Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago Marathon: Frequently Asked Questions
Topics:
Registration
When is the Chicago Marathon and when did registration open?
The 2010 Chicago Marathon will be held Sunday, October 10. Race registration will open on February 1.
How much does it cost to register?
The registration fee is $135 for U.S. participants and $160 for participants outside the U.S.
How many participants can register for the Chicago Marathon?
45,000.
When do you expect the race to reach its full capacity?
The 2009 Chicago Marathon reached its race capacity and officially closed toward the end of April. Post-close entries are available through select Charities and International Tour Operators (the registration deadline is September 1).
Can I sign up for a waiting list in the event that a registered participant opts not to run?
No, there is no waiting list for the Chicago Marathon.
I am injured and/or cannot run the event (family commitment, work obligation, etc.). Can I get a refund, donate my entry or transfer my entry to someone else?
No. Per our official event rules and guidelines: Sale and/or transfer of race entry/bib is strictly prohibited and will result in the disqualification and/or banning of any individuals involved from future events. All entry fees are non-refundable, and may not be deferred toward a future event.
If I provide medical documentation of my injury or pregnancy, will you give me a refund?
No. Please refer to our official event rules and guidelines.
Can I defer my entry to the next year if I am unable to run this year?
No, participants cannot defer their entries to the next year in the event that they cannot run.
How can I confirm my registration after I sign up online or mail in my registration form?
You can confirm your entry on our online confirmation page. We will send all registered participants a Confirmation Ticket/Participant Guide in the mail and a Confirmation E-mail in September.
How can I make a change of information to my registration (i.e. misspelling, address, e-mail, t-shirt size)?
E-mail office@chicagomarathon.com with “Change of Information” in the subject line or call the Chicago Marathon office at 312.904.9800 and a member of our staff will assist you.
Do I need a qualifying time to enter the Chicago Marathon?
No. The Chicago Marathon is open to all participants. However, we do have Seeded Start Corrals for qualified participants. For more information on Seeded Start Corrals, and for instructions on how to submit proof of qualification, click here.
I didn’t receive a confirmation e-mail after I registered. Can I get a new one?
If you tried to register online but did not receive a confirmation e-mail, then you need to do three things: 1) check your current credit card/bank statement to see if you were charged the registration fee; 2) check your spam and/or junk-mail folders to make sure the payment confirmation e-mail did not go into one of those, and check your e-mail settings to make sure you allow e-mails from “Active.com”; and 3) contact Active.com at 877.228.4881 to talk with one of their customer service representatives. Please note that we cannot resend payment confirmation e-mails once they have already been sent.
I was sure that I registered, but my name is not showing up online and registration is now closed. What can I do?
All participant applications received are current. If you tried to register online but your credit card was not charged the registration fee, then your transaction was not successful. If you submitted your registration application through the mail, please review your check or credit card statement to verify acceptance. Notify our office immediately if payment was accepted, but your name does not appear on our confirmation page.
Does the event offer a half-marathon option?
No, there is no half-marathon.
Is the marathon walker-friendly?
The marathon is open to all participants who wish to register; however, the marathon course closes after 6 hours and 30 minutes. Participants wishing to complete the 26.2-mile event within that timeframe will need to maintain a 15-minute/mile pace. After the 6:30:00 time limit has been reached, the streets will be re-opened to vehicular traffic, participants still out on the race course will be asked to move to the sidewalks, and on-course support (Aid Stations) will close.
Please note that participants who cross the finish line after 6:30:00 will not be recognized as official finishers and their names will not be printed in the official results book or the Commemorative Edition of the Chicago Tribune.
Are Relay Teams allowed to participate in the marathon?
No. We do not have a relay division. Each participant must individually complete the full 26.2-mile distance.
Weather and Event Alert System (EAS)
What are the normal high/low temperatures in Chicago on October 10?
