Most runners who travel to Chicago discover a fabulous sports-mad city with a host of cultural attractions, but also one that offers a brilliant marathon running experience. The course and logistics are more akin to Berlin than New York or London, with wide, flat roads, long straights and a single city centre start/finish area that is a short walk from most of the hotels, including the Wade and the Fairmont, our dual bases for the trip. The race starts at 7.30am and with a seven hour cut off yo…
Most runners who travel to Chicago discover a fabulous sports-mad city with a host of cultural attractions, but also one that offers a brilliant marathon running experience. The course and logistics are more akin to Berlin than New York or London, with wide, flat roads, long straights and a single city centre start/finish area that is a short walk from most of the hotels, including the Wade and the Fairmont, our dual bases for the trip.
The race starts at 7.30am and with a seven hour cut off you should be back at the hotel by mid afternoon or earlier. The course can produce fast times - men's and women's world records have been set at Chicago - which is why runners are now turning up in droves in search of a PB or Boston qualifier.
With a goal of 50,000 finishers in 2026, this is truly a major event and many who have run all seven judge it the best of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Note: We are not permitted to sell packages to US residents.
The Race
With a start and finish in the wide spaces of Grant Park on the shores of Lake Michigan the race logistics of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon could not be easier.
The route takes in much of the shoreline and the downtown areas with their massive and distinctive skyscrapers on the Magnificent Mile. It is very flat with just a rise on a slip road as you go up and over a highway for the turn towards the finish. It's a fast course as its course records demonstrate.
GUARANTEED RACE ENTRY
We have a limited number of guaranteed entries for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. They are available with one of our runner hotel packages for a four night minimum. The places are GUARANTEED and do not require you to go through the ballot system.
We are not premitted to sell ENTRY ONLY.
The runner prices include guaranteed entry to the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Runners with their own places can also join our tour using the 'non-runner' prices quoted below.
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WADE HOTEL CHICAGO ****
The Wade is a moden 4-star Marriot hotel ideally situated between the shops and restaurants of the Magnificant Mile and the shores of Lake Michigan. The Wade, previously the W Chicago Lakeshore, looks out over the Lake and has a modern design that reflects the perfect harmony of Chicago’s urban energy and its natural beauty. A stay at the hotel is a distinctively Chicago exprience, where modern sophistication meets artistic charm, creating an atmosphere as vibrant and dynamic as the city itself.
With stunning views of Lake Michigan and moments from the famed Navy Pier, this hotel is close to the city's top attractions but far enough away to over a haven of peace and serenity beside the lake. The 520 guestrooms and suites are designed in a modern style each with their own curated artwork.
The hotel offers a workout centre, heated indoor pool and an excelent American restaurant, Current and stunning 33rd floor bar. Most importantly the Wade is a relatively short walk from the Marathon start/finish area in Lincoln Park.
THE FAIRMONT HOTEL, CHICAGO ****Plus
Steps from Millennium and Grant Parks, world-renowned shopping on The Magnificent Mile, and the breathtaking Riverwalk, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park's premier location is perfect for the marathon.
Boasting some of Chicago’s most spacious accommodations, Fairmont guestrooms are furnished with one king or two double beds and offer views of the city skyline or Chicago River. Featuring modern furnishings, lovely natural light, seperate soaking tub and luxurious Le Labo bath amenities.
WE ARE ONLY SELLING HOTEL AND ENTRY PACKAGES, OUR RUNNER PACKAGE INCLUDE THE RACE ENTRY.
Thu 8 Oct:
Arrivals in Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Make your own way to the Wade or Fairmont Hotels where we have made a reservation for you. A taxi from the airport to the city centre is between $30-$40, alternatively you can take a CTA train from O'Hare to downtown, which costs around $5.
Hotel check in is at 4pm but if you arrive earlier, you can leave your baggage at the hotel and visit marathon registration to collect your number.
After check-in, time to relax.
Meet & greet our 2:09 Events member of staff (time TBC)
Fri 9 Oct:
Early morning, shake off the jet lag and join us for a gentle run along Lake Michigan shoreline to nearby Grant Park where the race starts and finishes (time TBC).
Day to visit registration or go shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Visit Navy Pier or view Lake Michigan from the Sears Tower Sky Deck or visit the excellent Art Institute of Chicago.
Meet and greet our 2:09 Events member of staff (time TBC)
Sat 10 Oct:
Join us for the Chicago 5K breakfast run (separate entry required).
If you haven't done it yet you need to pick up your number today from the race Expo, this is your last chance.
Meet and greet our 2:09 Events member of staff (time TBC)
Sun 11 Oct:
RACE DAY - the marathon starts at 7.30am in Grant Park, which is a short walk from the Wade Hotel (approx 30 mins) and Fairmont (20 miinutes).
In the evening join us for a celebratory drink in the hotel bar of the Wade Hotel.
Mon 12 Oct:
Return to Chicago O'Hare Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Extended stays after October 12 are possible at the prices shown below.
Please be aware from 1 April 2016 all customers travelling to the USA on the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) require an E-passport and much apply for an ESTA in advance of travel. For all up-to-date information please check http://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements It is your responsibility to obtain the ESTA before travel.
CHICAGO PRICES IN UK £'S
4 nights - October 8 - 12
The Wade Hotel - NO TWINS AVAILABLE
| Prices are per person |
Single (one person in room) |
*Double (requires two people) |
| Runner | £2399 | £1649 |
| Non-runner | £1949 | £1199 |
| Extra Nights | £375 | £200 |
The Fairmont Hotel
| Prices are per person | Single (One person in room) | * Double/Twin (Requires two people) | |
| Runner | £2749 | £1849 | |
| Non-runner | £2299 | £1399 | |
| Extra Nights | £440 | £240 |
Additional nights are on request
A non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure this tour:
The final balance payment is due 12 weeks before travel (mid July roughly).
Prices include all hotel taxes and service charge but no meals. Breakfast is not included. Race entry is included in the above runner prices. The non-runner price applies to partners or supporters or those who have their own race entry.
Internatioinal flights to and from Chicago and transfers between the airport and hotel are not included in the package prices
Note - we are not permitted to sell packages to US residents and we can not sell Entry Only.
Please only complete the booking form if you wish you make a booking. The booking form will not provide a price quote, it is intended to capture your booking information. After completing the booking form we will send you a secure payment link for the deposit, your place and package are guranateed only when you pay the deposit. The prices above are correct but if you want us to confirm them or you have a question about the trip, please write to info@209events.com
DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD PROTECT YOUR DEPOSIT OR ANY OTHER PAYMENTS IF YOU CANCEL THE TRIP DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. WE DO NOT REFUND DEPOSITS AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DECIDE TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP AFTER IT IS CONFIRMED.
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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