Chicago Marathon

On 11 October 2026 the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place. Travelmarathon is an International Travel Partner (ITP) and the race bibs are guaranteed and can only be transferred if combined with the hotel accommodation and the assistance of our Tour Operator.

THE HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO MARATHON

The Chicago Marathon was born in 1977 with just over 4.200 athletes. Although that number may seem small today, at the time it debuted as one of the most important races, thanks to its flat, fast course. The race record is still held today by Kenya's Dennis Kimetto who in 2013 stopped the clock at 2h 03' 45''. Today it is one of the most important marathons in the world and, not by chance, belongs to the World Marathon Majors, circuit, with over 40.000 Runners from all over the world and more than 1,7 million spectators.

11 OCTOBER 2026 will see the running of the historic Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Confirmed are the Race Bib Fees, subject to early sell-out:

- The Race Bib Fee is  549 Euro.

Travelmarathon is an International Travel Partner (ITP) and the race bibs are guaranteed and can only be transferred if combined with the hotel accommodation and the assistance of our Tour Operator.

THE MARATHON COURSE

The Marathon start is scheduled for 07:30 A.M. (first wave), 08:00 (second wave), 08:35 (thirdwave).

The course is flat and fast, starting and finishing at Grant Park, facing Lake Michigan.

Time limit 6 h 30'.

The Chicago Marathon course

HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO

It takes place at the Mc Cormick Place Convention Center, at 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr, North Building, Hall B1.

Nearest Metro stop: McCormick Place.

Opening hours:

- Friday 8 October from 09:00 to 20:00;

- Saturday 9 October from 09:00 to 18:00;

It is from Chicago that the Mother Road of America sets off, the Route 66 which, from Illinois, crosses six States and reaches California, on the Santa Monica pier. Just behind the extraordinary, all-encompassing Art Institute of Chicago peeks out a road sign that, with a single image, seems able to tell the story of the United States - the truest and deepest one.

Chicago is the city that, with the blues, paved the way for rock and roll. The city whose name is linked to legendary gangsters such as Al Capone. Chicago is the city of architecture, with fabulous buildings overlooking the Chicago River, each mirrored in the glass facades of the others. Chicago is the city of deep dish pizza, and of breathtaking views from the top of its skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower - probably the most famous attraction which, at 530 mt tall, is today the third tallest skyscraper in the world. The "walk into the void" you can take from this building will be an experience that will stay with you for life.

It soars upwards like New York, has an elegant touch reminiscent of Boston, and some streets of the Loop – the historic core of Chicago's Financial District – are grungy, dirty and filthy, with the elevated train rattling above the heads of passers-by.

Lake Michigan, right where the white sand of the beach reaches the entrances of the skyscrapers and Chicagoans take a break, sheltering from the sun of the indian summer under the leafy branches of the trees.

Chicago is an easy city to get around and to plan your stay in. Looking at a map, you immediately spot the river of the same name, which splits the city in two and then forks, forming almost two quadrants towards Lake Michigan. South of the mouth of the Chicago River stretch Millennium Park and Grant Park (where the Marathon starts and finishes), parallel to the great lake that touches four States: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The airports listed refer to some flights to Chicago on the occasion of the Marathon.

Alternatively, we will try to find other solutions from the airport nearest to you.

Milan Malpensa (WITH A STOPOVER IN LONDON OR IN NEW YORK)

Departure

Thu. 08:00

Fri. 08:00

Return

Mon. 12:00

Tue. 12:00

Rome Fiumicino (DIRECT)

Departure

Thu. 11:00

Fri. 11:00

Return

Mon. 17:00

Tue. 17:00

PLEASE NOTE:

Travelmarathon is not responsible for any changes to flight times. The airline may change the information above even after the flight ticket has been confirmed.

Guaranteed Marathon race bibs at 499 Euro

Fees are per person, based on double room accommodation.

PLEASE NOTE: due to growing demand, the Deposit Fee (Flight Ticket) may be subject to modest increases as the departure date approaches.

