RACE WEEKEND EVENTS
INTRO COPY
ABBOTT HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo features exhibitors offering Bank of America Chicago Marathon merchandise and the latest in running footwear, apparel, nutrition and technology. Additionally, the Health & Fitness Expo is the home of the participant packet pick-up for all Marathon participants. Held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, the three-day Expo is free and open to the public.
We ask that all Abbott Health & Fitness Expo attendees refrain from bringing large bags and/or luggage to the Health & Fitness Expo. Please note that all attendees will be subject to a security screening upon entering the Health & Fitness Expo.
LOCATION & HOURS
McCormick Place
2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive*
Chicago, IL 60616
Thursday, October 8
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, October 9
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 10
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Times are subject to change.
*For driving and parking, use the above address for the best access to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. The publicly listed mailing address for McCormick Place is 2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
ABBOTT MAIN STAGE
Abbott Main Stage presentations at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will give you an opportunity to learn more about the course, receive last-minute tips and hear from industry experts and special guests. View the full schedule below.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
12:00 p.m. – Race Day Success
Tips and tricks to running a successful race on Sunday, October 12 with coach Chris Wehrman (12:00 p.m.), followed by insight from Pace Team leaders (12:20 p.m.) and a conversation with alumni runners (12:30 p.m.) From the first Chicago Marathon on September 25, 1977, to the upcoming 47th, three runners have been on every start line and every finish line. Randy Burt, 76, from Antioch, IL; Henry Kozlowski, 74, from Wilmette, IL; and George Mueller, 76, from Bloomingdale, IL are the three participants to have completed every Chicago Marathon. While they take it one year at a time, they are eyeing the 50th as their biggest milestone1:00 p.m. – Marathon Sports Nutrition: Science & Practice
During this talk, you will learn about the sports nutrition recommendations for endurance athletes, how to determine your sports nutrition needs and tips on executing your nutrition plan during training and racing.2:00 p.m. – Spilling the Tea with Conner Mantz
Come meet Olympic marathoner and Shokz athlete Conner Mantz for a meet and greet followed by a short interview with Laura Green, who will do her best to get Conner to spill all the inside info on how to run the Chicago course, ways to remain calm in the days leading up to the race and any tips on how to remain focused during the race.3:00 p.m. – Advocate
Join Advocate Health Care’s Sports Medicine Dr. Sarah Pierotti and a fellow in the Sports Medicine program as they talk about the ways to stay healthy before, during and after the marathon alongside what to do if you face an injury. They will be discussing the many facets of a marathon, including the mind and the body, as well as how Advocate Health Care can support you in your marathon journey.4:00 p.m. – Taking the Hard Road with Coach Bennett
Coach Bennett (Global Nike Running Head Coach) will meet with athletes for Q&A and last-minute advice heading into race weekend. -
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
12:00 p.m. – Race Day Success
Tips and tricks to running a successful race on Sunday, October 12 with coach Chris Wehrman (12:00 p.m.), followed by insight from Pace Team leaders (12:20 p.m.) and a conversation with Diane Nukuri (12:30 p.m.) Nukuri is a three-time Olympian who represented Burundi in the 5000 meters at the Sydney 2000 Games at age 15 and moved up to the marathon for the London 2012 Games. Originally from Kigozi, Burundi, Nukuri fled the country’s civil war at age 16, finding shelter with a relative in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. While she learned English and adapted to her new home, she was recruited to run for the University of Iowa. In her career as a Hawkeye, she earned three NCAA All-American honors. Diane started and finished her professional marathoning career on the streets of Chicago, running the race five times from 2010 to 2024.