Normal High: 66 Fahrenheit / 19 Celsius
Normal Low: 47 Fahrenheit / 8 Celsius
What is the Event Alert System (EAS)?
The Event Alert System (EAS) is a color-coded system that communicates the status of course conditions to participants leading up to and on race day. The levels range from Low (green) to Moderate (yellow) to High (red) to Extreme (black) based on a variety of factors, including weather conditions.
Health & Fitness Expo and Participant Bag
Where and when is the Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pick-Up?
The 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pick-Up will be held at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center.
Dates/Times
Friday, October 8, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If I am a vendor interested in purchasing booth space at the Expo, or if I am interested in promoting my race, product, charity, etc. in the Participant Bag, who should I contact?
Please e-mail expo@chicagomarathon.com.
Do I have to pick up my Participant Packet, Participant Bag and T-Shirt at the Expo?
Yes. All participants must pick up their event-issued bib number, timing device, technical T-shirt and Participant Bag at the Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. We do not mail out participant packets, bags or T-shirts that are not picked up at the Expo; no exceptions.
Can I pick up my Participant Packet, Participant Bag and T-shirt on the day of the race?
There is no race day Participant Packet and Bag Pick-Up. All participants must pick up their bags/bib numbers/t-shirts/timing chips prior to race day.
What do I need to bring with me in order to pick up my Participant Packet and Bag?
You need to bring your Confirmation Ticket or Confirmation E-mail and your Photo ID.
When should I receive the Confirmation E-mail and Confirmation Ticket?
Mid to late September.
Why didn’t I receive the Confirmation E-mail and/or the mailed Confirmation Ticket?
If you recently moved and did not update your address with the event office, then your Confirmation Ticket was sent to your old address. If you did not receive your Confirmation E-mail, check your spam and junk-mail folders, and make sure that your e-mail is able to receive messages from “Active.com” and “chicagomarathon.com.”
What should I do if I never received the Confirmation Ticket or Confirmation E-mail?
If you do not have a Confirmation Ticket or Confirmation E-mail, go to the Participant Services Desk at the Health & Fitness Expo and a staff member will print a Confirmation Ticket for you. You must show your Photo ID in order to receive a copy of your Confirmation Ticket at the Expo.
If I do not receive the Confirmation E-mail and/or Confirmation Ticket in the mail, can you resend them to me?
No, we cannot resend Confirmation Tickets or E-mails.
Can a friend pick up my packet if I cannot make it to the Expo?
Yes. Your friend can pick up your packet. Your friend will need to show a staff member his or her Photo ID (not your Photo ID) and your Confirmation Ticket or E-mail.
Please note that we will not re-issue lost or forgotten Confirmation Tickets for friends; we will only re-issue lost or forgotten Confirmation Tickets for marathon participants with a valid Photo ID. Your friend MUST have your Confirmation Ticket (e-ticket or mailed ticket) in order to pick up your Participant Packet. No exceptions.
So my friend needs his or her photo ID and not my photo ID in order to pick up my packet?
Yes, that is correct. In addition, your friend needs either your Confirmation E-mail or your Confirmation Ticket. If your friend forgets your Confirmation, we will not re-issue a copy for him/her at the Expo.
Can I exchange my shirt for a smaller/larger size at the Expo?
No. T-shirt sizes are determined at the point of registration and cannot be exchanged at the Expo for a different size.
Do I have to print out my Confirmation E-mail or can I just show the volunteers at Packet Pick-Up my E-mail via my iPhone or Blackberry?
You must print out your Confirmation E-mail. Confirmation E-mails on iPhones and Blackberries will not be accepted as valid forms of Confirmation.
I cannot run the race. Will you mail my Participant Bag and T-shirt to me?
No. We are unable to mail out Participant Packets, Bags and T-shirts if they are not picked up. No exceptions.
If I offer to pay postage for my Participant Bag and T-shirt, will you mail it to me?
