Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

11-Oct-2026
Distance(s): 42.2
5 Days
Last Few Left
Price Starts
₹189,000
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Event Details
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Take the next step on your Abbott World Marathon Majors journey with the Chicago Marathon—one of the world's most iconic races, bringing together elite and recreational runners from all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries. Renowned for its electric atmosphere and famously fast, flat course, the marathon winds through Chicago's 29 vibrant neighbourhoods before culminating in a spectacular finish at Grant Park. It's a course built for personal bests and has witnessed some of the greatest performances in marathon history like Kelvin Kiptum's world-record time of 2:00:35 in 2023.

As the Official Tour Operator, Active Holiday Company offers carefully-curated travel packages ensuring a seamless and stress-free race weekend. From the moment you arrive until you cross the finish line, we'll take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying every step of this unforgettable marathon experience.

What’s included
  • Guaranteed race entry
  • 14-week training plan by international coaches
  • Stay at an unbeatable location minutes from the start and finish lines
  • Networking Chicago Architecture Cruise
  • Race-day early breakfast
  • Complimentary tea/coffee at the Club Lounge
  • One-way transfer to the Expo
  • Orientation shake-out run to the start and finish line
  • Active Holiday Company T-shirt
  • On-Ground support
  • Detailed travel documents

Guaranteed Race Entry,
no time qualification

Superbly Located
Accommodation

Best-in-Class
Service

Travel with
like-minded runners

Pre-trip
Briefing

Packages

Club Quarters Central Loop (4 Star)

5 Days | From: 8 Oct '26 To:12 Oct '26 | Standard Room

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Cost in INR Twin Share Single Room Companion Child
With Race Entry 189,000 255,000 NA NA
Without Race Entry 95,000 165,000 95,000 32,000

All prices are per person.
Please read the Booking Terms & Conditions before confirming your booking.

Payment Terms

DEPOSIT

Runner:  INR 75,000
Companion: INR 25,000

Please read the conditions to know the non-refundable part of your payment.

FINAL PAYMENT DUE DATE

On or before 30 June 2026

For more information on cancellation, refund and transfer policy for this event please read
BOOKING CONDITIONS

Itinerary

To make the most of your Chicago Marathon experience and ensure you're well rested before race day, we recommend arriving in Chicago no later than 3:00 PM.
Upon arrival, make your own way from the airport to the hotel, where you'll have time to settle in before attending a trip briefing at 4:00 PM.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the Windy City at your own pace. If you haven't already done so, be sure to visit the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo to collect your race bib before it closes at 6:00 PM. If time permits, you may also wish to visit some of Chicago's iconic attractions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, or spend the evening soaking up the city's legendary music scene at one of its renowned jazz bars.

Meal: None

After breakfast, join us at 8:30 AM for an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with the Chicago Marathon start and finish areas, helping you feel confident and prepared for race day. In the afternoon, we'll experience one of the city's most popular attractions—the Chicago Architecture Cruise. As you glide along the Chicago River, you'll discover the stories behind the city's world-famous skyline, passing architectural icons such as the John Hancock Center, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), and the striking Tribune Tower.
Later in the evening, we'll regroup for a trip briefing at 8:00 PM, where we'll go over important race-day information and answer any last-minute questions.

Meal: None

Start the morning with an easy run to loosen the legs before race day. At 7:30 AM, runners registered for the Chicago 5K will make their way to the start, while everyone else is welcome to enjoy their own relaxed shake-out run around the city.
Afterward, return to the hotel at your convenience, either on foot or by bus. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy—explore more of Chicago, make a final visit to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo if needed, or simply relax and recharge in preparation for tomorrow's marathon.

Meal: None

Race day has arrived!
Known for its flat, fast course, the marathon starts and finishes in iconic Grant Park, taking you through the heart of one of the world's great cities.
Celebrate with a post-race after party at a local bar (drinks not included).

Meal: Early take-away breakfast

After ticking a World Marathon Major off your bucket list, it's time to head home. Please make your own way to the airport for your onward journey.