Each participant pays a Participation Fee

from Fri. 8 to Tue. 13 October;

from Thu.  8 to Mon. 12 October. - RECOMMENDED DATE - 

depending on your departure airport (see the dedicated "FLIGHTS" link)

The Participation Fee consists of:

1- Deposit Fee;

2- Race Bib Fee, for those who request it;

3- Balance Fee.

1- The Deposit Fee varies according to air fares. In this regard, we recommend requesting a quote for your flight. Alternatively, you can purchase your flight on your own.

2- The Race Bib Fee:

- Marathon:  549 Euro.

3- The Balance Fee is per person in a double/twin room:

- 1.290 Euro (5 days/4 nights) at the Hotel*** Congress, 200 mt. from the start/finish area; **SOLD OUT**

- 1.349 Euro (5 days/4 nights) at the Hotel*** Sup. Fairfield Inn By Marriott, 900 mt. from the start/finish area (RECOMMENDED);

- 1.449 Euro (5 days/4 nights) at the Hotel*** Hampton Inn, 800 mt. from the start/finish area.

Any extra night costs:

- 219 Euro at the Hotel *** Sup. Fairfield Inn By Marriott Chicago Downtown/Hampton Inn.

The Balance Fee is paid 120 to 90 days before departure. It is refundable in case of cancellation (see General Terms and Conditions).  

Families/Children:

Solo Travellers:
Travelmarathon also thinks of You: if you wish to share a room with another runner, we will do our best to make it happen.
If you prefer to have a Double room for single use from the start, the cost for 5 days/4 nights is 2.199 Euro.

The package price includes:

• Return flight with small hand luggage measuring 40 cm x 25 cm x 20 cm (if requested);
• Full American Breakfast;
• Civil Liability Insurance;
• Accommodation at the chosen Hotel ... (3, 4 or 5 nights);
• Travelmarathon assistance at the Hotel (a tour escort is available 24h);
• Travelmarathon Staff presence from Florence Airport (for Thu. departures). In any case, remember that all our Hotels are easily reachable by public transport (5 Euro Blue Line metro) or by inexpensive taxis (indicative price from the airport to the Hotel 50 Euro);
• Accompaniment to the race start corrals and to the expo;
• Delivery of the prestigious "ITALIA" T-shirt (Men's model in national azure blue and/or women's in fuchsia) + delivery of the extremely useful ITALIA windbreaker to all race participants.
  

The package price does not include:

• Cancel Insurance equal to approximately 7,5% of the whole package;
• Extra luggage 20 kg. (approx. 25 Euro each way - optional, if requested);
• Booking fee 10,90 Euro;
• Meals and drinks;
• Tickets for all transfers (bus/taxi), visits and excursions;
• Tips and extras in general, and anything not expressly listed as included;
• Optional boat Tour along the Chicago River on Saturday afternoon at an indicative price of 40/42 Euro.
  

Bookings

Registration: send the Registration Form using the dedicated link.

Deposit Fee payment: (per person) + Race Bib Fee if requested.

Balance Fee: 120 to 90 days before departure. 

Registration closes: when the maximum number of participants is reached.

On request for individuals/families

- Discounted parking at the departure airport (Italy) from 8 Euro per day;

On request for groups/individuals

- Exclusive airport-Hotel transfers for running groups by Gran Turismo coach;

- City tour with an expert (local) Guide.

If you plan to travel to the United States for the Chicago Marathon, you can take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program, i.e. visa-free travel.

To use the program you must:

- be travelling for business or tourism;

- stay in the United States no longer than 90 days;

- hold a return ticket.

To travel under the Visa Waiver Program you must apply for an electronic travel authorization, (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov) before boarding your means of transport, by air or sea, bound for the United States. The ESTA is issued online by the US authorities, upon payment of a fee ($ 14), which can also be paid online.

Since 25 May 2010 the electronic passport also stores fingerprints in the microchip, but for travelling under the Visa Waiver Program an electronic passport without fingerprints is also acceptable, provided it has not expired and is valid until your return.

Minors must hold an individual passport to benefit from the Visa Waiver Program.

Please note: failure to leave the U.S.A. within 90 days will compromise your ability to use the Visa Waiver Program again.