Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026 – Guaranteed Entry with Marathon Tours & Travel
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the world’s most iconic races and part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or running your first marathon, this event offers an unforgettable experience through the vibrant streets of Chicago.
As an official tour operator, we guarantee your race entry—no lottery, no stress—on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our 4-Night Package Includes:
– Deluxe accommodation in the heart of Chicago, within the course limits
– Optional extra nights for extended stays
– Exclusive activities:
– Welcome reception
– Escorted race number pick-up
– Warm-up runs
– Pre-race dinner
– Post-race celebrations
– On-site support from the Marathon Tours & Travel team to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience
Earn your Abbott World Marathon Majors star and make your Chicago Marathon dream a reality with our expertly curated packages.
Note: Race entry cannot be sold to full-time residents of the USA. If you reside in North America, please contact our USA office.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an AbbottWMM World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Please note the sale of race entry only is not permitted. Packages can be sold with or without race entry. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Meals Included
Pre-race pasta dinner included
Guide
Welcome meet and greet included
Transfers
Our team will be on hand to direct you to the race start
Trip Extension
Trip extension available upon request
Accommodation
Excellent 4* hotel close to the marathon start/finish
Entry
Guaranteed Bank Of America Chicago Marathon Entry Included
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration get together included
Excursions
Expo and orientation run with sightseeing
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Thursday 8th October
Arrive in Chicago and transfer on your own to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Chicago
Friday 9th October
Today you will have the chance to meet your Marathon Tours & Travel at the hotel welcome desk. The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place will be open today. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your hosts and running peers at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown. For the rest of the evening, you are free to enjoy this beautiful city.
Saturday 10th October
We start the day with an optional shakeout run along the Riverwalk to loosen your legs. We will also offer an escorted trip to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place if you have not already been. Our pre-race pasta dinner will conveniently be at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown. (dinner included)
AM – Why not join the Architecture Boat Tour (optional extra) for a unique Chicago experience.
Sunday 11th October
Race Day!
Your Marathon Tours & Travel team will be in the lobby of the hotel offering escorted walks to the start area in Grant Park. Following the race, you will make your way back to your hotel for some well-deserved rest before we gather for a celebratory toast at The Renaissance Chicago Downtown! The evening is free to experience one of the many fine restaurants in the city.
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Packages & Rates
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Guaranteed Bank of America Chicago Marathon Entry Packages
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. You can buy the entry from Marathon Tours & Travel if you also buy the accommodation package from us.
*Note: we are unable to sell race entries to residents of the United States* US residents, who are members of our Seven Continents Club® can book directly with our US office.
Chicago Marathon Tour | Four-Night Package: October 8 – 12, 2026
Features:- Four nights hotel accommodation at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown
- All hotel taxes
- Guaranteed Entry to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Runners Only)
- Welcome Reception on Friday evening
- Shake-out run on Saturday morning
- Escorted trip to the Expo on Saturday morning
- Pre-race dinner on Saturday evening
- Escorted walk to the start area (less than one mile from the hotel!)
- Post-race celebration on Sunday evening
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff at the hotel
Please Note:
- Entry only is not allowed.
- There is a limit of two (2) guaranteed race entries per room.
- Room types available are Double Rooms (one bed/ two persons), Twin Rooms (two beds/two persons) or Single (one bed/one person).
- Triple and Quad and Children rates available upon request.
- Additional nights based on request and availability.
- Marathon Tours & Travel’s policy is that anyone staying in our room block must be part of our package. If you plan to bring a spouse or guest, they must purchase our package. For example, if there are two of you, the rate would be the double occupancy rate (per person). If you purchase a single occupancy rate package, then only you are allowed in your room. To attend any of our activities, you must be part of our package.
