Transit passes may also be a wise investment. You can purchase a 3-day pass from the vending machine

My son and I are arriving in Chicago next October 10, at 10AM. We didn't know anything about the marathon before buying air tickets and booking the hotel . Unforturnately, we can't change the arrival day as we are flying from Brazil using Continental mileage program.
Will we be able to take a taxi from O'Hare airport and get to Homewood Suites discount travel books Hotel on Grand Av.? Is there any other way to get to the hotel, like bus or train? This our first time in Chicago, we'll be spending 9 days there. Do you think it would be better to stay in a hotel far from where the marathon course is?
Traffic is absolutely crazy during the race and many roads are blocked off. Even if you are very tired and have a lot of luggage, I'd still suggest taking the el since you are arriving during the actual race.
Definitely stay at your hotel. There is a lot of traffic during and just after the race...everyone is clearing out of the city and going out to eat, etc. But then it's ok by the afternoon. Many people get out of the city after that. I wouldn't sacrifice staying in the city. Plus the marathon atmosphere is so much fun. It might be exciting for you to be a part of it in some way.
Transit passes may also be a wise investment. You can purchase a 3-day pass from the vending machine at the O'Hare rail station for $14. It allows unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. At the currency exchange on the concourse level of the O'Hare Hilton, you can also purchase a 7-day pass for $23. A single fare on a train or bus is $2.25. The trip will take about 1-hour. A cab from ORD would be around $45, so the train is much less expensive.
For transit info, maps and a trip planner, check www.transitchicago.com . For other activities while you're here, check www.explorechicago.org or www.choosechicago.com . For info on restaurants, concerts and other events, www.chicagoreader.com or www.metromix.com .