 The marathon course is a loop course , starting and ending at Grant Park . From here , the current course winds through 29 of the city 's neighborhoods . The course loop can be generally divided into three sections : North , West , and South . Near each of these directions , three of the city 's main stadiums are nearby at their turning points . Wrigley Field is near the north . The United Center is to the west . US Cellular Field is to the south . On the other hand , Soldier Field is located near the start / finish area . 
