Chicago marathon Sunday, 45,000 runners. Public info here

below, from the City of Chicago….

CITY OF CHICAGO PREPARES FOR THE 34TH ANNUAL

BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON ON SUNDAY

OEMC stresses public safety and traffic impact reminders

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is Sunday, October 9th, 2011, and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), urges participants, spectators, residents and visitors to be aware of the extensive traffic impacts expected throughout the City, to be alert to weather conditions and take the necessary safety precautions for the event.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to high seventies with mostly sunny conditions. Aid stations are located throughout the race course. A color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) will communicate the status of course conditions to participants leading up to and on race day. For more information go to, www.chicagomarathon.com

“Public safety is a primary concern in planning and coordinating efforts for this yearly event.” said OEMC’s Executive Director, Gary Schenkel. “City departments and agencies work closely with organizers to provide a successful event in Chicago. Participants should remain alert for directions from race officials and announcers and take precautions to prepare properly for varying weather conditions on race day.”

Approximately 45,000 runners will race through Chicago’s neighborhoods on Sunday, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Columbus and Monroe. Participants from all fifty states and over one hundred countries are represented this year.

Also, additional parking restrictions are in effect along the course beginning early Sunday morning. The race route extends north to Addison Street, west to Damen Avenue and south to 35th Street.

Street closures along the route will occur between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and city streets will begin to open as the final runners proceed.

The towing of vehicles along the course and other posted “No Parking Zones” will be strongly enforced. Residents are encouraged to read signage before parking in the area and to call 311 if your vehicle has been towed.

The Chicago Police Department will be handling traffic enforcement for this event and facilitating traffic flow.

OEMC’s Operation Center will monitor the event and will also be sending out Notify Chicago alerts to inform subscribers of closures and updates.

Public transportation is strongly encouraged Due to street closures, multiple CTA bus routes will be rerouted intermittently during the weekend. For CTA service, reroutes and fares, visit www.transitchicago.com, or call 836-7000 or 1-888-YOUR-CTA.

Spectators and participants are encouraged to remain vigilant and be safe as they enjoy the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Remember to report suspicious activity or packages – “If you see something, say something. ”

# # #

People with disabilities or seniors can sign up for the Voluntary Emergency Assistance Registry at OEMC’s website at www.cityofchicago.org/oemc