The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and one of the flattest, fastest big-city marathon courses in the world. Held each October, the race takes runners through 29 of Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods with the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and downtown skyline as a backdrop. With over 45,000 runners and 1.7 million spectators, it is one of the premier road racing events on the planet.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Chicago Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, October 11, 2026 |
| Venue | Start/Finish: Grant Park |
| Address | Columbus Drive & Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603 |
| Airport | O'Hare International Airport (ORD) |
October weather in Chicago can be unpredictable. Expect average highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). Mornings are typically cool and crisp, ideal for running, but be prepared for anything from warm sunshine to cold winds off Lake Michigan.
The Venue: Grant Park
Grant Park, known as "Chicago's front yard," is the start and finish area for the marathon. The park stretches along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the heart of downtown, providing a spectacular setting for the race. The start line on Columbus Drive offers views of the city's iconic skyline, and the finish area near Buckingham Fountain is one of the most scenic in all of marathoning.
What's nearby:
- Millennium Park — home to Cloud Gate (The Bean), Crown Fountain, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, directly adjacent to Grant Park
- Art Institute of Chicago — one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, located on the northern edge of Grant Park
- Buckingham Fountain — the centerpiece of Grant Park and a Chicago landmark near the marathon finish
- Museum Campus — home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, just south of Grant Park along the lakefront
Important: Grant Park is closed to vehicles on race morning. Plan to arrive early and use public transit. The expo is held at McCormick Place, a short walk or bus ride south of Grant Park.
Where to Stay
The Loop (downtown Chicago) is the most convenient area, putting you within walking distance of the start/finish in Grant Park and close to the 'L' train. The South Loop near McCormick Place is ideal if you want to be close to the expo. The Magnificent Mile on North Michigan Avenue offers upscale shopping and dining with easy transit access.
The Palmer House Hilton — Best for Start/Finish Access
This historic hotel on Monroe Street in the Loop is just a few blocks from Grant Park. The grand lobby and elegant rooms make it a memorable race weekend base. Runners can walk to the start line in under 10 minutes.
Hilton Chicago — Best Overall Location
Located on South Michigan Avenue directly overlooking Grant Park, the Hilton Chicago is arguably the best-positioned hotel for the marathon. Many rooms offer views of the start/finish area and lakefront. The hotel is also close to the Museum Campus and McCormick Place expo.
Freehand Chicago — Best Budget Option
Situated in the heart of the Loop on East Harrison Street, Freehand Chicago offers stylish private and shared rooms at accessible prices. The hotel has a popular bar and communal spaces, and it sits within easy walking distance of Grant Park and the Red Line.
Getting There
From O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare is located approximately 27 km (17 miles) northwest of downtown Chicago.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Blue Line | ~45 min | $5.00 | Runs 24/7, direct to the Loop |
| Taxi/Rideshare | ~40 min | $40-60 | Can be longer during rush hour |
| GO Airport Express | ~60 min | $35 | Shared shuttle to downtown hotels |
The CTA Blue Line is the best option for most travelers. It runs directly from O'Hare to downtown Loop stations and is not affected by traffic. If flying into Midway (MDW), the Orange Line connects to the Loop in about 30 minutes for $5.00.
Public Transport
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (CTA bus or 'L') | $2.50 |
| 1-day CTA pass | $5.00 |
| 3-day CTA pass | $15.00 |
Get a Ventra card at any CTA station for easy tap-and-go access. The 3-day pass is excellent value for a race weekend trip and covers unlimited rides on all CTA buses and 'L' trains.
Where to Eat
River North (Illinois and Hubbard Streets) — Chicago's dining hotspot packed with steakhouses, Italian restaurants, and trendy eateries perfect for a pre-race dinner. Greektown (Halsted Street near Adams) — a compact neighborhood with excellent Greek restaurants offering hearty pasta and rice dishes ideal for carb-loading.
Chicago Food to Try
- Deep-dish pizza — the city's signature dish, a thick, cheesy pie best experienced at Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, or Pequod's
- Chicago-style hot dog — an all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt, never ketchup
- Italian beef sandwich — thinly sliced seasoned beef piled on Italian bread and dipped in jus, best at Portillo's or Al's Beef
- Garrett Mix popcorn — the addictive combination of CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn from Garrett Popcorn Shops
- Tavern-style pizza — thin, cracker-crust pizza cut into squares, the style Chicagoans actually eat most often
Budget eating: Chicago has incredible affordable food. Hit up Portillo's for Italian beef and hot dogs under $10, explore Chinatown for dumplings and noodles, or grab tacos in Pilsen's vibrant Mexican restaurant scene.
Essential Chicago Tips
Currency. US Dollar (USD). Cash vs card. Card is widely accepted. Cash is handy for smaller restaurants and food vendors. Tipping. 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink, 15-20% for rideshares and taxis. Language. English is the primary language. Weather in October. Highs around 16°C (61°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F). Chicago earns its "Windy City" nickname, so bring a windbreaker and layers. Safety. Downtown and tourist areas are generally safe. Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night. The Loop, River North, and Magnificent Mile are all safe for visitors.
What to See
- Millennium Park & Cloud Gate — the reflective "Bean" sculpture is Chicago's most photographed landmark, set in a beautiful park
- Art Institute of Chicago — world-class museum featuring iconic works including Seurat's Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte and Hopper's Nighthawks
- Willis Tower Skydeck — step onto the glass Ledge on the 103rd floor for vertigo-inducing views of four states
- Navy Pier — lakefront entertainment destination with a Ferris wheel, restaurants, and boat tours
- Chicago Riverwalk — stroll along the river through the heart of downtown, lined with cafes and offering architecture boat tours
- Wrigley Field — the historic home of the Cubs in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, a must-see for sports fans
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | O'Hare International (ORD), ~45 min by Blue Line |
| Venue | Grant Park, downtown Chicago |
| Nearest station | Monroe (Red/Blue Line) or Jackson (Red Line) |
| Transport to venue | Walk from any Loop 'L' station |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely, cards accepted almost everywhere |
| Language | English |
| Weather | 7-16°C (45-61°F), cool with potential wind |
| Tipping | 18-20% at restaurants |
| Emergency | 911 |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.