EVENT ITINERARY
Chicago Marathon 2026 Hotel Chicago Autograph Collection
WELCOME TO YOUR SPORTS TOURS INTERNATIONAL ITINERARY This itinerary provides all the key details you’ll need before, during and after the race. From the moment your journey begins to crossing the finish line and beyond, our dedicated team will be there to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s guiding you to the race expo, answering your questions at our pre
-race briefing
or cheering you on from our cheer zone along the course, we’ll be with you throughout. Get ready to run and celebrate with Team Sports Tours!
OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP If you have any queries prior to your trip, please call: Manchester, UK
Dublin, Ireland
+44 (0) 161 703 8161
+353 (1) 903 6942
Monday to Friday 9:00
– 5:00
Monday to Friday 9:00
Paris, France
Charlotte, USA
+33 (0) 6 82 76 11 79
+1 704 246 6429
Monday to Friday 9:00
– 5:30
Monday to Friday 9:00
– 5:00
– 5:00
If you have any queries during your trip, please contact the Sports Tours representative at your hotel
–
details on page 4. Emergency Contact during your trip:
+44 (0)7971 092882
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ARRIVAL INFORMATION ARRIVAL INTO CHICAGO From Chicago O’Hare International Airport - Public Transport As a reminder, flights and airport transfers are not included as part of your package. ARRIVALS INTO CHICAGO O'HARE AIRPORT Transport runs 24/7. There are a number of different transport options available to the city including: Taxi/Ride Share – the hotel is approximately 37 minutes away (depending on traffic). Chicago has many taxi companies which will take you to and from the airport, however, there are also Ubers and
Lyfts available, should you wish to
use them. You can download their apps in the App Store/Google Play and can
enter your card details. Train/Bus – Public transport is provided by the Chicago Transport Authority with the CTA Blue Line being the main route into the city from O’Hare Airport. It is a 40 -minute journey (17 stops) on the CTA Blue Line to get off at Washington, with a 10 -minute walk from here to Hotel Chicago. You can use contactless with your bank card for this. Ventra App - We suggest that you download the Ventra App prior to travelling to Chicago, which allows you to buy a Metro Card for travel in advance. Information and maps can be found on the
Chicago Transit Authority
website.
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ARRIVAL INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATION HOTEL INFORMATION Hotel Chicago Autograph Collection Address: 333 North Dearborn Street, 350 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States Website: Hotel Chicago Autograph Collection Hotel check-in is at 3:00PM and check-out is by 12:00PM Please have your government
ID available to check into the hotel.
Your hotel is booked as per the dates and duration on your booking confirmation and is on a
ROOM
ONLY basis. Breakfast is a chargeable extra, payable directly to the hotel if required. Credit Card Imprint Please note that the hotel will take the compulsory credit card imprint upon check in, approx. $250 is held against your card, to be released on check out. This is to cover incidentals and for any chargeable extras to your room. TOURIST INFORMATION For information on the local area, please visit Visit Chicago
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SPORTS TOURS INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Your Sports Tours International Representatives are Mhairi Barnes 0044 (0)7546 315367.
Joe Reed who can be contacted on 0044 (0)7874 263959 and
Joe and Mhairi will be available in person at the times detailed below and by phone throughout your stay. Please visit our hospitality desk in the hotel reception with any questions you may have or just to introduce yourself.
