Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2025
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known worldwide as a thrilling world-class race. One of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, it’s a great choice if you want to chase after a personal record or simply finish your first marathon. Demand for places is high but as official tour operator for this event you do not need to worry about the lottery process, as we can guarantee your place on a first-come, first-served basis.
Marathon Tours & Travel are offering a 3-night package staying at 4* accommodation, located within the course limits and at the heart of the city centre. As part of our expertly-created packages, we include invitations for you to take part in activities such as a welcome reception, escorted race number pick-up, warm-up runs, pre-race dinner, post-race celebrations and throughout the Marathon Tours & Travel team will be on hand for guidance and support to help make your trip a fun, enjoyable and successful time.
You too can experience how it feels to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and earn a star of the Abbott World Marathon Majors with Marathon Tours & Travel’s help!
Unfortunately, we cannot sell race entry to full time residents of USA. If you reside in North America please contact our USA office
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
2025 Packages On Sale Now!
Meals Included
Pre-race dinner included
Trip Extension
Extra nights available upon request
Accommodation
Excellent hotels within easy walking distance of the marathon start/finish
Entry
Guaranteed Chicago Marathon entry available
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration included
Excursions
Shake-out run and welcome reception
A Helping Hand
Escorted trip to race registration and race start
Worldwide Events
Abbott World Marathon Major
Coopah
2 week free trial for Coopah training plans
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Friday 10 October 2025
Depending on the length of stay you have booked with us you might arrive before or depart on different days to the following itinerary. The itinerary below reflects the 3 nights package. Adding extra nights is recommended, allowing you the time to enjoy the city.
Welcome to Chicago! Welcome Reception
Make your own arrangements to arrive at your hotel in Chicago today. You will be greeted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff at the hotel. Hotel rooms are usually ready after 4pm; if you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage with the hotel concierge and explore the city and surrounds.
Today you can visit the Marathon Expo and collect your race pack, if you wish. The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is held at McCormick Place Convention Centre. Entry is free and open to the public. There is plenty to see and do so we suggest you allow time to collect your race documents, shop from the many exhibitors, listen to the experts and enjoy the pre-race vibe. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet with your Marathon Tours & Travel team at the hotel to travel together to the Marathon Expo tomorrow morning. For those who prefer to visit the expo independently, detailed directions will be provided in your final itinerary.
This evening enjoy a Welcome Reception at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown with your hosts and running peers. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy this beautiful city.
Saturday 11 October 2025
Shake-out Run, Marathon Expo & Dinner
We start the day with an optional shakeout run along the river to loosen your legs.
For those who prefer, there is an organised race (at an extra cost) that takes place which you can choose to take part in. To register for and learn more about the Abbott Chicago 5K visit chicago5K.com.
We will also offer an escorted trip to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place this morning, if you have not already been. There is no possibility of bib collection on race day.
Our pre-race pasta dinner will conveniently be at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown.
(Dinner included)
Sunday 12 October 2025
Chicago Marathon & Celebrations
This is the day you have trained so hard for! The race start area is an easy walk, less than 1 mile from our hotel. Your Marathon Tours & Travel team will be in the lobby of the hotel offering escorted walks to the start area in Grant Park.
Family and friends can travel by public transport or on foot to support and spectate along the race route. The Marathon Tours & Travel team will be happy to advise.
After the race make your way back to the hotel, freshen up, relax and gaze at your lovely new shiny medal; you worked hard for it!
This evening meet your Marathon Tours & Travel team, fellow runners and supporters for a celebratory toast! After which 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 2025 Entry
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 Marathon Tours & Travel Chicago Marathon package. There is a limit of two guaranteed race entries per room.
*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.Marathon Tours & Travel Chicago Marathon 2025 Package includes:
- Accommodation at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown for 3 nights
- Hotel taxes & complimentary Wi-Fi
- Welcome reception on Friday evening
- Shake-out run on Saturday morning
- Escorted trip to the Marathon Expo on Saturday morning
- Pre-race dinner on Saturday evening
- Escorted walk to the race start area
- Post-race celebration on Sunday evening
- Guidance and support from Marathon Tours & Travel team in Chicago
- 2-week free trial of Coopah bespoke training plans. Details on how to claim will be sent in your booking confirmation email
Not included:
- Guaranteed Chicago Marathon Entry (Available at an additional cost)
- Daily Breakfasts
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions above
A longer stay?
Contact us for a quote or use our easy booking tool to cost and book.
Travelling with children?
Contact us for a quote.
Room Policy
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.
