Chicago has always been one of the world's biggest marathons but historically was viewed as predominantly an American race. That changed in 2006 when it joined with London, Boston, New York and Berlin to form the Marathon Majors programme, which with the inclusion of Tokyo in 2013 and the Six-Star finisher's scheme, turbo-charged the international field. What most who travel to Chicago discover, is not only a magnificent city but a great marathon running experience. The course and logistics ar…
Chicago has always been one of the world's biggest marathons but historically was viewed as predominantly an American race. That changed in 2006 when it joined with London, Boston, New York and Berlin to form the Marathon Majors programme, which with the inclusion of Tokyo in 2013 and the Six-Star finisher's scheme, turbo-charged the international field.Â
What most who travel to Chicago discover, is not only a magnificent city but a great marathon running experience. The course and logistics are more akin to Berlin than its more famous American cousin in New York, with roads that are wide and flat with long straights a single city centre start/finish area that is a short walk from most of the hotels. What it does share with New York are some loud and boisterous crowds.
The 2023 race will be the 45th running of the race and after the successful delivery of the event in 2022 - the first with a full international field since the COVID pandemic - we would expect it to return to a field with more than 40,000 finishers.
The RaceÂ
With a start and finish in the wide spaces of Grant Park on the shores of Lake Michigan -this is where President Obama made his first speech after being elected as President - Â the race logistics of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon could not be easier.
The route takes in much of the shoreline and the downtown areas with their massive and distinctive skyscrapers, such as the Sears Building on the Magnificent Mile. It is very flat with just a rise on a slip road as you go up and over a highway for the turn towards the finish. As a consequence, it's a fast course.Â
With more than 40,000 runners this is truly a major event and many think the best of the big marathons as its status as one of the Marathon Majors (along with London, Boston, Berlin, Tokyo and New York) testifies. Â
GUARANTEED RACE ENTRY
We have a limited number of guaranteed entry places for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon which are available with a travel package only - our places are GUARANTEED with our travel packages and you will not have to go through the ballot system. The minimum package under our ITP contract with Bank of America Chicago Marathon is Hotel with entry and there is NO ENTRY ONLY.
The prices on our hotel-only does not include the price of the race entry you will need to add that to those prices if you require a guaranteed entry. Runners with their own places can also join our tour at the prices quoted below. We can offer full packages with flights and private transfers, if you are interested in these please send a note to info@209events.com and we'll give you a quote.
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DRAKE HOTEL CHICAGO****Superior
The Drake Hotel is one of Chicago's oldest and best-known hotels. Throughout the roaring twenties, the Drake Hotel became high-society’s first choice in opulence. The Fountain Court, now known as the Palm Court, hosted Chicago's social elite daily for tea—a continuing tradition at The Drake. The popularity of the illustrious urban resort continued to rise well into the 1930s seemingly unaffected by the crash of 1929. Icons such as Bing Crosby, Walt Disney, George Gershwin, and Charles Lindbergh could be seen sipping a cocktail and listening to Herbie Kay in The Gold Coast Room.
Guest rooms at The Drake, a Hilton hotel, are distinguished by their comfort, elegance, and amenities.  All of the hotel accommodations feature HDTVs, and Italian marble bathrooms, enhancing the luxurious ambience.Â
All Deluxe Rooms feature either a king bed or two oversized twin beds. Both rooms come standard with office space, HDTV, in-room seating and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Since we have a limited number of places for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon we are currently only offering hotel and entry packages. If you would like quote for a package that includes flights and private transfers, please send a note to info@209events.com
Thu 5 Oct:     Arrivals in Chicago O'Hare International Airport.  Make your own way to the Drake Hotel where we have made a reservation for you. A taxi from the airport to the city centre is between $30-$40, alternatively you can take a CTA train from O'Hare to downtown, which costs around $5. Hotel check in is at 3pm but if you arrive earlier, you can leave your baggage at the hotel marathon registration to collect your number. After check-in, there is time to relax or join us for a loosen up run along the Lake Michigan shoreline to nearby Grant Park where the race starts and finishes.
Fri 6 Oct:      Arrivals in Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Make your own way to the Drake Hotel where we have made a reservation for you. Hotel check in is at 3pm but if you arrive earlier, you can leave your baggage at the hotel marathon registration to collect your number. After check-in, there is time to relax or join us for a loosen up run along the Lake Michigan shoreline to nearby Grant Park where the race starts and finishes.
Sat 7 Oct:       Day to visit registration or go shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Visit Navy Pier or view Lake Michigan from the Sears Tower Sky Deck or visit the excellent Art Institute of Chicago.  Pasta Party in the evening - must be pre-booked and paid.
Sun 8 Oct:       Race day - the marathon starts at 7.30am in Grant Park. In the evening why not join us on an optional river cruise with dinner to celebrate your performance - cost £82 per person including a 2-course plated dinner and dessert station.
Mon 9 Oct:Â Â Â Â Â Return to Chicago O'Hare Airport for your return flight to LondonÂ
Extended stay after 9 October at the prices shown in the price section.
Please be aware from 1 April 2016 all customers travelling to the USA on the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) require an E-passport and much apply for an ESTA in advance of travel. For all up-to-date information please check http://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements
CHICAGO PRICES PER PERSON IN UK £'S
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| PRICES PER PERSONÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | TWIN/DOUBLE ROOM | SINGLE ROOM |
| 3-NIGHT HOTEL ONLY PACKAGE     | £859 | £1449 |
| 4-NIGHT HOTEL ONLY PACKAGE | £1059 | £1829 |
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| EXTRA NIGHTS - TWIN/DOUBLE ROOM    | £200 Per person |
| EXTRA NIGHTS - SINGLE ROOM | £375 |
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Single means one person is occupying the hotel room, double is two people sharing a king-sized double bed, twin is two people in one room with two beds. If you are travelling alone the single person cost applies. Hotel bookings are on a room-only basis. Â
Race entry is not included on the hotel-only packages and should be added to the prices above if required.
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A non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure this tour:
The final balance payment is due 10 weeks before travel (July 24th).Â
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For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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Choosing an overseas event is an exciting prospect and you will spend a lot of time training and focusing on it. It is essential then that you don’t jeopardize your dream by booking travel arrangements with a non-bonded supplier and run the risk of losing your money if a travel company goes into liquidation. 2:09 Events is a fully bonded tour operator regulated with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under the Air Travel Organisers License (ATOL) scheme. This protects your payments to 2:09 Events Ltd for all flight inclusive tours in the unlikely event that 2:09 Events Ltd ceased trading. |