Chicago Marathon 2014: Route, Course Map, Times, Event Details

Spanning 29 neighborhoods of the Windy City and traditionally featuring some of the world's best long-distance runners, the Chicago Marathon has become one of the most important races of its kind.

On Sunday, Oct. 12, the 37th running of the event will commence, and as usual, the flat and fast course has attracted some of the best male and female runners in the world.

Former Olympian Lisa Uhl will make her marathon debut in the event.

She's clearly not the only big name ready to run in Chicago. The favorite on the men's side looks to be Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele. He won in Paris earlier in the year and LetsRun.com calls him: "arguably the best ever on the track."

He will be pushed by Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge. Both men have a shot at breaking the course record set by Dennis Kimetto in last year's event.

Speaking of the 2013 race, Rita Jeptoo of Kenya—last year's women's champion—will always be a force. She offered a bit of advice for preparation for the event via the Chicago Marathon's Facebook page.

To catch the action, here's the necessary viewing information as well as bonus info, per LetsRun.com:

Start time: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET

TV: NBC5 Chicago.

Live Stream: NBC5 will also be streaming the race online here.

Prize money: $550,000 total

• First—$100,000
• Second—$50,000
• Third—$25,000
• Fourth—$15,000
• Fifth—$10,000
• Top American—$10,000 (down to $1,000 for fifth American)
• Time bonuses—$75,000 for a course record (down to $5,000 for sub-2:07); $2,500 for each American sub-2:18

The Course

With so many talented runners present, there's a good chance extraordinary times could be posted. That always depends on the track, and as mentioned, the Chicago course is one that is considered fast. Because there's not a ton of fluctuation in the elevation of the flat, paved course, runners are able to settle into a pace that creates fast times.

Per FindMyMarathon.com, the elevation stays between 580 and 599 feet. That should be very comfortable for the likes of Bekele and Kipchoge. You can view an overhead map of the course here.

The Weather

The temperature should be conducive to solid performances from the runners. Per Weather.com, the high is 61 degrees, but with the race beginning early in the morning, the runners are more likely to feel the low of 47 degrees for most of the race.

There is a 20 percent chance of rain, but let's hope things stay dry so we can enjoy what is shaping up to be an excellent day to run.