Date
Time
Location
Thursday 8 th October
3:00PM – 6:00PM
Hospitality Desk
Friday 9 th October
9:00AM - 10:00PM
Hospitality Desk - Hotel Reception
10:15AM
Escort to the Expo**
3:00PM - 6:00PM
Hospitality Desk
6:00PM – 8:00PM
Meet & Greet Drinks**
7:00AM
Shakeout Run
7:30AM
Abbott Chicago 5K**
9:15AM
Escort to Race Brief**
9:45AM - 10:45AM
Marathon Race Brief**
10:45AM
Escort to the Expo from the Race Brief**
2:00PM – 3:30PM
Sightseeing River Cruise, escort at 13:45**
5:00PM – 6:30PM
Hospitality Desk
6:00AM
Escort runners in Waves 1 & 2 to the marathon start**
7:00AM
Escort runners in Wave 3 to the marathon start**
8:30AM
Spectators Escort to Cheer Zone**
6:45PM
Escort to our Sports Tours Celebration Party**
7:00PM – 11:00PM
Sports Tours After Party
9:00AM – 11:00AM
Sightseeing River Cruise, escort at 08:30**
Saturday 10 th October
Sunday 11 th October
Monday 12 th October
– Hotel Reception
– Hotel Reception
– Hotel Reception
** Please see relevant sections under Daily Itinerary (page 6 onwards) for further information on each activity. COMPLIMENTARY GIFT - BOBBLE HAT Each client receives a complimentary Chicago Marathon Sports Tours International bobble hat. Please collect your bobble hat from our hospitality desk during the times listed. We are unable to post any bobble hats not collected in Chicago, so please remember to visit our desk prior to Sunday. 5
PRE -RACE BUILD UP
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 TH
Escort to the Marathon Expo at 10:15AM Your Sports Tours International Representative will escort anybody who wishes to join them to the Marathon Expo at
10.15AM today, partly by foot
and train (at your own expense). Please meet at our hospitality desk before 10:15. Alternatively, feel free to make your own way at any other time convenient to you.
Welcome Drinks – 6:00PM to 8:00PM Location: The Gwen, 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States Join us in The Grand Salon at The Gwen Hotel on the 11th floor from 6:00PM until 8:00PM for complimentary welcome drinks (beer, wine and soft drinks) and to meet your reps and fellow runners. Even if you’re travelling solo, this is an ideal opportunity to meet others. The Gwen is an
11-minute walk from Hotel Chicago. The reps will escort
you from your hotel. Please meet in the reception at 5:40PM or feel free to make your own way there. We look forward to seeing you there!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 TH 5K Shakeout Run at 7:00AM
If you, your friends and family would like to join us for a complimentary 5k warm up run, 6:55 where we will take you on a gentle run in the
please meet us in the hotel reception at
surrounding area, aiming to be back at the hotel by 8:00. This will allow time to shower, breakfast and get to the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Hotel for the race brief.
Abbott Chicago 5K at 7:30AM (Pre-purchased only) If you have purchased an entry for the Abbott Chicago 5K directly with Chicago Marathon, pick up your bib from the Marathon Expo, details below.
We unable to escort you to the start or from the finish due to our own complimentary shakeout run, therefore, please make your own way to the 5K start and we wish you the very best of luck! - Start Location : Grant Park
All Abbott Chicago 5K participants are
- Start Corrals Open : 6:30 AM
assigned to a start corral based on your
- Wheelchair Start : 7:25AM
projected pace. If you would like to run
- Race Start : 7:30 AM
with someone in a different corral, you
- Finish line closes : 9:00 AM
may move back corrals as space allows. The cut -off time is 45 minutes. Further information:
Abbott Chicago 5K
If your flight is delayed and you won’t arrive in Chicago until after the expo closes on Friday, preventing you from collecting your 5k bib, please contact your Sports Tours Representative using the phone number listed on page
5. They will check what the possible options are. Please note, this
does not apply to marathon bib collection. 6
PRE -RACE BUILD UP SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 TH Marathon Race Brief – from 9:45AM – 10:45AM Location: Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile Hotel Room: Grand Ballroom (on the 2nd floor via lift or stairs located in the hotel reception) Join us at 9:45AM in the Grand Ballroom for a Chicago Marathon Race brief where our staff will share their wealth of knowledge about the race. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insight ahead of race day. We hope you will join us! Escort to Race Brief –Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile Hotel is a 16 -minute walk from Hotel Chicago. Please meet at our hospitality desk by
9:10AM if you would like to walk there
with your rep. Feel free to make you own way if you prefer
– we
suggest arriving in good time to ensure you secure a seat as it has been very popular in previous years!
