The best places to find where to watch Chicago Marathon coverage in 2026 are NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and their official streaming platforms. The 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with live television coverage scheduled from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Central Time and extended online streaming through 3 p.m. CT. Viewers can follow the race in English or Spanish, watch elite runners compete, and keep watching as participants approach the finish line.
NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago are providing extensive coverage across television, websites, mobile apps, and connected-TV platforms. The official Chicago Marathon website also lists broadcast and streaming information for race day. These options give viewers several ways to follow the 26.2-mile event, whether they are watching from home, checking the race on a phone, or following a friend or family member.
Where to Watch the Chicago Marathon Live in 2026
The 2026 broadcast schedule offers several viewing options. The best choice depends on whether you prefer traditional television, online streaming, Spanish-language coverage, or a dedicated finish-line camera.
| Viewing option | Coverage details |
|---|---|
| NBC 5 Chicago | Live English-language television coverage |
| Telemundo Chicago | Live Spanish-language television coverage |
| TeleXitos | Additional Spanish-language television coverage |
| NBCChicago.com | Live race streaming and extended finish-line coverage |
| TelemundoChicago.com | Spanish-language live streaming |
| NBC Chicago mobile app | Online race coverage |
| Telemundo Chicago app | Spanish-language streaming |
| NBC Chicago YouTube channel | An additional place to find race coverage |
| NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel | Live local programming and marathon-related coverage |
The official event spectator information lists NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos among the live television options. It also identifies the stations’ websites, mobile apps, and connected-TV channels as streaming options.
For viewers in the Chicago television market, traditional television is a straightforward choice. Those who prefer watching on a computer, tablet, or smartphone can use the official streaming platforms instead.
What Time Does Chicago Marathon Coverage Start?
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11. Viewers should distinguish between the opening of broadcast programming and the start of the race itself.
NBC 5 Chicago’s race-day coverage begins with a special marathon program at 6:30 a.m. CT. Extensive live race coverage starts at 7 a.m. CT, according to the station’s published viewing information.
Here is the key schedule for viewers:
- 6:30 a.m. CT: Special Chicago Marathon programming begins on NBC 5 Chicago’s coverage.
- 7 a.m. CT: Extensive live race coverage begins.
- 7–11 a.m. CT: Scheduled live television broadcast window.
- 7 a.m.–3 p.m. CT: Extended streaming window listed by the event organizers.
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m. CT: Dedicated finish-line camera coverage is scheduled on NBCChicago.com and the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel.
These times are in Central Time, which is the local time zone for Chicago. Viewers in other parts of the United States should adjust their schedules accordingly.
The extended stream is especially useful for families and friends whose runners may finish after the main television broadcast ends. Instead of relying exclusively on the morning broadcast, they can continue watching the finish-line camera through the afternoon.
How to Watch Chicago Marathon Online for Free
Online streaming is one of the most convenient ways to watch the marathon without a traditional cable or satellite television package. NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago provide live coverage through their websites and mobile apps.
To watch online, follow these steps:
- Open NBCChicago.com for English-language coverage or TelemundoChicago.com for Spanish-language coverage.
- Find the station’s Chicago Marathon live-stream player.
- Start watching during the published live coverage window.
- If you want to watch a specific participant finish, return to the extended finish-line stream between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. CT.
NBC Chicago also offers marathon coverage through its YouTube channel and NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel. The streaming channel is available on several connected-TV platforms, including Peacock, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Local Now, Pluto TV, Google TV, TCL, Xfinity, and Freevee, as listed in the station’s race-day coverage information.
Availability may vary by platform, location, or service. If a stream does not appear on your preferred device, try the station’s official website or mobile app.
Viewers should also distinguish between free access to a local station’s streaming coverage and a paid subscription service. Do not assume that every platform requires payment or that every streaming service carries the same feed. Check the specific platform before race time.
Can You Watch the Chicago Marathon on Peacock?
Yes. NBC Chicago’s local news streaming channel is available on Peacock, providing another way to access marathon-related coverage. NBC Sports has also listed the 2026 Chicago Marathon among its live viewing offerings through NBC Sports NOW and the NBC Chicago channel on Peacock.