Not Included:
- Meals unless noted above
- Gratuities and tips unless noted above
- Travel Insurance
- Transportation to/from Chicago
All prices are in AUD
4-Night 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon PackageRUNNER
NON-RUNNER
2 People in Room (1 Bed)
$3,630
$2,620
2 People in Room (2 Beds)
$3,630
$2,620
1 Person in Room (1 Bed)
$5,335
Extra Nights Cost per personDouble/Twin - Two People in Room
$356 per person
Single - 1 Person in Room
$712 per person
Architecture Boat Tour (optional extra) - Saturday 10th October, 10am scheduled departureArchitecture Boat Tour $122
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Hotels
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Renaissance Chicago Downtown
This hotel is ideally situated in the Chicago Loop and within walking distance of the Chicago Marathon start and finish. From the moment you step into the hotel’s modern lobby, you have everything you need for a first-class stay in the Theatre District. Delight in contemporary hotel rooms near the Riverwalk, each offers a host of fantastic amenities. Many accommodations also boast panoramic views of the downtown Chicago skyline. Take a refreshing swim in the hotel’s heated indoor pool or unwind with a cocktail and creative American cuisine at Raised bar, offering a sensational rooftop setting and a unique, modern ambiance. Style and substance blend seamlessly at Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.
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Event Information
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Race Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Race Time: The first wave begins at 7:30 AM.
Minimum Pace/Cut-Off Time Policy: The event has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. The official end vehicle will start following the last starter and maintain a 15-minute per mile pace along the race course. Chicago Marathon Website
Course: Flat and fast, the start and finish is in Grant Park. The looped-course through the city offers numerous opportunities for spectators to catch the action.
Temperature: The Windy City can be just that or it could be a chamber of commerce perfect day. Expect anything and everything from temperatures in the low 40’s Fahrenheit at the start to upper 70s at the finish. The average high and low is 64 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit in October.
Number Pickup: Each runner is responsible for picking up their own race bib and packet at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place (2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago) from Thursday, October 9 through Saturday, October 11. Find details here.
Difficulty: Easy. This is a flat and fast course.
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Registration & Booking
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How to Book
To make your booking, click on the red button at the top of the page, ensuring that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party plus all the required extras. When you book, we will require a deposit to confirm your place.
Please note:
Runners from all nationalities may purchase race entry in addition to the accommodation package except residents of USA.
If you reside in Australia please contact our Australian office.
If you reside in North America please contact our USA office.
Payments
When you confirm your booking, we will take a deposit payment. Subsequent payments are taken automatically. The cost of the event entry is non-refundable.
Travel Advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for USA’s current entry restrictions and requirements. Advice for the UK is available here – USA Travel Advice
Insurance
We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover, including cover for existing medical conditions and any activities you plan to do.
Guaranteed Race Entry
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2023. You can buy the entry at an additional cost if you also buy the accommodation package with us. Please note we cannot sell race entry without accommodation package and we cannot sell to residents of USA.
Race & Safety Rules
All race rules and safety rules need to be followed.
Minimum Age for Event Participation
The minimum age to participate in the marathon is 16 years. If aged 16 or 17 years parental consent is required.
Official Time Limit
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a time limit of 6 hours 30 minutes
Starting Pens and Bib Numbers
Although we are licensed to sell official entries for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2023, we have no influence over the allocation of starting times and bib numbers.
Closer to the event we will send you a link which will allow you to complete the registration process for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2023. Once you have finalised the registration process, the race organisers will allocate you a starting time and bib based on the information provided.
Abbott Chicago 5K – Book with chicago5K.com
The Abbott Chicago 5K takes place on Saturday October 7 and 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 previews a section of the Chicago Marathon as it weaves past iconic downtown landmarks. The race kicks off in Grant Park and finishes on LaSalle St. near the Chicago Board of Trade. In recognition of each runner’s participation on race day, the event will make a two-dollar donation to the American Diabetes Association for every participant who crosses the finish line.
Whether you’re running the Chicago Marathon or looking to be part of the excitement of race weekend, we invite you to join us for the Abbott Chicago 5K. Don’t miss your opportunity to run through the streets of downtown Chicago and celebrate running in a world-class city, on Saturday, October 7.
To register for and learn more about the Abbott Chicago 5K visit chicago5K.com.
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Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group Qualifying Race
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This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2025 Age Group World Championship race (destination still to be announced). For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship click here.
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