NBCUniversal Will Air 48th Chicago Marathon
The local networks will provide eight hours of live race coverage on October 11, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Running
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NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago will broadcast eight consecutive hours of live coverage for the 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2026. The production marks the 19th consecutive year the network has covered the 26.2-mile course.
Why it matters
Extensive broadcast operations ensure the citywide event reaches a massive audience, providing visibility for both the athletes and the city of Chicago on race day.
The production will utilize more than 35 ground and drone cameras alongside six dedicated motocams to cover the 26.2-mile course. This broadcast effort involves over 180 employees in total.
The players
NBCUniversal Local Chicago
This media group operates local television stations including WMAQ and WSNS.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
This annual athletic event covers a 26.2-mile course through the city of Chicago.
The details
Coverage begins at 7 a.m. CT on NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago, with additional distribution available through Peacock. The initiative serves as a major logistical operation for the local station group.
Timeline
Oct. 11, 2026: NBC 5 airs a pre-race special at 6:30 a.m. CT.
Oct. 11, 2026: Eight hours of live marathon coverage begins at 7 a.m. CT.
Season Trajectory
This broadcast effort continues a long-term media partnership that has become a staple of the Chicago athletic calendar. It reaffirms the marathon's status as a premier regional event with significant local institutional backing.
Viewers can tune into NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago at 7 a.m. CT to follow the race progress across the full 26.2-mile distance. The integration of Peacock as a streaming option provides additional accessibility for those tracking the event live.
The takeaway
The marathon requires massive broadcast coordination to capture the scale of the race through Chicago streets. Residents can expect significant live television and streaming availability throughout the morning hours.
What happens next
The 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled for October 11, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local events, visit our Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewscastStudio.
Live Poll
Do you plan to watch the Chicago Marathon live on television this year?
