Marathon Weekend
B

Bank of America

Chicago Marathon 2026

Plogging with the Chicago Marathon

The morning after the marathon, sustainability advocate Tina Muir leads a 3K run and walk that picks up litter along the way. The name blends the Swedish plocka upp, meaning to pick up, with the English jog. Along the route the group learns how running and walking can pair with environmental stewardship. Muir is a former elite marathoner and the founder of Racing for Sustainability, a nonprofit working with races, brands and communities on sustainable practices. Good to know: - The group meets at the tent near the southwest corner of the fountain for introductions and a route briefing - The event is free, with water and snacks provided - Collection boxes at the meeting point take gently used books for Open Books and running shoes for Sneaker Impact - The fountain is reachable by public transportation

Map of Buckingham Fountain
Group Run

Monday, October 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Until 10:30 AM

Buckingham Fountain

301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago

27th Mile Post-Race Party

The official post-race party gathers finishers and their supporters outdoors near the start line, with music from a Chicago-based DJ and food and drinks for purchase. Participants aged 21 and over can trade the tear-off tab of their bib for one Goose Island 312, Goose IPA or Michelob ULTRA Superior Light Beer, with photo ID. Beer tickets are sold from 9:30 AM to 3 PM and can be redeemed until 3:30 PM. The party is open to the public.

Map of Butler Field, Grant Park
Party

Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 9:30 AM

Until 4:00 PM

Butler Field, Grant Park

Columbus Dr and Jackson Dr, Chicago, IL

Chicago

Chicago Marathon Charity Block Party

Thousands of marathon participants run to raise money for local, national and global causes. The race hosts this block party near mile 15 to celebrate the impact they make, and spectators, family and friends gather to cheer charity runners as they pass.

Map of Adams St and Loomis St, near Whitney Young High School
Cheer Zone

Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM

Until 2:00 PM

Adams St and Loomis St, near Whitney Young High School

W Adams St & S Loomis St, Chicago, IL 60607

Chicago

Chicago Marathon Cheer Zone at the Halfway Point

This cheer zone marks the halfway point of the course and celebrates Chicago's West Side, home turf of the Chicago 13.1. The half marathon runs through the historic parks, boulevards and culture of Garfield Park, Humboldt Park and Douglass Park.

Map of Halfway point, Mile 13.1
Cheer Zone

Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM

Until 2:00 PM

Halfway point, Mile 13.1

Chicago

Chicago Marathon Cheer Zone at Mile 13

This official cheer zone stands on North Wacker Drive, where runners pass mile 13. Entertainment and cheer items are on hand for spectators making noise for the field, and a matching zone waits close to the finish at mile 26.

Map of Bank of America Tower
Cheer Zone

Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM

Until 2:00 PM

Bank of America Tower

110 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Chicago

Chicago Marathon Cheer Zone at Mile 26

This official cheer zone sits close to the finish line, where runners reach mile 26. Entertainment and cheer items are on hand for spectators carrying the field through the last stretch, and a matching zone stands on North Wacker Drive at mile 13.

Map of Michigan Ave and Roosevelt Rd
Cheer Zone

Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM

Until 2:00 PM

Michigan Ave and Roosevelt Rd

S Michigan Ave & E Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago

Chicago Marathon Cheer Zone at the 8K Mark

Spectators cheer runners through Lincoln Park at the 8K mark of the course, in a zone named for the Shamrock Shuffle. That race is the kickoff to the Chicago running season and a continuation of the city's St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Map of Lincoln Park, 8K mark
Cheer Zone

Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM

Until 2:00 PM

Lincoln Park, 8K mark

Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL

Chicago

Abbott Chicago 5K

The 5K gives marathoners, fans of the sport and their friends and family a 3.1-mile taste of race weekend on a course that weaves through downtown past the city's landmarks. Start corrals open at 6:30 AM and the wheelchair start goes at 7:25, five minutes before the main field. Runners line up in corrals assigned by projected pace, and the race donates two dollars to Tedy's Team for every finisher. The 2026 field has reached capacity. Good to know: - There is no gear check, and items left near the course are removed - One aid station near the halfway point offers water, medical support and toilets - The time limit is 45 minutes, a 15-minute-per-mile pace - Runners may move back to a later corral as space allows

Map of Grant Park
Race

Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 7:30 AM

Until 9:00 AM

Grant Park

Ida B. Wells Dr between Columbus Dr and Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Chicago

Abbott Health & Fitness Expo

Exhibitors fill the hall with official Chicago Marathon merchandise and the latest in running footwear, apparel, nutrition and technology. The expo is also where every marathon participant collects their race packet, and Abbott Chicago 5K runners pick up theirs here on Thursday and Friday. Entry is free and open to the public, and an interactive floor plan lists every exhibitor with a map of the booths. Hours are 10 AM to 6 PM on Thursday and 9 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Saturday, subject to change. Good to know: - Every attendee passes a security screening on entry - Organizers ask attendees not to bring large bags or luggage - Organizers recommend the McCormick Place East Building as the rideshare drop-off

Map of McCormick Place, North Building, Level 3, Hall B1
Pop-up / Expo

Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Ends: Saturday, October 10 at 6:00 PM

McCormick Place, North Building, Level 3, Hall B1

2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616

Chicago