Event Information

Chicago is more than just a big city. It’s a city of neighborhoods and people that represent vibrant and diverse backgrounds and cultures. Every October, runners travel to Chicago to experience this incredible city by running through it at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Whether you’re looking for a shakeout run before the Chicago Marathon or want to be part of the excitement of race weekend, we invite you to join us for the Abbott Chicago 5K.

The 2025 Abbott Chicago 5K will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Registration for 2025 is now open.

Learn more about the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and other race weekend activities at chicagomarathon.com.

Schedule of events

Thursday, October 9
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet Pick-up
McCormick Place
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, October 10
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet Pick-up
McCormick Place
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, October 11
Abbott Chicago 5K
Grant Park, Chicago, IL

Start corrals open: 6:30 a.m.
Wheelchair start: 7:25 a.m.
Race start: 7:30 a.m.
Finish line closes: 9 a.m.

Times subject to change

Event bib numbers

The Abbott Chicago 5K will mail a limited number of packets to participants for the 2025 event. This will be an option for participants at the point of registration or through the participant account and will only be available to U.S. residents who select and pay $20 to have their packets mailed. The deadline to purchase packet mailing is Thursday, August 7. The packet mailing option includes the shipment of your event bib number and promotional item.

Abbott Health & Fitness Expo location and time

McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr.)
Thursday, October 9 and Friday, October 10

Important bib number information

• All Abbott Chicago 5K participants are assigned to a start corral. Your start corral placement is based on your projected pace per mile.
• If you would like to run with someone in a different corral, you may move back corrals as space allows.
• Your bib number must be fastened with four (4) pins to the front of your outer layer of clothing and visible throughout the entire race.
• Do not physically alter (cut, fold or obscure) your bib number in any way.
• Wearing your bib number improperly (pinned at your waist, pinned to race belts or fuel belts, etc.) could result in improper scoring and possible disqualification.
• Fill out the back of your bib number with your emergency contact and medical information.
• Your bib number is non-transferable and must be worn only by you, the registered participant.
• The sale and/or transfer of your bib number is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.

Transportation

Public transportation is highly recommended for race day transportation. For more information on public transportation options visit the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) website at transitchicago.com or Metra at metra.com.

  
Parking –  Grant Park South Garage 

If you are driving into the city for the race, we encourage you to pre-purchase your parking at a discounted rate by going to millenniumgarages.com/rates. Be sure to allow extra time due to street closures and detours due to the event and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12. The Grant Park South Garage is located at 325 S. Michigan Avenue. For directions and more information, visit millenniumgarages.com.

Course

The Abbott Chicago 5K course will weave through downtown taking runners on a 3.1-mile journey past iconic Chicago landmarks.

2024 Abbott Chicago 5K course map (.pdf)*
2024 Abbott Chicago 5K start area map (.pdf)*

*Subject to change

Start corrals

All Abbott Chicago 5K participants are assigned to a start corral. Your start corral placement is based on your projected pace per mile. 

If you would like to run with someone in a different corral, you may move back corrals as space allows.

Gear check

Gear check will not be available at the Abbott Chicago 5K. Do not store, hide or leave any personal items along or near the race course, including the start and finish line areas. You are responsible for safely storing your gear offsite prior to the race. Any items left unattended will be removed from the area and will not be made available later. 

Course support

One on-course aid station will offer water, medical support and toilet facilities. The aid station is located at approximately the halfway point.

Course time limit

Runners must maintain a 15-minute per mile pace and complete the full 5K (3.1 miles) distance—start line to finish line—within the event time requirement of 45 minutes (mm:ss/45:59). Runners who finish outside of the time requirement may not be recorded as official finishers and may not receive full on-course support.

Timing checkpoints, clock and mile markers

Timing checkpoints are positioned at the start and finish lines. Your timing device will register your time at each of these checkpoints.

Digital clocks are positioned at the start line and at the finish line to provide the elapsed race time. Mile markers are positioned at each mile. Digital clocks at the finish line will display the elapsed race time, which begins with the official start of the race. Your individual race time may differ depending on when you cross the official start line.

Street closures

For businesses and residents that live along the course, please be aware that street closures will take place on race day. To be notified of street closure information when it becomes available, please fill out the below form.

Adaptive program

The Abbott Chicago 5K strives to provide accessibility for all athletes with impairments through our Adaptive Program. This program is open to all athletes with a permanent intellectual or physical impairment. Learn more about the Abbott Chicago 5K Adaptive Program.

Event Alert System

The color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) will communicate the status of race conditions leading up to and on race day. EAS levels range from Low (Green) to Moderate (Yellow) to High (Red) to Extreme (Black) based primarily on weather, as well as other conditions. All participants should remain alert for directions from race officials and announcers and take precautions to prepare properly for varying conditions on race day.

Support Tedy’s Team

The Abbott Chicago 5K is proud to support Tedy’s Team, founded by three-time Super Bowl champ Tedy Bruschi and his wife, Heidi. The mission of Tedy’s Team is to increase awareness of stroke and heart disease while supporting survivors on their journey, giving them the means for a comeback. In recognition of each runner’s participation on race day, the event will make a two-dollar donation to Tedy’s Team for every participant who crosses the finish line. Learn more and consider donating today.

Learn more

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