Chicago has always been one of the world's biggest marathons but historically was viewed as predominantly an American race. That changed in 2006 when it joined with London, Boston, New York and Berlin to form the Marathon Majors programme, which with the inclusion of Tokyo in 2013 and the Six-Star finisher's scheme, turbo-charged the international field. What most who travel to Chicago discover, is not only a magnificent city but a great marathon running experience. The course and logistics ar…
Chicago has always been one of the world's biggest marathons but historically was viewed as predominantly an American race. That changed in 2006 when it joined with London, Boston, New York and Berlin to form the Marathon Majors programme, which with the inclusion of Tokyo in 2013 and the Six-Star finisher's scheme, turbo-charged the international field.
What most who travel to Chicago discover, is not only a magnificent city but a great marathon running experience. The course and logistics are more akin to Berlin than its more famous American cousin in New York, with roads that are wide and flat with long straights a single city centre start/finish area that is a short walk from most of the hotels, including the Drake, our base for the trip. The race starts at 7.30am and with a seven hour cut off you'll be back at the hotel by mid afternoon.
Like Berlin the course can produce fast times, as evidenced by a remarkable 2:00:35 performance at the 2023 event by Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum, which stands as the current world marathon best for men and an almost unbelievable 2:09:56 by Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich in the 2024 women's race. Holding the world record for both men and women has demonstrated what is possible in Chicago and runners are now turning up in droves to run fast times, either in search of PB or a Boston qualifier.
The days when the Bank of America Chicago Marathon was a poorer cousion to its East coast cousins in New York and Boston has long passed. This is a great race in a wonderful city that runners don't want to miss.
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 - this is where President Obama, formerly the State's Senator, made his first speech after being elected as President - 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. As a consequence, it's a fast course as its course records demonstrate..
With a goal of 50,000 finishers in 2025, this is truly a major event and many think the best of the Marathon Majors.
GUARANTEED RACE ENTRY
We have a limited number of guaranteed entry places for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon which are available with our runner hotel package for a four night minimum - our places are GUARANTEED and do not require you to go through the ballot system.
There is NO ENTRY ONLY.
The runner prices include guaranteed entry to the 2025 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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DRAKE HOTEL CHICAGO****Superior
The Drake Hotel is one of Chicago's oldest and best-known hotels. Throughout the roaring twenties, the Drake Hotel became high-society’s first choice in opulence. The Fountain Court, now known as the Palm Court, hosted Chicago's social elite daily for tea—a continuing tradition at The Drake. The popularity of the illustrious urban resort continued to rise well into the 1930s seemingly unaffected by the crash of 1929. Icons such as Bing Crosby, Walt Disney, George Gershwin, and Charles Lindbergh could be seen sipping a cocktail and listening to Herbie Kay in The Gold Coast Room.
Guest rooms at The Drake, a Hilton hotel, are distinguished by their comfort, elegance, and amenities. All of the hotel accommodations feature HDTVs, and private Italian marble bathrooms, enhancing the luxurious ambience.
All Deluxe Rooms feature either a king bed or two oversized twin beds. Both rooms come standard with office space, HDTV, in-room seating and high-speed Wi-Fi.
More importantly the hotel's location is an easy walk to the start/finish of the marathon in Grant Park and there is also easy access by public transport to the Expo and to the airport.
Breakfast is not included as part of the tour but is available at the hotel in their restaurant.
Since we have a limited number of places for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, we are only offering hotel and entry packages.
THIS INCLUDES THE RACE ENTRY.
Thu 9 Oct:
Arrivals in Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Make your own way to the Drake Hotel 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 3pm 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 209 Events member of staff (time TBC)
Fri 10 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 209 events member of staff (time TBC)
Sat 11 Oct:
Join us for the Chicago 5K breakfast run
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 209 Events member of staff (time TBC)
Sun 12 Oct:
RACE DAY - the marathon starts at 7.30am in Grant Park, which is a short walk from the Drake Hotel (approx 30 mins).
In the evening join us for a celebratory drink in the hotel bar.
Mon 13 Oct:
Return to Chicago O'Hare Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Extended stays after October 13 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 PER PERSON IN UK £'S
4 nights - October 9-13
|
PRICES per person |
TWIN/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY | SINGLE OCCUPANCY |
| RUNNER | £1549 * | £2349 |
| NON-RUNNER | £1099 * | £1899 |
* based on two people sharing the room
PRICES ARE PER PERSON.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ALONE THE SINGLE PRICE APPLIES.
If you are travelling alone but wish to access the twin price, we can try to match you with another runner of the same gender. These rooms are strictly limited please enquire about the avaialbility (info@209events.com) before booking.
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.
Additional Nights at the Drake Hotel
| EXTRA NIGHTS - TWIN/DOUBLE ROOM | £225 per person |
| EXTRA NIGHTS - SINGLE ROOM | £400 Per person |
Note - we are not permitted to sell packages to US residents.
A non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure this tour:
The final balance payment is due 10 weeks before travel (August 2).
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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