Meal: None

Our Hotels

Club Quarters Central Loop (4 Star)

111 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603 [ View Direction ]

Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop is an excellent choice for Chicago Marathon runners, offering exceptional race-day convenience just a short walk from the start and finish lines. Its prime location provides easy access to the Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail for pre-race shakeout runs, while amenities such as a fully-equipped fitness centre, secure bag storage, 24/7 concierge service, and eco-friendly purified water stations make race weekend seamless. The hotel also features the popular Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant for pre-race carb-loading or post-race celebrations and is located at walking distance of Millennium Park, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Union Station, and other major downtown attractions.

Distance from Start and Finish Points: 1 km

You'll be right next to:

  • Willis Tower: Panoramic city views – 5 min walk
  • Chicago Riverwalk: Scenic waterfront promenade – 8 min walk
  • Millennium Park: Iconic park & green space – 10 min walk
  • Cloud Gate ("The Bean"): Chicago's most photographed landmark – 10 min walk
  • Art Institute of Chicago: World-renowned art museum – 10 min walk

FAQs

All of our World Marathon Major packages come with guaranteed race entry.

The exact coverage will be detailed in the conditions of your insurance policy and we encourage you to check whether you can make a claim with them directly. Most Indian insurance providers cover a very small part of the cancellation fee.

Please contact us if you’d like to add pre or post nights to your trip to your hotel stay in Chicago. This option is not available with the hostel. If you are booking your pre and post nights at the hotel directly please note that you will have to change your room by checking out of that room and checking in to the new room allocated for the group. Please do not request us or the hotel reception to allow you to continue staying in the same room if your booking has not been made as part of our group.

As Tour Operators, we are required to sell the race entry along with accommodation. Our contract with the race does not permit us to sell a stand alone race entry.

Check-in time is 3 pm on the day of arrival at both the hotel and the hostel. Early check-in is subject to availability at the time of arrival. The marathon weekend is a very busy time for all accommodations and if you are arriving early and you would like a room ready upon arrival you will need to book and pay for it from the previous night.

Yes, all the World Major Marathons require that the participants attend the expo in person and collect their bibs. Your travel documents will contain detailed instructions on how to get to and from the expo from your hotel.

Club Quarters Central Loop is a 4-Star hotel. It is chosen for its fabulous location and ease of access but all our runners also love the service and the rooms there.

We have several single runners interested in sharing a room with another runner and, wherever possible, we try to pair up people who have requested rooms on twin share. However, please keep in mind that this is not a guarantee and in some cases you might be required to take a single supplement. If you have a friend who is already on the group you'd like to share your room with please let us know your preference at the time of making the booking so we can pair you together

If you have booked your sixth and final Abbott World Marathon Major race, please contact us so that we can guide you through the process of picking up your Six Star Finisher Medal at the finish.

Yes, it is possible for you to stay with our marathon group if you already have the entry or if you are travelling with a non-running companion. However, please note that this will be at the same hotel as the rest of the group travelling on our package. We do not accept companions or runners with race entry for the hostel.

No. All participants stay together at the designated group hotel to ensure a seamless trip experience. As this is a group booking, alternative accommodation or hotel upgrades are not available.

Chicago Marathon does not allow runners to transfer their spots to another runner. Entries are also non-refundable under all circumstances.

Chicago Marathon does NOT allow runners to defer registrations to the following year.

Active Holiday Company does not offer services for visas and flights. However, we can point you to service providers who offer these services.

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Booking Conditions

DEPOSIT

  • To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of INR 75,000 per person (with race entry) and INR 25,000 per person (without race entry) is required.
  • Bookings without payment within 72 hours are auto-cancelled.

FINAL PAYMENT

  • Full payment is due on or before 30 June 2026.
  • Please ensure you set a reminder on your calendar since we do not follow up for payments individually.
  • Bookings without final payments are auto-cancelled.
  • Race registrations are sent only after we have received your final payment.