No. We are unable to mail out participant packets if they are not picked up. No exceptions.
Course
Where can I find a course map?
Click here for a course map. The Chicago Marathon course is a fast and flat course that is home to four World Records, several national records and countless personal bests. There is only one slight incline in the final mile of the course on Roosevelt Rd.
How many Aid Stations are on the course?
There are 20 Aid Stations on the race course.
What flavor Gatorade do you offer on the course?
Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula.
Is there food available on the course?
Accel Gel and Bananas are available in the later miles of the race course. Check the course map for energy gel and banana icons for exact locations.
What flavor Accel Gel will be offered?
Accel Gel, the only gel with a patented 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio, will provide Vanilla and Chocolate (20mg caffeine) flavored energy gel on the course.
How long is the course open?
The course is open for 6 hours, 30 minutes. Registrants must be capable of completing the full distance, start line to finish line, within the event time requirement of 6 hours, 30 minutes (or approx. 15 minutes/mile). Participants running slower than 15 minutes/mile will not be guaranteed Aid Station or Medical support once the 6:30 time limit has been reached. Participants still out on the race course will be asked to move onto the sidewalk as the streets will be re-opened to traffic, and Aid Stations will discontinue on-course support.
Participant chip or net times greater than the event time requirement (6 hours, 30 minutes) will not be recognized as official. Times over 6:30 will not be printed in the official results book or the Chicago Tribune Commemorative Edition.
Is the Chicago Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes. The Chicago Marathon is a great course for participants hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
Yes. USATF, the national governing body of the sport, recently amended its ban on headphones, iPods and similar devices. However, athletes competing for prize money are not allowed to use electronic devices such as headphones and ear pieces.
Can I run with my Garmin GPS or my Nike Plus device?
Yes, participants may wear their Garmin GPS watches and/or Nike Plus devices. However, these items do not count as “second timing devices" and will not be recognized by the event as official times or distances.
What is NOT allowed on the course?
The use of video devices, cell phones, computers, cameras or any similar devices by participants in the event is prohibited. The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to: (a) authorized and registered competitive wheelchair participants; and (b) authorized course marshals on bicycles. Baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled device will not be permitted.
Do you have a Lost & Found in case I lose something at the Expo or on the race course?
Yes. We will have a Lost & Found for items that were lost and found at the Expo and on race day. If you are missing a personal item, please call the event office at 312.904.9800.
If the weather changes during the race, will there be alerts along the course?
Yes. We will use the color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) to alert participants to any significant changes in race day conditions. For more information on the EAS, click here.
I live along the race course. Where can I find out about race day street closures?
For important information on street closures, visit chicagomarathon.com. Street Closure information will be available as we get closer to race day.
Nike Pace Teams
Do you offer Pace Teams?
Yes. Participants are welcome to join one of several different Nike Pace Teams. Participants can sign up with a Nike Pace Team at the Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. For more information on Nike Pace Teams, click here.
Start Corrals
What are Seeded Start Corrals?
The Elite Development Corral and the lettered Start Corrals A, B, C and D are seeded placement of the fastest 12,000 participants based on their recent marathon and half marathon times. The Open Corral is self-seeded placement of participants by expected net finish time. Net finish time for the Open Start participants ranges from 3:00 – 6:30 hours.
How can I qualify for a Seeded Start Corral?
Start Corrals A, B, C and D are secure start areas designed to offer a quicker and smoother start for all qualified runners. Assignment to these Start Corrals is based on a submitted qualifying time run in a recent marathon or half marathon and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, including qualifying times and procedures, click here.
When is the deadline to submit proof of a qualifying time?
Proof of qualifying times should be faxed to 312.904.9808. Address your fax to: Chicago Marathon Start Corrals. Qualifying times will be accepted no later than Friday, August 13, 2010.
Upon faxing your qualifying time, please verify your Start Corral assignment online.
Can I e-mail proof of my qualifying time?