Escort to Marathon Expo – 10:45AM Immediately after the Race Brief, we will escort runners who wish to join us to the Expo from the Hyatt Centric 10:45AM if you wish to join us. We will travel via
Magnificent Mile . Please meet outside the briefing room at
foot and public transport (at your own expense). Should you wish to attend at any other time, you are welcome to do so. (More information on following page). If you have already been to the Expo, you do not need to attend.
Private Sightseeing River Cruise (Pre-Booked Clients Only) – 1:45PM Join us for a complimentary Chicago Lake and River Architecture River Tour on Wendella Tours & Cruises. This a private tour for Sports Tours International and we have hired boats for our guests. Our staff will escort you from the hotel at 2:00PM. The tour departs at
1:45PM to board the boat from the Wendella West Dock Four at
2:15PM and returns to dock at
3:45PM (1.5 hours). Drinks and snacks are available
for purchase onboard, including hot/cold drinks and alcohol (over 21 years old only with ID). There are toilets available on board.
This tour is only available for Sports Tours International clients who have booked a place on the Saturday 2:15PM Cruise and your names will be checked upon boarding. Tickets are not required, however, please check your booking confirmation to confirm you have selected a place on the Saturday Tour (we also have a tour on the Monday). If you are booked for the Monday tour, you won’t be permitted to board on Saturday as names have been pre
-lodged with the Cruise Company. If in doubt, ensure
speak to your rep prior to today. Please make your own way back to the hotel after the tour. 7
PRE -RACE BUILD UP BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON EXPO Location: McCormick Place Convention
Center
2301 S Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 Opening Times:
Thursday, October 8 Friday, October 9
th
Saturday, October 10
10:00AM – 7:00PM 9:00AM – 7:00PM
th th
9:00AM – 7:00PM
Bib Collection What you need: o Your Packet Pick-up email o Your Photo ID (passport or driving licence) What you will get: ✓ Bib number and safety pins
✓ Timing device ✓ Nike participant running shirt ✓ Participant bag ✓ Gear check tag Note: All runners must attend the Expo in person for Packet Pickup - no other person is permitted to collect on your behalf. Please see your reps if you require further information. How To Get There From Your Hotel There are multiple route options but here are a couple suggestions; •
32-minute journey = Walk 8 mins to Michigan & South Water bus stop. Get the number 3 Bus (towards 95
th
Red Line), ride for 19 stops, 21 minutes. Get off at McCormick Place and walk 1 minute to the expo. •
33-minute journey= Walk 8 minutes to Lake Train Station. Get the Red Line (towards 95 for 5 stops, 8 minutes. Get off at Cermak
th /Dan Ryan), travel
-Chinatown station. Now walk 17 minutes to the expo OR… Walk 2
mins to Cermak & Clark Bus station. Get the 21 Bus (Towards Mercy Hospital), 3 stops, 4 mins. Get off at McCormick Place. Walk 1 minute to expo.
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CHICAGO MARATHON RACE DAY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 TH Today is the day! All your training and hard work is about to be put to the test. Enjoy the flat, fast, iconic course and don’t forget to savour the day. We wish you the very best of luck and hope you have a great race! Race bibs must be securely attached to the front of your t
-shirt without
bending the bib/chip. Getting To The Start Waves 1 & 2 – Our staff will escort runners in Waves 1 & 2 from our hospitality desk at Wave 3 – Our staff will escort runners in Wave 3 from our hospitality desk at
6:00AM.
7:00AM.
Our staff will escort you by walking, as this is the easiest way to get there (approx. 20
-30
minutes). If you wish to go at any other time, you are free to do so. Start Area The start is in Grant Park at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Drive. The Start/Finish area is open to participants only. How to get to the Start Walking Route (approx. 20-30 minutes)- there are a couple options, but this is the most straight forward 1.
Exit left out of the hotel and straight right again onto N State St.
2.
Immediately cross the road and walk through, taking the stairs, towards Chicago Riverwalk.