Rates 2025
All prices are per person in UK pounds sterling 3 nights from Friday 10 October 2025 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Triple Occupancy Quad Occupancy Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel £ 935 £ 1,510 £ 739 £ 645 Extra night at Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel £ 160 £ 319 £ 106 £ 80 Optional ExtrasAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling Guaranteed Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2025 Entry £ 455 (Maximum of two race entries per room)
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Hotels
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1 West Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60601
Renaissance Chicago is a stunning 4* hotel located just 15/20 minutes walk from the marathon start/finish area in Grant Park. It is the perfect fit for those looking for a comfortable and worry-free trip.
Located steps from the Theatre District, the award-winning hotel will enthral you from the moment you arrive until the day you say your goodbyes, with thoughtful amenities and world-class service. From the rooftop bar or 2nd floor lounge you can relax and take in the breathtaking views of the Chicago River and skyline.
With the following dining options, you’ll never have to leave:
VIP R Lounge
Artist Studio
Coffee Bar and LibraryAll guest rooms boast private bathroom and contemporary amenities, including flat-screen TV, spacious work desks and luxurious beds.
COMPLIMENTARY WiFi is available for Marathon Tours & Travel guests (normally $14.95 per day).
Room Types
Twin rooms feature 2 comfortable queen size beds
Double rooms feature 1 king size bed
Triple rooms feature 2 queen size beds
Quad rooms feature 2 queen size beds
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Event Information
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Enter the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2025 with Marathon Tours & Travel
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known worldwide as a thrilling world-class race. One of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a great choice if you want to chase after a personal record or simply finish your first marathon. Enthusiastic supporters calling your name will bring you home for the 6 hours 30 minutes cut off. Chicago is known as the windy city but on race day expect anything; it could be windy or no wind at all.
The Course
Flat and fast, the start and finish is in Grant Park, downtown Chicago. It’s an early start in waves from 07:30am. The scenic, looped course will take you past many historic landmarks and through numerous diverse neighbourhoods including the colourful Old Town, Little Italy and Chinatown. You too can experience how it feels to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and earn a star with the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Race Date: 12 October 2025
Race Time: The first wave begins at 07:30am
Minimum Age for Event Participation: The minimum age to participate in the marathon is 16 years. If aged 16 or 17 years old, parental consent is required.
Official Time Limit: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a time limit of 6 hours 30 minutes.
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.
Abbott Chicago 5K – Book with chicago5K.com: The Abbott Chicago 5K takes place one day before the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 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 each participant who crosses the finish line. To register for and learn more about the Abbott Chicago 5K visit chicago5K.com.
Weather: The Windy City can be just that or it could be a 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.
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Registration & Booking
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Conditions of Sale
Please note we cannot sell race entry without accommodation package. Race entry is not refundable.
If you wish to make any changes to your reservations, administration and/or service fees might apply. For our general T&C’s please see here.
How to Book
To make your booking, click on the book now button, 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 read all the important information. If you have any questions please contact us.
Payments
When you confirm your booking, we will take a deposit payment. Subsequent payments are taken automatically.
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.
Travel 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.
If you are unsure where to start, we’ve teamed up with Bikmo. Bikmo offer tailored insurance packages that cater for both competitive and non-competitive trips, covering you for many of our running events. If you wish to book insurance through Bikmo, you can benefit from an exclusive 5% discount*, simply use the code DESTINATIONSPORT5 at their checkout. More information can be found here.
*7 days European travel cover from £16.85. Bikmo non-competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 300317 Bikmo competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered directly by Jackson Lee Underwriting (JLU). This promotion is provided by Bikmo Ltd Glendale House Sandycroft Industrial Estate Flintshire CH5 2QP
Guaranteed Race Entry
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. You can buy the entry at an additional cost if you also buy the accommodation package with us. There is a limit of two guaranteed race entries per room. We are unable to sell race entries to residents of the United States* – US residents can book directly with our US office.
Race & Safety Rules
All race rules and safety rules need to be followed.
Starting Pens and Bib Numbers
Although we are licensed to sell official entries for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, 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. Once you have finalised the registration process, the race organisers will allocate you a starting time and bib based on the information provided.
Credit card
It is standard for hotels in USA to need a credit card imprint upon check-in, where a value is held and released when you check out. Any incidentals such as room service or chargeable extras to the room would be deducted.
Security Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and/or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
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Chicago Destination Guide
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Chicago is one of the United States’ most impressive and beautiful cities, offering a large amount of culture, cuisine and memories to authenticate your time in the Windy City. Read our Chicago destination guide.
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Seven Continents Club ®
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The Seven Continents Club (SCC) offers a unique opportunity for runners to run on all seven continents of the globe, as well as providing numerous benefits to its members. The club operates as a global frequent traveller club for runners, offering waitlist priority for high-demand events, early pre-registration periods for a number of races in popular destinations and tour package vouchers for money off international tour packages. What’s more, Seven Continents Club rewards all its members for the extraordinary achievement of running marathons on each continent with their own special finishers medal and certificate of completion. Join the SCC today!
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Abbott World Marathon Major 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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