Chicago is now one of the biggest marathons in the World and has developed a reputation as also being one of the best marathon experiences anywhere. Part of the Marathon Majors, it is a must do marathon,  and Chicago is a magnificent city to spend a weekend. It is the home of the Blues and superb shopping on Michigan Avenue all from our fantastic and historic hotel base at the superb 5-star Drake Hotel, located right on the Magnificent Mile. Demand for 2019 is already very high with runners…
Chicago is now one of the biggest marathons in the World and has developed a reputation as also being one of the best marathon experiences anywhere. Part of the Marathon Majors, it is a must do marathon,  and Chicago is a magnificent city to spend a weekend. It is the home of the Blues and superb shopping on Michigan Avenue all from our fantastic and historic hotel base at the superb 5-star Drake Hotel, located right on the Magnificent Mile.
Demand for 2019 is already very high with runners collecting Abbott World Marathon Majors and after the superb 2:05 performance of Mo Farah.Â
The RaceÂ
With a start and finish in the wide spaces of Grant Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, which is where President Obama made his first speech after being elected as President, the logistics are easy.
With 45,000 runners this is truly a major event and many who have experienced it along with the other Marathon Majors (London, Boston, Berlin, Tokyo and New York) think Chicago is the best of the bunch.Â
The route takes in much of the shoreline and the downtown areas with their massive, distinctive skyscrapers 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, the only real climb.Â
GUARANTEED RACE ENTRY
We have a limited number of guaranteed entry places 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 - we are no longer able to offer Flight with entry.
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DRAKE HOTEL CHICAGO*****
Guest rooms at The Drake, a Hilton hotel, are distinguished by their comfort, elegance, and amenities. Relax in a comfortable bed, or surf the Internet via high-speed wireless. All of the hotel accommodations feature HD TVs, and Italian marble bathrooms, enhancing the luxurious ambience. The distinctively furnished rooms are diligently designed to meet your every need. All Deluxe Rooms feature either a king bed or two over-sized twin beds. Both rooms come standard with office space, HDTV, and in-room seating.
The Drake Hotel, built as the nation’s first urban resort, is the leader in luxury, rightly situated at the top of the Magnificent Mile.
Throughout the roaring twenties The Drake 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.
In 1932 the Cape Cod Room became Chicago’s first choice for fresh fish and seafood and the nation’s first themed restaurant. Twenty years later, seen laughing over drinks, newlyweds Marilyn Monroe and Joe Dimaggio would carve their iconic initials into the bar’s world famous wooden counter.
Thu 10 Oct:         Flight to Chicago from London Heathrow with American Airlines AA99 departing 07.45 and arriving 10.25 or from Manchester direct with American Airlines departing at 12.20 and arriving at 15.05 (supplement may apply) - or book your own flights on a hotel and entry only package (transfers are not included if booking your own flights or travelling from Manchester).
On arrival at O'Hare International Airport if you are on a full package from Heathrow with flight and hotel, transfer will take you to your hotel, the 5-star Drake Chicago Hotel (room only basis) where you can leave your luggage then make your way to the expo registration (hotel check-in from 3pm). After check-in time to relax, or join us for a loosen up run along the Lake Michigan shore line to nearby Lincolm Park.
Fri 11 Oct:         Flight to Chicago from London Heathrow with American Airlines AA99 departing 07.45 and arriving 10.25 or from Manchester direct with American Airlines departing at 12.20 and arriving at 15.05 (supplement may apply) - or book your own flights on a hotel and entry only package (transfers are not included if booking own flights or from Manchester).
On arrival at O'Hare International Airport if you are on a full package from Heathrow with flight and hotel, transfer will take you to your hotel, the 5-star Drake Chicago Hotel (room only basis) where you can leave your luggage then make your way to the expo for registration (hotel check-in from 3pm). After check-in time to relax, or join us for a loosen up run along the Lake Michigan shore line to nearby Lincoln Park.Â
Sat 12 Oct:       Day to visit registration or shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Visit Navy Pier or view Lake Michigan from the Sears Tower Sky Deck or stop in at the excellent Art Institute of Chicago.  Pasta Party in the evening - must be pre-booked and paid for separately.
Sun 13 Oct:       Race day - race starts at 7.30am in Grant Park. This evening why not join us on an optional river cruise with dinner to celebrate your performance - cost £81 per person including 2 course plated dinner and desert station.
Mon 14 Oct:     Transfer to Chicago O'Hare Airport for your return flight to London with American Airlines AA98 departing 22.30 and arriving 12.05 the next day.Â
Extended stay after 8 October at the prices shown in the price section - transfer to the airport is not included on early arrivals/extended stays - taxi is approx $40 and the subway system connects directly with the airport.
Please be aware from 1 April 2016 all customers travelling to the USA on the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) require an E-passport. For all up-to-date information please check http://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements
CHICAGO PRICES PER PERSON IN UK£'S
| 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     | £749 | £1359 |
| 4-NIGHT HOTEL ONLY PACKAGE | £919 | £1699 |
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 TWIN/DOUBLE |
 SINGLE |
| 3-NIGHT FLIGHT & HOTEL PACKAGE | £1459     | £1999    |
| 4-NIGHT FLIGHT & HOTEL PACKAGE | £1679 | £2559 |
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| EXTRA NIGHTS - TWIN/DOUBLE ROOM    | £195 Per person |
| EXTRA NIGHTS - SINGLE ROOM | £330 |
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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 a single traveller interested in the twin room option, we can try to match you with another runner of the same gender who is also looking to share. Hotel bookings are a room-only basis. Flight and hotel pacakges also include airport transfers to and from the hotel.
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Race entry is not included on the hotel-only or flight and hotel 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 29th).
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For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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