CANCELLATION POLICY

FOR RUNNERS WITH RACE ENTRY

  • Cancel on or before 30 Jun 2026 - Non-refundable deposit
  • Cancel on or after 01 Jul 2026 - 100% cancellation fee

STAY ONLY - RUNNERS WITH OWN RACE ENTRY

  • Cancel on or before 30 Jun 2026 - INR 10,000
  • Cancel on or after 01 Jul 2026 - 100% cancellation fee

STAY ONLY - NON-RUNNING COMPANIONS

  • Cancel on or before 30 Jun 2026 - No charge
  • Cancel between 01 Jul 2026 and 15 Aug 2026 - 30% cancellation fee
  • Cancel on or after 16 Aug 2026 - 50% cancellation fee

TRANSFER & DEFERRAL

  • In the case of a booking with race entry included, your non-refundable deposit is specifically for the trip and the year that you have booked.
  • Unless the rules of the event permit deferral to another year or a transfer to / replacement for another participant with or without a fee, your non-refundable deposit cannot be applied to another event or year, even if Active Holiday Company is the official travel partner for the event.
  • Bookings without race entry included can be transferred as per policy applicable to the booking.

OTHER CONDITIONS

  • All costs exclude GST 5% and  2% TCS
  • All digital payments, including UPI, attract a 3% Platform Fee. Partial payments will be charged the fee to the extend that is paid via the digital platform. To avoid the 3% please arrange a direct bank transfer
  • Our prices are per person. Even if you have booked a single room for your exclusive use it is mandatory to pay for all your travel companions
  • The use of any service, including hotel services, by anyone who is not a paid participant is strictly prohibited
  • Active Holiday Company reserves the right to amend prices if the currency fluctuates more than 5%
  • Entries are available on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Please do not apply for a slot with us and with the lottery before the ballot results are out. You will get charged twice and neither of the payments will be refunded
  • Please note we hold limited rooms for our group and adding a companion later is subject to availability
  • Use and promotion of competitor brands, products and logos - specifially of any company involved in selling marathon trips is strictly prohibited on all Active Holiday Company trips. This can result in your removal from our trip without any refund and refusal on future trips

Exclusions

  • The cost of flights, visas, passport, insurance is not included in the tour price unless stated otherwise
  • Any meals not mentioned under inclusions are at your own expense
  • Single rooms and optional tours and extra nights cost extra
  • Arrival and departure transfers are not included in your tour price
  • Excess baggage, porterage, laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages are considered personal expenses and not included in your tour price
  • GST, VAT, and other taxes as applicable in India are additional to the tour price

Event Details

Speciality

  • World Marathon Major
  • Flat and fast record-breaking course
  • Run through 29 vibrant neighborhoods
  • Unmatched spectator energy and support
  • Iconic finish in Grant Park

Events (Distances & Date)

42.2 km | 11 Oct 2027

Race Start and Finish

Grant Park

Start Time

Wave 1 - 7:35 AM
Wave 2 - 8:00 AM
Wave 3 - 8:35 AM

Cut-Off Time

6 hours 30 mins

Course Map

Official Course Map

Weather

Mild and comfortable race conditions, with temperatures typically ranging between 6°C – 17°C.

Expo Location

McCormick Place

Expo Dates and Timings

8th Oct '26 (Thurs): 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM*
9th Oct '26 (Fri): 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM*
10th Oct '26 (Sat): 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM*

*Subject to change

Travel Tips

Treat yourself to a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza

Thick, cheesy, and packed with flavour, it's a must-try. If you can, compare it with the city's equally loved tavern-style thin crust.

Explore beyond Downtown

Chicago is a city of neighbourhoods. Wander Wicker Park for indie cafés and boutiques, Pilsen for incredible Mexican food and vibrant murals, or West Loop for some of the city's best restaurants.

Walk or cycle the Lakefront Trail

Stretching for miles along Lake Michigan, this scenic path offers beaches, skyline views, and a chance to see how Chicagoans spend their free time.

