EVENT ITINERARY
Chicago Marathon 2026 The Gwen Hotel
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 ARE 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 09:00
– 17:00
Monday to Friday 09:00
Paris, France
Charlotte, USA
+33 (0) 6 82 76 11 79
+1 704 246 6429
Monday to Friday 09:00
– 17:30
Monday to Friday 09:00
– 17:00
– 17:00
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 On arrival into Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and after clearing immigration, you will be directed through customs and baggage claim before entering the main arrivals hall. Transport runs 24/7. There are a number of different transport options available to the city including: Taxi – the hotel is approximately 40 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 38
-minute journey (16 stops) on the CTA
Blue Line to get off at Clark/Lake, with a 22
-minute walk from here to
The Gwen. 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 Transit Authority
Chicago
website.
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ARRIVAL INFORMATION & ACCOMMODATION HOTEL INFORMATION The Gwen Hotel Address: 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States Website: The Gwen Hotel Hotel check-in from 15:00 and check-out is by 12:00 Please show your passport as ID when you 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. Note for Twin Share Bookings If you have booked a twin share as indicated on your booking confirmation, you have now been paired up with another runner of the same sex. If you check into the hotel prior to your fellow runner, please show courtesy and save space within the bedroom furniture such as wardrobes and drawers. Credit Card Imprint Please note that all hotels in the USA take a 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 and Amy Taylor 0044 (0)7775528518.
Sam Tisbury who can be contacted on 0044 (0)7720 380773
Sam and Am y 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
15:00 – 18:00
Hospitality Desk
Friday 9 th October
09:00 - 10:00
Hospitality Desk - Hotel Reception
10:15
Escort to the Expo**
15:00 - 18:00
Hospitality Desk
18:00 – 20:00
Meet & Greet Drinks**
07:00
Shakeout Run
07:30
Abbott Chicago 5K**
09:15
Escort to Race Brief**
09:45 - 10:45
Marathon Race Brief**
10:45
Escort to the Expo from the Race Brief**
14:00 – 15:30
Sightseeing River Cruise, escort at 13:45**
17:00 – 18:30
Hospitality Desk
06:00
Escort runners in Wave 1 & 2 to the marathon start**
07:00
Escort runners in Waves 3 to the marathon start**
08:30
Spectators Escort to Cheer Zone**
18:45
Escort to our Sports Tours Celebration Party**
19:00 – 23:00
Sports Tours After Party
09:00 – 11:00
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 9 TH OCTOBER Escort to the Marathon Expo at 10:15 Your Sports Tours International Representative will escort anybody who wishes to join them to the Marathon Expo at
10.15 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 – 18:00 to 20:00 Location: The Gwen, 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States Join us in The Grand Salon on the 11th floor from 18:00 until 20:00 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 Welcome Drinks are in your hotel, so you don’t need to travel anywhere!. We look forward to seeing you there!
SATURDAY 10 TH OCTOBER 5K Shakeout Run at 07:00 If you, your friends and family would like to join us for a complimentary 5k warm up run, please meet us in the hotel reception at
06:55 where we will
take you on a gentle run in the surrounding area, aiming to be back at the hotel by 08:00. This will allow time to shower, breakfast and get to the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile Hotel for the race brief.
Abbott Chicago 5K at 07:30 (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 are 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 assigned to a start corral
- Start Corrals Open : 06 :30
based on your projected pace.
- Wheelchair Start : 07 :25
someone in a different corral, you may move back corrals as space
- Race Start : 07 :30
allows. The cut -off time is 45 minutes.
- Finish line closes : 09 :00
Further information:
If you would like to run with
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 10 TH OCTOBER Marathon Race Brief – from 09:45 – 10:45 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 09:45 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 10 -minute walk from The Gwen Hotel. Please meet at our hospitality desk by 09:10 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 – 10:45 Immediately after the Race Brief, we will escort runners who wish to join us to the Expo from the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile . Please meet outside the briefing room at
10:45 if you wish to join
us. We will travel via 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) – 13:45 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 from the Wendella West Dock Four at 14:15 and returns to dock at
13:45 to board the boat 14:00. The tour departs at
15:45 (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 14:15 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 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.
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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 8 th October
10:00 – 18:00
Friday 9 th October
09:00 – 18:00
Saturday 10
th October
09:00 – 18:00
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; •
29-minute journey = Walk 5 mins to Michigan & Illinois bus stop. Get the number 3 Bus (towards 95
th Red
Line), ride for 21 stops, 23 minutes. Get off at McCormick Place and walk 1 minute to the expo. •
32-minute journey= Walk 8 minutes to Grand Train Station. Get the Red Line (towards 95 travel for 6 stops, 10 minutes. Get off at Cermak
th /Dan Ryan),
-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. Please see your reps if you require further information.