E-mails, e-mail links or PDF's will NOT be accepted as proof of qualifiying. Please FAX your results to 312.904.9808. If you have any specific questions or concerns, e-mail startcorrals@chicagomarathon.com.
How do I know which Start Corral I have been assigned to?
You can confirm your Start Corral assignment online visiting our online confirmation page. Your Start Corral will be listed next to your name, city, state, age division and event on the online confirmation page. Your Start Corral will also be printed on your Confirmation Ticket which will be e-mailed and mailed to you in September. All participants should verify their Start Corral assignments no later than August 1, 2010.
Are Start Corrals guaranteed? How many participants are in each Start Corral?
Start Corrals are not guaranteed – they are filled on a first come, first served basis until they reach their respective capacities:
Start Corral A
Secure starting area set directly behind the Elite Development Corral for all qualified participants.
- Expected capacity: 1,500
- Avg. time to cross Start: 0:42 (seconds)
Start Corral B
Secure starting area set directly behind Start Corral A for all qualified participants.
- Expected capacity: 3,000
- Avg. time to cross Start: 1:58 (minutes)
Start Corral C
Secure starting area set directly behind Start Corral B for all qualified participants.
- Expected capacity: 4,000
- Avg. time to cross Start: 4:11 (minutes)
Start Corral D
Secure starting area set directly behind Start Corral C for all qualified participants.
- Expected capacity: 4,000
- Avg. time to cross Start: 6:31 (minutes)
Can I switch from one Start Corral to another on race day?
Participants can move back start corrals, but not forward.
I want to run with the 3:10 Nike Pace Team, but I have not qualified for Corral A. If I sign up for the 3:10 Nike Pace Team does that mean that I can start in Corral A?
No. Only participants who have met the qualifying standards and provided the necessary proof to our office before the official close of Start Corrals will be allowed into the Seeded Start Corrals.
I missed qualifying for a Start Corral by a few seconds. Will you make an exception?
No. Start Corral qualifying standards are strictly adhered to.
I qualified for a Start Corral in the 2006 Chicago Marathon. Can I use that time for the 2010 Chicago Marathon?
No. Only half marathon and full marathon times run no earlier than January 1, 2008 and no later than August 6, 2010 will be used to assign runners Seeded Start Corrals. No exceptions.
If I qualified for a Start Corral in the 2008 or 2009 Chicago Marathon, do I need to fax in my proof of performance?
No. We automatically place 2008 and 2009 Chicago Marathon finishers who have qualified for a Start Corral into the Start Corral for which they have qualified.
I already faxed in a time for Start Corral B, but I just ran a fast half marathon and now I qualify for Corral A. Can I submit my new time and be moved to Corral A?
Yes. Provided we still have room in Corral A and you ran your time prior to our official deadline (August 6, 2010), we will reassign your Start Corral. Just fax your results to us at 312.904.9808.
I am running a half marathon in late August or September. Will you accept my time for a Seeded Start Corral even though it is after the official August 13, 2010 Start Corral deadline?
No. We will not accept times for Start Corrals after the August 13 deadline.
Running for a Charity
What does it mean to run for a charity?
The 2010 Charity Program has more than 100 affiliated charities. While each charity has its own guidelines, typically Chicago Marathon participants who are a part of a charity team agree to fundraise for that charity. Your fundraising goes directly to the charity to support its initiatives. Every charitable organization allows its team of runners the unique opportunity to make their Marathon experience more meaningful by not only accomplishing a personal goal on race day, but by contributing to a larger mission and giving back to a worthy cause.
In return for a runner’s fundraising efforts, the charities commit to providing support in a number of areas which may include reimbursement of registration fee, team apparel, training programs, race day hospitality, pre-race events and other benefits.
Once open registration closes, are entries available thorough charities?