1:00 p.m. – Team Abbott: The Power of Community
Running is an individual sport, but running with a team is empowering. Hear about the impact of community and Team Abbott on runners who have overcome health challenges, but refused to let those challenges define them. Register for Team Abbott at abbott.com/marathons.2:00 p.m. – Running Pain Relief
Corissa Keener and Albert So will discuss how Biofreeze can be utilized by runners to achieve targeted and effective pain relief throughout their running journey. They will discuss Biofreeze’s new products and share the various Biofreeze activations taking place over the marathon weekend, including the Pain Relief Zone on course and Recovery Zone at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party. Corissa Keener, Doctor of Physical Therapy, will talk through how Biofreeze helps along the training, race day & recovery process.3:00 p.m. – Stride and Stumbles: Navigating Injuries as You Prepare for this Marathon and the Next
Marissa Wright, PT DPT, CAFS, CMTPT, will be discussing common injuries and physical concerns that may arise as race day approaches or during the marathon itself. We’ll explore the underlying causes and typical presentations of these issues, helping runners understand which conditions may require rest versus those that can be safely managed. She’ll also cover recovery strategies, with special attention to those planning additional races, to ensure optimal performance without increasing the risk of further injury.4:00 p.m. – The Art of Fueling
You’re running Chicago. Think about that. Toeing the line at one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors — the greatest foot races on the planet. That takes guts — figuratively and literally. As official Hydrogel Fuel Partner to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Maurten Gel 100 will be available on course for all athletes. In a panel talk, Maurten will lay out the fundamentals of fueling for a marathon. Join the Maurten team and special guest for an in-depth look at fueling. -
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
12:00 p.m. – Race Day Success
Tips and tricks to running a successful race on Sunday, October 12 with coach Chris Wehrman (12:00 p.m.), followed by insight from Pace Team leaders (12:20 p.m.) and a conversation with Wesley Korir (12:30 p.m.) Wesley Korir is a Kenyan marathoner, as well as a politician who served as an elected member of Parliament. Korir participated in the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, finishing second with a personal best 2:06:15. He won the Boston Marathon the following year, running 2:12:40. He had previously won the Los Angeles Marathon in 2009 and 2010, the first back-to-back winner there in eight years. Wesley is in Chicago this weekend as both a race ambassador and spectator, cheering on his brother John who is looking to defend his 2024 title.1:00 p.m. – Team Abbott: The Power of Community
Running is an individual sport, but running with a team is empowering. Hear about the impact of community and Team Abbott on runners who have overcome health challenges, but refused to let those challenges define them. Register for Team Abbott at abbott.com/marathons.2:00 p.m. – A Conversation with Bank of America Chicago Distance Series Ambassadors
The third edition of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series culminates at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Local Distance Series participants and ambassadors Ariel Greenstein, Grezelro Gonzales, Henry D Norris and Nimbe Juarez will be celebrating the achievement on race day along with more than 4,000 runners.3:00 p.m. – Chris Koch
Chris Koch was born without arms and legs — and just completed his 20th marathon on a skateboard. From global race courses to keynote stages, his journey is changing the way we think about resilience, ability, and determination.Bio: https://www.ifican.ca/about
4:00 p.m. – Relay Podcast: What Makes the Marathon So Special
Join Lindsey Hein, Erika Kemp, Mike Ko and Tommie Runz of Relay, a running podcast dedicated to conversation, commentary and fun, in a discussion about the event.
ABBOTT CHICAGO 5K
The Abbott Chicago 5K is the perfect way for marathoners, fans of the sport and friends and family to experience Chicago and take part in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend. The 3.1-mile course weaves through the heart of downtown Chicago and runs past iconic downtown landmarks.
To learn more about the Abbott Chicago 5K visit chicago5K.com.
PRE-RACE PASTA DINNER
Millennium Hall is hosting a special pre-race Pasta Dinner in the heart of Millennium Park for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Designed with runners in mind, this multi-course dinner offers a hearty and delicious way to fuel up the night before the big race. Surrounded by the iconic skyline and energy of downtown Chicago, guests can enjoy a carb-loaded feast in a lively, welcoming setting just steps from the starting line. The dinner will take place October 10 through October 12. Learn more and view the menu.
27TH MILE POST-RACE PARTY
Celebrate your accomplishment at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Butler Field, near the start line at Columbus Drive and Jackson Drive. Participants aged 21 and over (photo ID required) can redeem the tear-off portion of their bib number for one beer.
The 27th Mile Post-Race Party is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beer tickets will be for sale from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be redeemed until 3:30 p.m.
GOOSE ISLAND BEER CO. POST-RACE CELEBRATIONS
After the 27th Mile Post-Race Party, continue the celebration at one of the five Goose Island Post-Race Participant Celebrations throughout the city. Be one of the first three hundred and twelve runners to arrive wearing a 2026 finisher medal, at any of the four locations, and the first 312 Urban Wheat Ale is on the house!
This year’s Goose Island post-race participant celebrations will take place at:
Lizzie McNeill’s
400 N. McClurg Ct.
Chicago, IL 60611
312.467.1992
Millennium Hall
11 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60602
Goose Island Taproom
1800 W Fulton St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Goose Island Salt Shed Pub
1221 W Blackhawk St.
Chicago, IL 60642
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