such as where to watch it, how to participate, and how to train for it.
If you’re cheering a friend or a family member on during the race, you should have a reliable power backup option, such as a Jackery Solar Generator, so you can watch the live stream of the marathon without any interruptions.
Have you ever trained for and participated in a marathon? What was your best time? Let us know in the comments below!
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