3.
Turn right towards Chicago Riverwalk, alongside N Wabash Avenue.
4.
Go across the crossroads and then take a left onto E Wacker Place and walk for 0.1 m.
5.
Turn right onto the Magnificent Mile (N Michigan Ave)
6.
Follow the mass crowds towards Grant Park for the start area.
Your start corral is shown on your bib number
– feel free to move back to a later corral if you wish,
it is not possible to move forward to a faster corral. Gear check (bag drop) is available to store small personal items or articles of clothing during the race at your designated gear check area, which is determined by the
color on the top and bottom
of your bib. Only the participant bag and gear check tag given to you at the expo will be accepted. Pacers will be in place 30 minutes before the wave start time holding large “lollipop” signs marked with their corresponding pace and they will be wearing uniforms to help identify them. MARATHON START TIMES 5:30AM – Gear check opens 5:30AM – Start corrals open 7:20AM – Wheelchair Start
LINK TO CHICAGO MARATHON WEBSITE Further event information can be found HERE
7:23AM – Handcycle Start 7:35AM – Wave 1 Start 8:00AM – Wave 2 Start 8:35AM – Wave 3 Start 9
CHICAGO MARATHON RACE DAY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 TH The Course
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its fast and flat course that starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. The course has produced four world records, several national records, and countless personal bests. Runners can soak up the support of around 1.7 million spectators as they run through 29 neighbourhoods. The Full Course Map can be found here;
Course Map
Refreshments Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula Lemon course which are approximately 1
-lime will be offered at all 20 aid stations along the
-2 miles apart. Portable toilets are also situated at each aid station.
Cut-off time: Runners must complete the course within the time limit of 6 hours 30 minutes from the last starter
(finish by 4PM). Finish Area Once you have finished your race and been presented with your finisher medal you will be directed to the finish area. There are amenities available in the finish area (changing rooms, showers, massage services etc) that have been provided for your convenience and comfort. Spectators- Cheer Zone Sports Tours International will cheer all our runners on the course. We expect to be on the corner of West Hubbard Street and North Wells Street shortly after the 20k mark
before runners start the ascent to North Wells Street Bridge. We will be easily identified by Sports Tours flags and branding on runners’ left. If any spectators wish to join us at the cheer zone, please meet our reps at
8:30AM in the hotel at our hospitality
desk. We will walk 10 -15 minutes to our cheer zone ready to give our runners lots of encouragement as they pass us. Should you wish to join us independently at a later time, you are welcome to do so, please see your rep in advance of Marathon Day for full location details. After The Race When you are ready to leave the finish area and Grant Park, please make your own way back to the hotel. How to get back after the race
Walking (approx. 20 -30 minutes - same way as to the start) 1.
Head out of Grant Park, up the Magnificent Mile (N Michigan Ave).
2.
Turn left onto E Wacker Place.
3.
Turn right onto N Wabash avenue. Cross over to the left
-hand side onto Chicago Riverwalk and take the path
through to N State Street, take the stairs. 4.
Turn right and then immediately left and your hotel is here.
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POST RACE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11TH Post Race Celebration From 7:00PM to 11:00PM Location: House of Blues Chicago City 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654 Website: House of Blues Chicago City *Tickets for Sports Tours International clients only* If you selected the After Party Celebration on your booking, please collect your ticket from our hospitality desk during our desk times shown on page 5. Our staff will escort you from your hotel at later, you are free to do so
6:45PM for the short walk. If you wish to join us a little
– we will welcome you at the venue starting at 7:00PM.
Join us for a fantastic evening of celebration, drinks, food, a live band and entertainment! Celebrate your achievement with
beer, red and white wine, cider, single spirits with mixers and
soft drinks from 7:00PM to 11:00PM. Enjoy an extensive buffet of tasty hot and cold dishes followed by desserts. Due to venue capacity, only guests booked on a Sports Tours International package are permitted to attend the after party. It is NOT possible to purchase tickets for non International customers
-Sports Tours
. Children can attend the after party and will be given a separate wristband
on arrival. It is strictly an age of 21+ for alcoholic beverages, you must bring ID to show this. Getting There If you are making your own way there, to plan your journey, we suggest using
Google Maps or
Rome2Rio or speak to our rep at your hotel prior to race day for assistance.
