Getting to the Expo
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get to and from the Health & Fitness Expo. Learn more about CTA fares and transit directions to McCormick Place.
Visit transitchicago.comOpens a Dialog for information on CTA fares and transit directions to McCormick Place.
GETTING TO THE RACE START
Our group hotel is situated an easy, 30 minute walk to the start/finish area of the marathon which is a great way to stretch your legs before the marathon and more importantly, after! However, if you would prefer to take public transportation, that’s an option as well. Please use Google Maps or the likes to plan your journey and be sure to have a form of payment as public transportation is not free for runners.
START WAVES and CORRALS
When you arrive at the start area, look for your corral. You may be scanned with a wand before being allowed into the staging areas, so be sure to only bring what’s permitted.
Your corral information will be available to you via your participant account and when you pick up your bib at the race expo.
Once you determine where you should be, you can take some time to eat, use the washrooms, or just sit and relax.
WAVE STARTS
As there will be 45,000+ runners and to alleviate the strain of having everyone start at the same time, the Chicago Marathon will be run in waves.
You will each be assigned a Wave Start based on your estimated completion time and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will email you your wave closer to the event.
Wave Starts are as follows*
Wheelchairs 7:20AM
Wave 1 (red) 7:30AM
Wave 2 (blue) 8AM
Wave 3 (orange) 8:35AM
*Times are subject to change.
No one is permitted to change waves or corrals unless you first got it approved by the Chicago Marathon and prior to their cutoff (usually August). Wave changes are only permitted for fast runners with proven times.
THE COURSE
Click here for extensive information on the race course, as well as a map.
GETTING BACK TO THE HOTEL AFTER THE MARATHON
Use the following link for walking or taking public transportation back to the hotel. Grant Park, Chicago, IL, USA to Residence Inn Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile – Google Maps
PERSONALIZE YOUR SHIRT
Are you interested in having spectators personalize your run? Write your name on your race shirt (or masking tape) in large letters across your chest and people will call out to you and encourage you as you run!
HOTEL BREAKFAST and WiFi
Breakfast and WiFi is included with your package
COMMEMORATIVE WALL PLAQUE
Everyone who finishes the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will receive a Chicago Marathon commemorative wall plaque!
Our handmade, wood plaques are proudly made in Canada by a local Albertan artist and are the size of a dinner plate with a diameter of 10 inches! Each one will have a keyhole on the back for hanging and are available only to Dream Travel runners that complete the marathon.
Plaques will be shipped out a week or two after the marathon.