Trip-Planning Question for Chicago Marathoners

So sadly, the easiest way (and honestly most comfortable) is to pay for a hotel near the start/finish line. Trying to get out of that area is a nightmare on race day. I have stayed as far away as the Hilton O'Hare, and believe me, I would have gladly paid the extra 150/night to avoid the hassle.

The Hilton Chicago is the A+ hotel, a short walk across the bridge from the start, but pricey (and probably sold out by this point). Whatever you do, do NOT stay at the Congress. Its right near the finish line, but they have union problems, and many runner has had the night before the race ruined by protesters waking them up by banging pots and pans together (plus even their 'non' smoking rooms tend to smell like smoke). If you can look into Air BnB or VRBO at this point to see if you can get an apartment near the start/finish for the weekend, though they will charge a premium. If all else fails, stay close to the red line, which will deposit you a short walk from the start/finish area. If I don't get the Hilton, the Hyatt on Wabash is also a good option, but can get pricey.


eta: and yes, I would say for an out-of-towner, about 1k for the whole experience (including hotel, registration, shoes, meals etc) is typical.

I live in the Chicago suburbs and the cost of parking in the city is insane but can be avoided or reduced by using a discount parking app like Spothero or Parkwhiz. Personally I don't think the traffic is all that bad but maybe because I am used to the speed, the one ways the wacky diagonal streets etc. Also don't forget to watch for the bike lanes which should be pretty active the day of the marathon.

While the Marathon is a big event for Chicago it isn't the biggest. I believe that honor goes to lollapalooza. The difference between the two is all the road closures for the marathon which makes getting out of the area a bit of a cluster. I have driven down to Lollapalooza and arranged for parking approx. 5 to 6 blocks from the festival and have essentially driven out with no problems despite the other 110,000 other people clogging up the streets.

I agree a downtown hotel will be the most convenient, the most expensive and possibly already booked. However you will still have problems driving downtown around race time.

Personally I would stay a bit outside Chicago for a cheaper hotel room and purchase a parking space a few blocks from the road closures. I would also plan on hanging out after the race for a couple hours so you don't have to sit in your car during the exodus. Walk around Millennium Park for free, check out the Chicago Cultural Center for free or pay for the excellent collection at the Art Institute, have lunch, go to the Willis tower or Hancock tower, shop whatever you want to kill a couple of hours then go back to your car and drive out quickly.

Towns to look for a hotel would be Oak Park, Forest Park, Berwyn, Cicero (these are close to the el train system if you wanted to take the train in to the city), Maywood, Westchester, Oak Brook. Elmhurst and Lombard are as far west as I would go. All of these are either right on I290 or Roosevelt road so a short ride into the city. Likely no more than an hour max.

Have a great race and enjoy your visit to Chicago! If I can answer any questions I will.

I ran Chicago a couple of years ago and stayed here - https://www.choicehotels.com/illinois/chicago/comfort-suites-hotels/il352 It's a few blocks up from the start/finish.