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Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.Visit Abbott Health & Fitness Expo page for more information.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.Visit Abbott Health & Fitness Expo page for more information.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
Abbott Chicago 5K
Start line: Ida B. Wells Drive (between Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue)
Finish line: Wacker Drive and Adams Street
Race start: 7:30 a.m.Visit chicago5k.com for more information.
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.Visit Abbott Health & Fitness Expo page for more information.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Grant Park
Grant Park opens to runners: 5:30 a.m.
Gear check opens: 5:30 a.m.
Start corrals open: 5:30 a.m.
Wave 1 start corrals close: 7:20 a.m.
Men’s Professional Wheelchair Start: 7:20 a.m.
Women’s Professional Wheelchair Start: 7:21 a.m.
Handcycle Start: 7:23 a.m.
Men’s and Women’s Professional Start: 7:30 a.m.
High Performance Program Start: 7:32: a.m.
Wave 1 Start: 7:35 a.m.
Wave 2 start corrals close: 7:45 a.m.
Wave 2 Start: 8:00 a.m.
Wave 3 start corrals close: 8:10 a.m.
Wave 3 Start: 8:35 a.m.
Grant Park opens to spectators: 9:30 a.m.
27th Mile Post-Race Party starts: 9:30 a.m.
Gear check closes: 4:00 p.m.
27th Mile Post-Race Party ends: 4:00 p.m.
participant guide
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon Participant Guide serves as a step-by-step manual to assist participants during race week, from the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo to race morning in Grant Park and during the race itself. Inside, you will find schedules, policies and detailed information on the weekend’s events.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON APP, POWERED BY TCS
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services is the perfect resource to prepare for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Whether you’re running or spectating, the free mobile app includes everything you’ll need to be prepared for a great race week experience.
The 2026 official race app will be available in advance of race day.
TRAINING PLAN
The official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Training Plan from Nike is designed to get the best version of you across the finish line. The 18-week plan will help you develop speed, endurance and strength to get you ready to tackle your first or fastest marathon.
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon training plan will be available in the spring of 2026.
HOTELS
Maritz is the official housing partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, offering access to exclusive room blocks at the city’s most desirable hotels. The housing site for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is now open. Room availability changes frequently, and we encourage you to check back later if you are not able to find reservations that match your travel plans. If you have questions in regard to reservations booked through Maritz, please email chi@maritz.com or call 864.208.2935.
When making travel arrangements, please note that you must pick up your own participant packet (which includes your event-issued bib number and timing device) at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during regularly scheduled hours.
HOUSING SITE
The Hilton Chicago is the official headquarters hotel of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Chicago boasts 1,544 deluxe guest rooms. Ideally located on famed Michigan Avenue, and near the start and finish of the race, the Hilton Chicago is also within walking distance of Millennium Park, museums, shopping and the Loop Business District.
HILTON CHICAGO SITEPARTICIPANT PACKET PICK-UP
Packet Pick-up is located at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, McCormick Place. Participants must present their Packet Pick-up email along with a photo ID to receive their participant packet and participant bag.
You must pick up your participant packet and participant bag in person at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during regularly scheduled hours. These items (participant packets, bags and running shirts) will not be available for pickup on race day, and will not be mailed. Individuals will not be allowed to pick up these items on behalf of others.
Participant packet items include:
- Bib number* and safety pins
- MYLAPS ThinTag timing device
- Gear check tag
- Nike participant running shirt
- Participant bag
*Registered participants age 21 and over will receive a tag on their bib number redeemable for one beer following the race.
START CORRALS
To facilitate a more efficient and convenient race start for all participants, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon uses a start corral system to organize runners based on anticipated finish time.
PACE TEAM
Need some extra support in your goal to finish the Bank of America Chicago Marathon? The Pace Team is comprised of marathon veterans who help others achieve their performance goals.
COURSE
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon course takes participants on a tour through 29 neighborhoods with the support of 10,000 volunteers and 1.7 million spectators. Click below to view the course map, review aid station amenities and medical support offerings, learn about street closures and more.
RACE WEEKEND SERVICES
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LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found items will be collected throughout race weekend at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo and in Grant Park on race day. If you are looking for an item that was lost, please view the lost and found platform below to confirm if your item was turned into the event lost and found. Following the event, items can be reclaimed at the Hilton Chicago Grand Tradition Room (enter through the main entrance) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 11 and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, October 12. Any items unclaimed by Friday, December 4 will no longer be available.
VIEW LOST AND FOUND ITEMS -
LACTATION SPACES
Private and semi-private lactation spaces are available to participants on race day. Participants interested in using the spaces will have access to a private or semi-private seating area (chair and table), a water source or a portable hand-washing station and a power source. Spaces will be available in the following locations:
- Pre-race: Private and semi-private space at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Avenue)
- On-course: Private and semi-private tented facility on Laflin Street between Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard at Miles 15 and 16
- Post-race: Private and semi-private tented facilities, with access to power and a sink, are provided at the 27th Mike Post-Race Party. Visit the information tent to request access.
Participants interested in using the pre-race space at the Hilton Chicago are asked to email office@chicagomarathon.com for instructions on how to access the space.
Staff will be onsite at each location to assist those interested in using the space(s) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note, the event will not store or transport equipment on-course or at the Post-Race Party.
Additional questions about lactation spaces can be directed to office@chicagomarathon.com in advance of the event.
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American Sign Language services
American Sign Language services will be available race weekend to assist deaf and hard of hearing participants. Services will be available at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Friday, October 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Participant Services area of the Expo.
On race day, services will be at designated locations within Grant Park. Please email
office@chicagomarathon.com for more information.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO DISTANCE SERIES
The Bank of America Chicago Distance Series is made up of Chicago’s premier racing portfolio: the Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon. The three unique races span the outdoor running season and celebrate the vibrant and diverse nature of our local and global running communities.
Individuals who finish all 2026 events will receive a unique Bank of America Chicago Distance Series medal and a guaranteed entry into the 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
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