Yes. Official, Partner, Participating and Associate level charities have a limited number of entries available until June 30, 2010 (or until a charity exhausts its supply) which will allow runners who did not register prior to the close of open registration the opportunity to register for the Chicago Marathon. For additional information and to contact any of the charities offering these entries, click here. (Select Charities have post-close entries available until September 1).
How can I get more information about a particular charity?
Most charities have built their own Web sites specific to their charity runner program. Please refer to the Web site (see above link) for links to specific charities. If you have further questions, please contact the charity directly through the contact information provided on its Web site.
How do I sign up to run for a charity?
Contact the charity you are interested in joining and they will provide you with the details of their program such as fundraising, training, etc.
What is the minimum amount that I have to fundraise in order to be a charity runner?
Each charity sets its own fundraising amounts. Please contact the charity you are interested in for more information.
If I have already registered for the Chicago Marathon, is it too late to join a charity team?
It is never too late to become a charity runner. Please contact the charity directly to find out how you can become a member of their team.
If I join a charity team, can I still run the Chicago Marathon with a friend who is not a charity runner?
Yes, while participants may start in different Corrals based on submitted qualifying times, there is no distinction between charity runners and other runners.
May I run for a charity that is not a part of the Official Charity Program?
Yes. If you have already registered, please e-mail our office at office@chicagomarathon.com and we will add that charity name to your registration information. (Please note that this information will not appear on the online confirmation page; only the names of charities affiliated with the Chicago Marathon will show on the online confirmation page).
I committed to raise money for a specific charity, but the name of my charity isn’t showing up when I confirm my registration. How can I make sure that it shows up?
Your charity will provide our office with your name. Once we receive that information from your charity, we will update your registration record with the name of the charity you have committed to raise funds for.
I work for a specific charity organization and we would like to be affiliated with the Chicago Marathon. How does that work?
Charities that wish to partner with the Chicago Marathon will need to fill out a detailed Charity Application and apply to become affiliated with the event. Please e-mail office@chicagomarathon.com for more information.
Hotels and Travel
Do you work with an official Travel and Housing partner that offers special rates for marathon participants?
Experient is the Official Travel and Housing Partner of the Chicago Marathon, offering official rates at the city’s most desirable hotels. A link to view hotels and rates will be available shortly.
What is the Official Hotel for the Chicago Marathon?
The Hilton Chicago is the Official Headquarters Hotel of the Chicago Marathon. Located just across the street from Grant Park, the Hilton Chicago is a hub of activity on race weekend.
Do you have a list of hotels near the start/finish?
For a list of hotels located near the start and finish, click here (.pdf).
E-Newsletters
I am signed up for the race and I want to receive e-mails. How can I sign up for your e-newsletter?
We offer two e-newsletters that participants can sign up for:
- Mile-by-Mile: a general event newsletter aimed at runners, spectators and fans to keep track of important event information, deadlines and special offers.
- Nike Debut Marathoner: a targeted newsletter that covers the basics of marathon running, including training tips and expert advice, for those who will tackle the marathon distance for the first time in Chicago.
How can I subscribe to the e-newsletters?
Click here to subscribe to either e-newsletter.
General/Miscellaneous
I am looking for results prior to 1996. Is it possible to get them?
Our office has a results archive that extends back to 1977. If you are interested in a result prior to 1996, contact the marathon office at 312.904.9800 or office@chicagomarathon.com. Please note that we cannot make copies of our entire results archives for researches/grad students interested in obtaining them. We can only look up individual times.
What steps has the Chicago Marathon taken to become a "greener" event?
Click here to learn about some of the Chicago Marathon's greening efforts.
Where can I purchase my photos following the race?
MarathonFoto is the official race photographer. Visit marathonfoto.com to find and purchase your photos.
When will I receive my Official 2009 Finisher's Certificate?
Click here to access your official finisher's certificate from the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Online certificates are available for the 2009 race only, and only for those who completed the course in the required time of six hours and 30 minutes (6:30:59).