Bank of America Chicago Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Chicago Marathon Package please: CONTACT US or CALL 617-242-7845
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known worldwide for its fast, flat course and its thrilling world-class athlete competition. As an official tour operator, Marathon Tours & Travel can offer guaranteed race entry with our hotel package.
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. Packed with spectators, the scenic course will take you past many historic landmarks and through numerous diverse neighborhoods including colorful Old Town, Little Italy and Chinatown.
Come for the run but take advantage of all that Chicago has to offer. Many of the city’s attractions are conveniently located within walking distance of one another including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry located at Chicago’s lakefront Museum Campus. Visit Navy Pier, stroll (or run) along the pedestrian pathway that stretches for miles along Lake Michigan and shop the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue.
If you reside in UK/Europe please contact our UK office.
If you reside in Australia please contact our Australian office.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Meals Included
Welcome Reception and Pre-race dinner
Guide
Welcome meet and greet
Transfers
Our team will be on hand to direct you to the race start
Accommodation
Excellent 4* hotel options less than one mile from marathon start/finish
Entry
Guaranteed Chicago Marathon entry at $640
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration get together
Excursions
Escorted to Expo and shake-out run
Travel Package Information
-
Itinerary
-
//
Friday, October 9
Arrive in Chicago and transfer on your own to your hotel. You will be greeted at your hotel by a Marathon Tours & Travel staff. The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place will be open today. This evening enjoy a Welcome Reception with your hosts and running peers. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy this beautiful city.
Saturday, October 10
We start the day with an optional shakeout run along the Riverwalk to loosen your legs. The rest of your morning and afternoon are free on your own. Our pre-race pasta dinner will take place this evening.
Sunday, October 11
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! The evening is free to experience one of the many fine restaurants in the city.
-
//
Friday, October 9
Arrive in Chicago and meet your driver for your private transfer to the Blackstone Hotel, Autograph Collection. You will be greeted at your hotel by a Marathon Tours & Travel staff. 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 a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy this beautiful city.
Saturday, October 10
We start the day with an optional shakeout run along the Riverwalk to loosen your legs. The rest of your morning and afternoon are free on your own. Take advantage of the in-room massage services today, included for all guests on our Prestige Package. Join us this evening for our pre-race pasta dinner. (dinner included)
Sunday, October 11
Race Day!
Just steps away from the Chicago Marathon start line, your Marathon Tours & Travel team will be in the lobby of the hotel offering escorted walks to the start area in Grant Park. Members of our Prestige Package will have complimentary access to the Chicago Marathon Skyline Hospitality tent on race day. This includes a private entrance to grant park, light breakfast and lunch, access to private gear check, post-race massages, live results and race update stations for spectators, finish line bleacher seating, and more! Following the race, you will make your way back to your hotel for some well-deserved rest before we gather for a celebratory toast! The evening is free to experience one of the many fine restaurants in the city.
-
-
Extensions
-
OPTIONAL TOUR
Saturday Morning Architectural River-Cruise
Led by the Chicago Architecture Center’s expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago’s majestic buildings in a way no other tour can. Learn about the architects who created our city’s magnificent buildings—and the stories behind them. Along the way, you’ll also hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world’s largest cities.
This classic tour, aboard the city’s most luxurious fleet, is a must for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike.
Additional nights can be added upon request to enjoy more time in the city!
-
-
Packages & Rates
-
Chicago Marathon Tour | Three-Night Package: October 9 – 12, 2026
Features:- Three nights hotel accommodation
- All hotel taxes
- Welcome Reception on Friday evening
- Shake-out run on Saturday morning
- Saturday Morning Architectural River-Cruise – Optional Addition
- 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
- Guaranteed Entry is an additional cost ($640)
Please Note:
- Entry only is not allowed.
- 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:
- Race entry fee
- Meals unless noted above
- Gratuities and tips unless noted above
- Travel Insurance
- Transportation to/from Chicago
Chicago Marathon Prestige Package| Three-Night Package: October 9 – 12, 2026
Features:
- Three nights hotel accommodation at the Blackstone Hotel, Autograph Collection
- All hotel taxes
- Private airport transfers to and from Chicago O’Hare Airport on arrival and departure day
- $12.50 daily food and beverage credit that can be used in the Blackstone Coffee shop and hotel restaurant
- Welcome Reception on Friday evening
- Shake-out run on Saturday morning
- Saturday Morning Architectural River-Cruise – Optional Addition
- In-Room Massage Service Credit (Saturday Only)
- Pre-race dinner on Saturday evening
- Escorted walk to the start area
- Skyline Hospitality Tent access
- Post-race celebration on Sunday evening
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff at the hotel
- Guaranteed Entry is an additional cost ($640)
Please Note:
- Entry only is not allowed.
- 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:
- Race entry fee
- Meals unless noted above
- Gratuities and tips unless noted above
- Travel Insurance
- Transportation to/from Chicago
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsRates (all prices are per person in US dollars)
Additional nights available upon request
Bank of America Chicago Marathon PackageChicago Marathon Three-Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Renaissance Chicago Downtown - SOLD OUT $1210 per person $1940 theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel - SOLD OUT $1480 per person $2395 citizenM Chicago Downtown (One Bed Only) $1565 per person $2660 Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop $1425 per person $2330 Kimpton Gray Hotel - SOLD OUT $1480 per person $2415 The Midland Hotel, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (One Bed Only) $1425 per person $2315 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Prestige PackageChicago Marathon Three-Night Prestige Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy The Blackstone, Autograph Collection $2970 per person $3900 Race Entry FeeBank of America Chicago Marathon Guaranteed Race Entry $640
-
-
Hotels
-
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
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.
theWit Chicago, a Hilton HotelLocated in Chicago’s theater district, around the corner from the Riverwalk and Blue Line transit links. Within blocks, reach Magnificent Mile, ‘The Bean’ at Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago. We offer a spa, restaurant, and an award-winning Rooftop Lounge and nightclub home to skyline views and spectacular entertainment.
citizenM Chicago DowntowncitizenM Chicago Downtown is your launch pad to the Windy City. Step out to snap a selfie at Cloud Gate (locals call it the Bean), stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk just one block away, or dive into culture at Millennium Park and the Art Institute. You’re just minutes from Union Station, the Michigan Avenue bus stop and all that downtown Chicago has to show off.
Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central LoopStay in the heart of Chicago near Willis Tower and the Skydeck. Millennium Park, Chicago’s Theatre District, the Art Institute, and Chicago Riverwalk are within nine minutes. Soldier Field and McCormick Place are three miles away. Enjoy city views and on-site dining. Explore the city on their complimentary Canopy Bikes or via the L, a block away.
Kimpton Gray HotelLike a well-tailored suit, Kimpton Gray Hotel has been designed with you in mind. No detail has gone unnoticed, no amenity spared. Set in a historic building that’s considered one of Chicago’s finest landmarks, this is the height of opulence — but it’s also triumphantly modern. Think smart, sophisticated, and stylish — much like a perfectly fitted suit from London’s famed Savile Row.
The Midland Hotel, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio HotelExperience the vibrant energy of Chicago at the Midland Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, previously called The W Chicago – City Center. The hotel in the Loop in Chicago, Illinois, is located in a stunning Beaux Arts building in the heart of downtown. Blending charm with modern style, this historic hotel offers sophisticated Art Deco details and a dynamic atmosphere. Situated near the Theater District and Chicago Loop, the hotel provides the perfect base to explore iconic landmarks like Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Theatre.
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection (Prestige Package Only)The Blackstone Hotel in downtown Chicago is a storied architectural icon rooted in the city’s legendary past. Updated with all the modern amenities and features of today. The Blackstone delivers a distinguished hospitality experience perfect for the discerning traveler. Ideally located downtown and close to Grant Park, the hotel is blooming as a point of cultural and creative discovery on the Cultural Mile. It offers modern accommodations boasting views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park, acclaimed dining at Mercat a la Planxa, and thoughtful details like the state of the art fitness center and personalized service plus more. With stories to tell The Blackstone is set to surprise, entertain and inspire with a clever, contemporary attitude.
-
-
Event Information
-
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.
-
-
Registration & Booking
-
Rates: Air and land prices may change due to currency fluctuations and fuel surcharges.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $750 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received by July 7, 2026.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. Entry fees are additional. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity 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.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
-
-
Testimonials
-
"Thank you again for making this past weekend possible! ..." - 2024
Thank you again for making this past weekend possible! My husband and I had the MOST AMAZING TIME! The race, marathon tours, palmer house, getting around was exceptional. You took the guesswork out of everything and it was just so well organized and perfectly planned! We are huge fans and we are thrilled to be a part of the seven continents club!
"What an amazing and efficient process..." - 2024What an amazing and efficient process. I had such a great time meeting new people and hope to travel with you again soon!
"The ease of everything, going with marathon tours was fantastic..." - 2024The ease of everything, going with marathon tours was fantastic, and the staff definitely made the experience that much better!
"It took all the stress out of the event..." - 2024It took all the stress out of the event. It was comforting to know there were many experts nearby dedicated to me if I needed help.
"Well organized, no hassle, great hotel..." - 2024Well organized, no hassle, great hotel and location. Ease in making it to the start line with the marathon organizers.
"Personal attention — I feel like they knew my name even though..." - 2024Personal attention — I feel like they knew my name even though I’m just a basic participant. Hotel location was great. Dinner was great and the receptions were also.
"I loved how easy you made everything..." - 2024I loved how easy you made everything from not having to worry about what to eat for a pre-race dinner to not having to worry about how to get to the start line of the race.
"I didn’t have to try to figure out how to do everything by myself..." - 2024I didn’t have to try to figure out how to do everything by myself. It was also really fun to meet other runners who are on the same journey.
"First of all I wanted to thank you and Marathon Tours & Travel..." - 2021First of all I wanted to thank you and Marathon Tours & Travel for the Chicago Marathon. Everything went very well, the perfect hotel, well located and very nice. Your management was excellent from the hotel to the registration for the marathon. So thank you very much. I am really very happy and very grateful.
"I just want to write a note to THANK YOU!" - 2021I just want to write a note to THANK YOU! For helping me register to the Chicago Marathon. It was my first and LOVED IT! Looking forward to continue my 7 continent journey with your team.
-
-
Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
-
This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship (AGWC) Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2026 Age Group World Championship in Cape Town, South Africa. The qualifying period began on January 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 31, 2025. We invite you to book the official AGWC package here.
If you have secured your 2025 AGWC Entry, there is still limited availability for our AGWC Hotel Package. Find details here.
For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship go here.
-
Meet the Reps
Patrick DiMatteo
Trip Designer
Patrick DiMatteo
Trip Designer
Patrick joined the Marathon Tours & Travel team after receiving his Master of Business Administration degree from Grand Canyon University. While earning his degree, he spent a year in the Harvard University athletic department working in marketing and fan engagement. Born and raised in New Jersey, Patrick also spent time working in the athletic departments of both Princeton and Monmouth University in similar roles. Patrick is a graduate of William Paterson University of New Jersey with a B.A. in Sport Management and Business Administration and has a passion for both running and sports alike. He hopes to combine his passion of travel and running with his business acumen to create incredible experiences for runners around the world.
