What date is the marathon?

The Chicago Marathon runs on the second Sunday of October each year. Check chicagomarathon.com for the specific date.

Where is the best viewing in the West Loop?

Halsted Street between Adams and Madison gives a good view of the 11-mile mark and is walkable from most West Loop residences. Greektown side streets stay less crowded.

Occasion · October

Chicago Marathon weekend

Second Sunday of October. The course passes through Greektown and the southern edge of the West Loop; hotels and restaurants book a week in advance.

Cadence: Annually, second Sunday of October.

The Chicago Marathon (typically run on the second Sunday of October) is the single biggest annual event affecting the West Loop. The course passes through Greektown and the southern edge of the neighborhood along Adams Street, with the 11-mile marker near the Eisenhower Expressway. Marathon weekend reshapes the operational pattern of the entire West Loop — hotel demand, dining reservations, transit, and parking — for a Friday-through-Sunday window.

Why this matters in the West Loop

Hotels in the West Loop book at 90%+ occupancy a month ahead. Walkup rates climb roughly 2x normal.
Marquee restaurants take reservations a week or more before normal — Friday and Saturday dinner is the tightest window.
Adams, Halsted, and Madison see partial street closures Sunday morning during the race.
CTA Green / Pink / Blue lines run extra trains on race day; bus routes 8, 20, and 60 see detours.
The bagel-shop and breakfast-counter scene on Jackson and Madison sees a 4-6am Sunday surge.

Practical guidance

Course on race Sunday

The route enters the West Loop via the river crossings, runs west on Adams to roughly Damen, then turns south. Greektown along Halsted sees concentrated viewing from the 11-mile mark.

Hotels

The four boutique hotels and the Hilton-brand stack on Jefferson all book solid by mid-September most years. Reserve in summer if marathon weekend is the trip purpose.

Parking

Street parking is heavily restricted on race-day morning along the course. Use commercial garages (see /west-loop/garages); plan to be parked by 6 AM if attending early.

Frequently asked questions

What date is the marathon?: The Chicago Marathon runs on the second Sunday of October each year. Check chicagomarathon.com for the specific date.
Where is the best viewing in the West Loop?: Halsted Street between Adams and Madison gives a good view of the 11-mile mark and is walkable from most West Loop residences. Greektown side streets stay less crowded.