The exact feed and availability can depend on the platform and the coverage window. For the most direct local broadcast information, viewers should check NBCChicago.com and the official Chicago Marathon spectator page.
Peacock may be convenient for viewers who prefer streaming through a television app rather than opening a website. However, viewers should verify their access and the availability of the relevant channel before the race begins.
For anyone looking specifically for the extended finish-line camera, the clearest published option is NBCChicago.com and the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel during the scheduled 11 a.m.–3 p.m. CT window.
How to Watch the Chicago Marathon in Spanish
Spanish-speaking viewers can follow the 2026 Chicago Marathon through Telemundo Chicago. The station offers Spanish-language television coverage and streaming through its website and mobile app.
TeleXitos is another listed television option for race-day coverage. These options are particularly helpful for viewers who want Spanish-language commentary rather than English-language broadcasts.
To access the Spanish-language stream, visit TelemundoChicago.com or open the Telemundo Chicago app. Check the live player for the current broadcast and confirm that the race feed is available in your location.
The official marathon schedule lists the live television window as 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT, with online streaming scheduled through 3 p.m. CT. The extended viewing period provides more opportunities to follow runners who take longer to complete the course.
Where to Watch the Chicago Marathon Finish-Line Camera
The finish-line camera is one of the most useful options for spectators who want to see a particular runner complete the race.
NBC Chicago plans to provide dedicated finish-line coverage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT on October 11. The stream is available through NBCChicago.com and the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel.
This coverage serves a different purpose from the main race broadcast. The primary telecast follows the race as it unfolds, including elite competition and action from various points along the course. The dedicated finish-line camera focuses on participants reaching the finish.
Here is how to use it:
- Open NBCChicago.com on a computer or mobile device.
- Find the 2026 Chicago Marathon live coverage page.
- Select the finish-line camera when it becomes available.
- Watch during the scheduled 11 a.m.–3 p.m. CT window.
Friends and relatives can use this stream to follow the final moments of a participant’s marathon. However, the camera does not guarantee that every runner will receive an individual close-up.
If you are following a particular participant, combine the video feed with the official race-tracking app. This makes it easier to estimate when the runner may approach the finish.
How to Watch the Chicago Marathon on YouTube
NBC Chicago’s YouTube channel is another place to look for live race coverage. The station has published a dedicated 2026 Chicago Marathon livestream, giving viewers an additional way to access the event.
To find the stream, search YouTube for the official NBC Chicago or Chicago Marathon 2026 livestream. Check the channel name and the live-stream status before selecting a video.
Official livestreams are preferable to unofficial uploads because they provide a clearer indication that the broadcast is associated with the event or its media partner. Some search results may contain older marathon footage, highlights, commentary, or unrelated videos.
If the live feed does not appear immediately, return to NBC Chicago’s official marathon coverage page. It provides another route to the live video and details about the available streaming platforms.
Can You Listen to the Chicago Marathon Live?
Yes. Viewers who cannot watch video can follow the race through radio coverage.
The official Chicago Marathon spectator information lists 670 The Score as the race-day radio broadcaster. Live coverage is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. CT, with play-by-play commentary and analysis.
Listeners can access the station through the Audacy app. This option is useful for people who want to follow the race while traveling, working, or completing other activities.
Radio coverage differs from television because listeners cannot see the runners or watch the finish-line camera. However, commentary provides another way to follow the competition and understand what is happening during the race.
For the best experience, choose the format that suits your plans. Television and online video provide visual coverage, while radio offers an audio-only alternative.
How to Follow a Specific Runner During the Chicago Marathon
Watching the general broadcast may not be enough if your main goal is to see a friend or family member finish. The official Bank of America Chicago Marathon app, powered by Tata Consultancy Services, offers participant tracking and other spectator tools.
The 2026 app includes unlimited live race-day runner tracking, professional athlete profiles, live broadcast streaming, an interactive course map, and participant bib-sharing features.
