COURSE & AMENITIES

Tackle a half marathon through the historic parks and boulevards of Chicago’s West Side! The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 course will weave through vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhoods, starting and finishing in Garfield Park.

2024 Bank of America Chicago 13.1 course map (.pdf)

An updated course map will be available in advance of the 2025 event.

Aid stations
Medical support
Course time limit
Timing checkpoints & mile markers
Prohibited devices on course
Street closures

AID STATIONS

Eight aid stations are located along the course approximately one to two miles apart. Each aid station consists of the following amenities in this order:

• Medical Support (except Aid Station 1)
• Toilet facilities
• Nuun Endurance (pre-mixed lemon-lime flavor)
• Water

Maurten is the Official Hydrogel Sports Fuel for the Bank of America Chicago 13.1. Out on course, runners can grab a Gel 100, containing 25 grams of carbohydrates, from the Hydrogel Fuel Depot at Mile 8.3 (Luis Munoz Marin Dr.). Maurten Gels use patented Hydrogel Technology that enables smooth transportation of carbohydrates through the stomach during high-intensity exercise, reducing discomfort.

The Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone is located near Mile 8.5 where the Cooling Crew will be armed with Biofreeze spray to cool the pain. Participants veer into the Pain Relief Zone™, step up to a spray station, point out where they are experiencing pain, the Cooling Crew sprays the aches and pains and they are back on their way. The cooling relief of Biofreeze will help participants cross the finish line! Use as directed. 

MEDICAL SUPPORT

Medical support is available at five on-course locations. Each is staffed by a team of medical professionals, is equipped with emergency and first aid supplies and has access to ambulance service.

In Garfield Park, the Main Medical Tent is located directly beyond the finish line.  For the safety of all participants, only those requiring medical assistance may access the medical facilities. If you feel like you need medical assistance on race day, you are encouraged to seek help from a medical volunteer or visit a medical tent in Garfield Park or on course.

COURSE TIME LIMIT

The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 has a course time limit of 3 hours and 15 minutes (03:15:59). After this time, the course will re-open to vehicular traffic. You must maintain a 15-minute per mile pace (approximately) or faster, completing the full race distance (13.1 miles)—start line to finish line—within the event time requirement.

Participants who finish outside of the time requirement may not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel. Runners who finish outside of the time requirement may not be recorded as official finishers.

TIMING CHECKPOINTS & MILE MARKERS

Timing checkpoints and mile markers will be positioned at the start line, throughout the course and at the finish line. Your event timing device, attached to the back of your event bib number, will register your time at each timing checkpoint. Digital clocks at the finish line will display the elapsed race time, which begins with the start of the race (7 a.m.). Your individual race time may differ depending on when you cross the official start line.

PROHIBITED DEVICES ON COURSE

Wheeled devices are not permitted on the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 course by anyone other than a registered and authorized wheelchair or duo team participants. Prohibited wheeled devices include non-registered wheelchairs and handcycles, baby joggers, strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, and bicycles.

The use of selfie-sticks, camera mounts, video devices, computers, or any similar devices by anyone while participating in the event is prohibited.

Camelbaks® and any type of hydration backpacks are prohibited. For the avoidance of doubt, fuel belts and hand-held water bottles are allowed. Please be aware you may be asked to empty the contents of these containers when entering the event site on race day.

Music devices with headphones are permitted for use on the course; however, participants must be alert to their surroundings and must pay attention to important announcements made throughout the day. Music devices with headphones are not permitted for use by athletes participating in the elite field.

Additional prohibited items on the course route include but are not limited to: large bags (backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags), hard-sided coolers, costumes covering the face, any non-forming bulky outfits extending beyond the perimeter of the body, props and non-running equipment, including flagpoles and sticks, pets/animals (except for service animals), alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, chairs, weapons, remote-controlled aircrafts and drones.

Please note, any items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate will be confiscated at the sole discretion of security personnel.

STREET CLOSURES

For residents who live along the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 course, please be aware that street closures will take place on race day. In addition, no parking zones along the course will be enforced in the early morning hours.

To be notified of street closure information when it becomes available, please fill out the below form.