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CHICAGO MARATHON RACE DAY SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER 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 Wave 1 & 2 – Our staff will escort runners in Waves 1 & 2 from our hospitality desk at Waves 3 – Our staff will escort runners in Wave 3 from our hospitality desk at
06:00.
07:00.
Our staff will escort you by walking, as this is the easiest way to get there (approx. 25
-35
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. 25-35 minutes)- there are a couple options, but this is the most straight forward 1.
Exit left out of the hotel and head down N Rush St.
2.
Turn left onto E Hubbard Street.
3.
Turn right onto N Michigan Avenue.
4.
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 colour 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 05:30 – Gear check opens 05:30 – Start corrals open 07:20 – Wheelchair Start
07:23 – Handcycle Start
LINK TO CHICAGO MARATHON WEBSITE Further event information can be found HERE
07:35 – Wave 1 Start 08:00 – Wave 2 Start 08:35 – Wave 3 Start 9
CHICAGO MARATHON RACE DAY SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER 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 below;
Course Map Refreshments Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula Lemon stations along the course which are approximately 1
-lime will be offered at all 20 aid
-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 our hospitality desk. We will walk 10
08:30 in the hotel at
-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. 25-35 minutes - same way as to the start) 1.
Head out of Grant Park, up the Magnificent Mile (N Michigan Ave).
2.
Walk all the way up until you reach E Hubbard St, turn left, take the pedestrian overpass.
3.
Turn right onto N Rush Street.
4.
After 335 ft your hotel is on the right. 10
Post Race SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER Post Race Celebration – From 19:00 to 23:00 Location: House of Blues Chicago City 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654 Website: House of Blues Chicago City *By ticket 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
18:45 for the short walk. If you wish to join us a little
– we will welcome you at the venue from 19:00
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 19:00 to 23:00. 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 12TH OCTOBER 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 08:45. The tour departs at
08:30 to board the boat at the Wendella Dock Four at
09:00 and returns to dock at 11:00 (2 hours). A complimentary drinks
package is included for all our guests where you can order complimentary hot/cold/non alcoholic/alcoholic
-
(over 21 years old only with ID) drinks 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 09:00 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 12:00 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 12
th October
- 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 09:00 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 – UK Citizens
Emergency/SOS Telephone Number
All UK citizens require a full 10
In the USA, the emergency/SOS number is
-year British citizen
911. Calls to
passport. British citizens do not require a visa, however,
this number can be made from any telephone (landline,
a valid ESTA is required (see below). Check the latest
pay phone or mobile cell phone). Calls are free. They
entry requirements for the Foreign Travel Advice
USA on the GOV.UK website:
should only be used for emergencies.
- USA . Travel Insurance
Non -British citizens should check with their embassy for current passport/visa/ESTA requirements.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance should be
Passports & Visas – Irish Citizens
purchased before travelling. Please check any exclusions and that your policy covers all the activities
All Irish citizens must hold a full 10
-year Irish citizen
you will undertake. Note that any pre
-existing medical
passport. Irish citizens do not require a visa, however, a
conditions should be declared; failure to do so may
valid ESTA is required (see below).
result in the invalidation of your travel insurance. Ensure
entry requirements for the Know Before You Go
Check the latest
USA on the DFA website:
and Travel Advice - USA .
your own personal possessions, including any sports equipment, are covered by your travel insurance or your own home contents insurance
ESTA
- Sports Tours
International cannot accept liability for any loss of/damage to your personal possessions. More
An ESTA is required for British and Irish clients
information is available at:
travelling to the USA. Please use the following link to obtain your ESTA if you do not have a valid one: Customs and Border Protection
U.S.
GOV.UK – Foreign Travel Insurance
- ESTA Sports Tours International UK Bookings (ref starting UR)
Credit Card Authorisation at Hotels
– Travel Insurance Information
A credit card authorisation of around $250 will be taken
Sports Tours International Irish Bookings (ref starting
upon check -in (amount varies between hotels and
IR) – Travel Insurance Information
length of stay) to cover incidentals. This is usually released upon check out of the hotel, please check with the hotel for their rules. Money The currency in the
USA is the US Dollar/$. Credit cards
including Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted. Some smaller shops and businesses may only accept cash.
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