KEY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Thank you for your interest in becoming a key volunteer for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

Key volunteers help fulfill critical leadership and management roles throughout race weekend. Becoming a key volunteer is a great opportunity for people looking to translate their experience, enthusiasm and passion into a high-level commitment to the event. Applicants must have previous volunteer experience with the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series or another large road-racing event. Please continue reading to learn more about becoming a key volunteer.

Key volunteers are required to complete a brief online application by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Friday, September 11, 2026.

• RESPONSIBILITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

  Key volunteers play a critical role in the success of the event, and their enthusiasm, support and dedication make race weekend a memorable experience for every participant. Key volunteers are responsible for overseeing volunteers and/or processes in specific areas of the event, often in conjunction with a team of fellow key volunteers and event staff. Key volunteers must be comfortable communicating with and leading volunteers of all ages and abilities. They need to help organize and improve their area and they invest additional time to the event for pre-race meetings and race weekend set-up. Do you have what it takes to be a key volunteer?

  TEAM LEAD

  Key volunteers should exemplify “TEAM LEAD” characteristics. This framework outlines our expectations for key volunteers.

  TEAM: Together, we can produce far better results than we can individually.

  • Train/Teach: Clearly define goals and expectations for volunteers, contact volunteers in advance and ask for input to encourage team spirit.
  • Energize: Create a positive environment, encourage volunteers to have fun and celebrate achievements.
  • Appreciate: Regularly say “thank you” and provide positive reinforcement, build relationships so volunteers return next year and instill pride in a job well done.
  • Manage: Delegate, train and communicate clearly throughout the shift. Make sure volunteers always feel comfortably busy.

  LEAD: Be prepared, proactive and responsible while empowering others.

  • Listen: Listen with compassion, seek to understand than be understood, and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
  • Excellence: Seek a world-class standard, strive to improve, go the extra mile and focus on service.
  • Adapt: Be open to and ready for change, strive for the best, but have a plan for the worst. Always remain calm.
  • Develop: Develop the talents of your volunteers and inspire them to find their potential.

  If you are interested in becoming a key volunteer, please see below for more information and to apply.

• AVAILABILITY

  Key volunteers must be available on the following dates based on their respective assignment:

  • Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place
    • 2-3 hours of pre-event training
    • Thursday, October 8, Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10: Health & Fitness Expo from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day
  • Abbott Chicago 5K
    • Saturday, October 10: Approximately 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day
    • 2-3 hours of pre-event training
    • Saturday, October 10: Grant Park walk-through (depending on the role)
    • Sunday, October 11: Race day shifts begin between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and last a majority of the day.
• APPLICATION

  Roles
  Please see below to review descriptions of each key volunteer role from the list below.

  Volunteer policies
  In order to gain an understanding of the expectations set forth for all event volunteers, please review the volunteer policies before applying.

  Application review
  New applicants and returning applicants requesting different role assignments will receive a phone call to further discuss their interest in the event, their relevant experience and where their talents can best be utilized race weekend. All applicants will be assigned based on event needs, qualifications, experience and availability, and assignments may differ from historical placement for returning key volunteers. Please note that the number of applicants often exceeds the number of key volunteer roles available.

  Apply now!
  In order to provide assignments and training before the event, the deadline to apply as a key volunteer is 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Friday, September 11, 2026.

  Apply now!

  If a general volunteer role better suits your schedule, please visit the volunteer homepage to view opportunities and register.

  Volunteer Rewards
  All key volunteers will receive volunteer reward points when they check in to volunteer. Reward Points can be redeemed for an array of items including Bank of America Chicago Distance Series branded merchandise, Nike running shoes and a complimentary entry to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon . To learn more, visit the Volunteer Rewards Program webpage.

• ROLES

  Abbott Health & Fitness Expo

  • The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is the first stop for many participants and is held at McCormick Place on Thursday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10. Expo key volunteers support one of the following areas: volunteer check-in, information booth, sustainability, packet distribution, bag and t-shirt distribution or general expo participant support areas.

  Abbott Chicago 5K

  • The Abbott Chicago 5K takes place on Saturday, October 10 as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend. Key volunteers provide support by overseeing general volunteers at the start line or finish line, or by being stationed at a zero waste station tent to support the events sustainability goals.

  Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day

  • Information team key volunteers oversee teams of volunteers that roam throughout designated zones in Grant Park, where they will be responsible for answering event-related questions and directing participants and spectators to their key destinations.
  • Information tent key volunteers are stationed in one of six information tents located in and around Grant Park, where they will be responsible for answering event-related questions and directing participants and spectators to their key destinations.
  • Harrison Volunteer Compound key volunteers assist with various steps of the HVC volunteer check-in process, including check-in, uniform distribution, hospitality, gear check, volunteer guides and more. A reliable and efficient team is needed to deploy 3,000 volunteers throughout Grant Park.
  • Green team key volunteers work with general volunteers in high traffic areas by directing participants and spectators to correctly recycle and compost specific products distributed by the event. Incorporating environmentally and socially responsible practices is an important part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
  • Gear check key volunteers oversee general volunteers and operations in event gear check facilities, where they will organize participant gear, provide efficient service, locate missing items and keep volunteers on task.
  • Start hydration key volunteers are stationed at a pre-race hydration station.  Tasks include supervising volunteers as they prepare and distribute Gatorade and water to participants, as well as assist with the setup and cleanup of the hydration station, as well as collection of reusable cups.
  • Open to opportunities – Key volunteers who are flexible and open to roles anywhere need demands are highly sought after and always appreciated. Individuals without preference to an area could be placed on any of the teams mentioned above.
• Resources
  • Volunteer homepage
  • Volunteer policies
  • Volunteer FAQs
  • Please direct questions to volunteer@chicagomarathon.com.