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DEPARTURE DAY Monday, OCTOBER 12TH Private Sightseeing River Cruise (Pre-Booked Clients Only) Join us for a complimentary Chicago Lake and River Architecture River Tour on Wendella Tours & Cruises. This a private tour for Sports Tours International and we have hired boats for our guests. Our staff will escort you from the hotel at 8:45AM. The tour departs at
8:30AM to board the boat at the Wendella Dock Four at
9:00AM and returns to dock at 11:00AM (2 hours). A complimentary
drinks package is included for all our guests where you can order complimentary hot/cold/non alcoholic/alcoholic drinks
-
(over 21 years old only with ID) from the onboard bar. There are toilets
available on board. This tour is only available for Sports Tours International clients who have booked a place on the Monday 9:00AM Cruise and your names will checked upon boarding. Tickets are not required, however, please check your booking confirmation to confirm you have selected a place on the Monday Tour (we also have a tour on the Saturday). If you are booked for the Saturday tour, you won’t be permitted to board on Monday as names have been pre
-lodged with the Cruise Company.
If in doubt, ensure speak to your rep prior on Friday. Please make your own way back to the hotel after the tour.
Hotel Check-out Please check out of your room by 12:00PM and ensure you have settled the bill for any extras (e.g. drinks, phone calls etc.) or room charges you may have incurred. Luggage may be left with the concierge after this time if you wish to spend time exploring today. We wish you a safe journey home.
Columbus Day Parade Starting from 12:00 noon on Monday, October
12th - State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren, The
Columbus Day Parade is sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. The Parade features over 150 units, with bands, floats and marchers, and everyone is welcome! The festivities begin with a 9:00AM Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington Street. A wreath laying ceremony in Arrigo Park at the Columbus statue, together with the Grand Lodge, State of Illinois, Order Sons of Italy in America, followed by the parade at 12:00 noon on State Street. This could be a great way to spend a few hours in Chicago before heading home! Please note, this
trip is not escorted by Sports Tours International staff as they will be departing for the airport.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION Passports & Visas
Travel Insurance
For Citizens of Other Countries Travelling to the
Training for and participating in a marathon or half
United States:
marathon is an inherently high
-risk activity that may
result in injury. We strongly recommend that all Travelers from other countries must present a valid
participants purchase a comprehensive travel insurance
passport and may also need an approved ESTA
policy that specifically covers running
(Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or similar
as well as potential trip cancellations for reasons such
visa -waiver program, depending on their country of
as (but not limited to) personal illness or injury, family
citizenship. Please consult your country’s official travel
emergencies, work commitments, or military
resources for specific entry requirements.
deployment.
Please be cautious of third
If you already have a travel insurance policy, please
-party websites, as they may
-related activities,
charge unnecessary fees and cannot be guaranteed as
review the specific coverage carefully and bring the
secure or official.
relevant documentation with you. Be sure to check for any exclusions and confirm that your policy covers all
Credit Card Authorization at Hotels
planned activities. Additionally, you are responsible for ensuring that your personal belongings are covered
A credit card authorisation of around $250 will be taken
either by your travel insurance or your home contents
upon check -in (amount varies between hotels and length
insurance. Sports Tours International cannot accept
of stay) to cover incidentals. This is usually released
liability for the loss or theft of personal possessions
upon check out of the hotel, please check with the hotel
for their rules. Money The currency in the
USA is the US Dollar/$. Credit cards
including Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted. Some smaller shops and businesses may only accept cash. Emergency/SOS Telephone Number
In the USA, the emergency/SOS number is
911. Calls to
this number can be made from any telephone (landline, pay phone or mobile cell phone). Calls are free. They should only be used for emergencies.
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