SOLD OUT 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 log…
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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 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, including the Drake, our base for the trip.
Like Berlin the course can produce fast times, as evidenced by a remarkable 2:00:35 performance at the 2023 event by Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum, which stands as the current world record. The 2024 race will be the 46th running and Chicago is intent on building on its growing reputation by increasing the field size to a target of 50,000 finishers. Like its more famous cousin in New York, it certainly has the crowds and support to justify that.
Note: We are not permitted to sell packages to US residents.
The Race
With a start and finish in the wide spaces of Grant Park on the shores of Lake Michigan - this is where President Obama, formerly the State's Senator, made his first speech after being elected as President - 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 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.
With a goal of 50,000 finishers in 2024, this is truly a major event and many think the best of the Marathon Majors.
GUARANTEED RACE ENTRY
We have a limited number of guaranteed entry places for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon which are available with a travel package only - our places are GUARANTEED and do not require you 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 package 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.
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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 private Italian marble bathrooms, enhancing the luxurious ambience.
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.
Breakfast is not included as part of the tour but is available at the hotel in their restaurant.
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Since we have a limited number of places for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, we are only offering hotel and entry packages.
Thu 10 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 and visit marathon registration to collect your number.
After check-in, time to relax.
Meet & greet our 209 Events member of staff (time TBC)
Fri 11 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 and head over to the expo to collect your race number.
Late afternoon, join us for a loosen up run along the Lake Michigan shoreline to nearby Grant Park where the race starts and finishes (time TBC).
Meet and greet our 209 events member of staff (time TBC)
Sat 12 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.
Meet and greet our 209 Events member of staff (time TBC)
Sun 13 Oct:
RACE DAY - the marathon starts at 7.30am in Grant Park, which is a short walk from the Drake Hotel (approx 30 mins).
In the evening join us for a drink in the hotel bar.
Mon 14 Oct:
Return to Chicago O'Hare Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Extended stays after October 14 are possible at the prices shown below.
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 It is your responsibility to obtain the ESTA before travel.
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CHICAGO PRICES PER PERSON IN UK £'S
3 nights - Friday to Monday
4 nights - Thursday to Monday or Friday to Tuesday.
Extra nights on request.
|
PRICES PER PERSON
|
TWIN/DOUBLE ROOM | SINGLE ROOM |
| 3-NIGHT HOTEL ONLY PACKAGE | £889 | £1469 |
| 4-NIGHT HOTEL ONLY PACKAGE | £1089 | £1849 |
| EXTRA NIGHTS - TWIN/DOUBLE ROOM | £200 Per person |
| EXTRA NIGHTS - SINGLE ROOM | £380 |
Note - we are not permitted to sell packages to US residents.
PRICES ARE PER PERSON.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ALONE THE SINGLE PRICE APPLIES.
Race entry is not included in the above prices which are hotel-only and should be added to those prices if required.
A non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure this tour:
The final balance payment is due 10 weeks before travel (August 2).
WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD PROTECT YOUR DEPOSIT OR ANY OTHER PAYMENTS IF YOU CANCEL THE TRIP DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. WE DO NOT REFUND DEPOSITS AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DECIDE TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP AFTER IT IS CONFIRMED.
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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