You can use the app to follow a participant’s progress and combine that information with the television or online stream.
For example, if your runner is approaching the final miles, the tracking information can help you decide when to switch to the finish-line camera. It can also help you follow the broader race without relying on video coverage alone.
Keep these points in mind:
- Search for the participant using the available tracking features.
- Confirm that you have selected the correct runner.
- Check progress throughout the race rather than relying on a single estimated finish time.
- Open the live video feed separately if you want to watch the race.
- Remember that tracking estimates can change as the runner progresses.
The official event website also provides access to race results as they are entered. Tracking, video, and results serve different purposes, so using them together offers a more complete viewing experience.
Is the Chicago Marathon Broadcast Available Outside Chicago?
The official race-day viewing information emphasizes coverage through NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, TeleXitos, and their digital platforms. Availability may differ for viewers outside the Chicago television market.
People watching from elsewhere in the United States should first check the official NBC Chicago streaming page and the Chicago Marathon spectator information. These sources identify the event’s listed broadcast options and scheduled viewing windows.
A connected-TV app may provide access to the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel, but the availability of individual programming can vary. Likewise, access to a local station’s stream does not necessarily mean that every national sports channel will carry the same feed.
NBC Sports has also published a 2026 viewing guide identifying NBC Sports NOW and the NBC Chicago channel on Peacock among its streaming options. Viewers should check the current platform listing for the specific race coverage they want.
For those traveling or watching from another time zone, remember that the published schedule uses Central Time. The main live television coverage starts at 8 a.m. Eastern Time, or 5 a.m. Pacific Time.
What to Know Before Watching the 2026 Chicago Marathon
A few simple preparations can make race-day viewing easier.
First, open your preferred streaming service before the broadcast starts. This gives you time to locate the correct channel or livestream instead of searching when the runners are already on the course.
Second, decide whether you want the main broadcast or the extended finish-line camera. The main television window runs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT, while the official streaming schedule continues through 3 p.m. CT.
Third, prepare the official tracking app if you are following an individual runner. Having the app ready can save time when you want to check a participant’s progress.
Finally, use official event and broadcaster pages to verify any last-minute changes. Streaming availability, broadcast listings, and race-day schedules can change, so the latest published information is more useful than an older viewing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I watch the Chicago Marathon live in 2026?
You can watch on NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos. Online options include NBCChicago.com, TelemundoChicago.com, station apps, and listed connected-TV channels.
2. What time does the Chicago Marathon broadcast start?
The main live race coverage begins at 7 a.m. Central Time on Sunday, October 11, 2026. NBC 5 Chicago’s special marathon programming begins at 6:30 a.m. CT.
3. Can I watch the Chicago Marathon online for free?
NBC Chicago offers free streaming of its local news channel, and its marathon coverage page provides a direct viewing option. Access and availability may vary by platform.
4. Can I watch the Chicago Marathon on Peacock?
NBC 5 Chicago News is available through Peacock, and NBC Sports lists the NBC Chicago channel on Peacock among its 2026 viewing options. Check the platform for the relevant live feed.
5. Where can I watch the Chicago Marathon finish line?
The dedicated finish-line camera is scheduled to stream on NBCChicago.com and the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT.
6. Is Spanish-language Chicago Marathon coverage available?
Yes. Telemundo Chicago provides Spanish-language coverage through its television broadcast, website, and mobile app. TeleXitos is also listed among the event’s television options.
7. Can I track a runner while watching the marathon?
Yes. The official Bank of America Chicago Marathon app offers live race-day participant tracking, an interactive course map, and live broadcast streaming.
8. What day is the 2026 Chicago Marathon?
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11, starting and finishing in Chicago’s Grant Park area.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Chicago Marathon offers several ways to follow the race, from live television on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago to online streaming, radio commentary, and dedicated finish-line coverage. For viewers following a particular participant, combining the official tracking app with the live video stream is a practical way to stay connected throughout race day.
Which platform will you use to watch the Chicago Marathon this year? Share your preferred viewing option in the comments and check back for the latest confirmed coverage updates.