Catch live blues or jazz after dinner

Chicago's music scene is legendary. End your day in an intimate blues club or historic jazz venue for an authentic taste of the city's cultural soul.

Reviews

Post Your Review
669 of 669

Mr

Excellent experience from start to finish. Everything was well organized, communication was clear, and the team was very supportive. The hotel, transfers, and race arrangements were all handled professionally. I would definitely travel with Active Holiday Company again.

The ah-ha moment on the trip

Seeing thousands of runners at the start line and crossing the finish line reminded me that consistency and determination can achieve any goal.

Tips for future travellers for this trip

Arrive a few days early to adjust and collect your race pack without stress. Bring comfortable walking shoes, stay hydrated, and enjoy the atmosphere before race day. Trust the itinerary and follow the guidance from the Active team.

Read More
obaid Binkhadim
May 2026
668 of 669

Wonderful Experience with Gauri and the Team

I booked my first marathon holiday with them and it was a wonderful experience. Gauri and all the staff are very friendly and helpful. They don’t just book your holiday,they look after you during the whole trip. They took us to nice restaurants for lunch and organized a lovely party after the marathon. Everything was well organized and easy. I will definitely contact Gauri again to book my next marathon holiday.

The ah-ha moment on the trip

Lunch at the vineyard restaurant. The beautiful views and the great food.

Read More
Dev Pradhan
May 2026
667 of 669

Awsome Cape Town Trip

This was my third marathon trip with Active and one of the best. The hotel location, the vineyard trip and the after party was awsome. Thank you Gauri.

Read More
Sanjeev Aryal
May 2026
666 of 669

Amazingly Organised

Very well planned..the hotel selection was just near the start and finish line..5 mins walk.

The ah-ha moment on the trip

Walking back to hotel after the marathon was cake walk due to proximity

Tips for future travellers for this trip

All the trips from Active

Read More
NAKUL MAHESHWARI
May 2026
665 of 669

Amazing SA trip with Active holiday

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Ahmad Alkhayat
May 2026
664 of 669

Amazing trip

Had an amazing time in cape town . My hotel was fantastic and the most strategic location ever . Just minutes walk from the start finish and expo . Thanks again for an amazing experience guys .

The ah-ha moment on the trip

Location location location

Tips for future travellers for this trip

Not a single thing .

Read More
Jamal Alkhanji
May 2026
663 of 669

Capetown Marathon

This is my 5th trip with Active Holidays, and every single experience has been absolutely wonderful. They not only provide great accommodation, but also take the best care of every other aspect of the trip. Thank you, Gouri!

The ah-ha moment on the trip

Lunch meet up and After party, memorable evening.

Tips for future travellers for this trip

You guys are perfect!

Read More
Kalyani Satija
May 2026
662 of 669

Its time for Africa !!!

Ran my first WMM courtesy Active team and I am so happy with the way things were organised by them. Kudos to Active team 👍

Tips for future travellers for this trip

Just believe on Gauri and team and they will do best for you

Read More
Sumeet Jain
May 2026
661 of 669

Marathon

Location of the Hotel was perfect.

The ah-ha moment on the trip

Finishing of the marathon.

Tips for future travellers for this trip

Go for it. Running in Cape Town is different.

Read More
Shambhu Dahal
May 2026
660 of 669

Extraordinary experience

Cape Town Marathon was just amazing. You couldn’t have asked for better weather, a fabulous picturesque route, incredible community support and superb arrangements. The energy throughout the course was electrifying and every stretch offered breathtaking views. The volunteers, spectators and fellow runners made the entire experience truly memorable. And when it comes to Active Holidays, Gauri and her team never settle for anything less than perfect. From the excellent hotel stay — just 500 meters from the start line for me — to the wonderful get-together with fellow runners, the city tour, partial route recce, pre-race lunch and post-race dinner, everything was thoughtfully planned and exceptionally well managed. Just amazing from start to finish.

Read More
Upendra Tripathi
May 2026

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