MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
CHICAGO IS YOUR START LINE IN
JOIN US RACE WEEKEND
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the world’s largest participatory sporting events, drawing participants from all 50 states and over 130 countries. Known for its flat and fast course, the Chicago Marathon has featured seven world record performances and countless personal bests. As a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the event brings together professional international athletes, top Americans and citizen runners from around the globe.
AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES
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ABBOTT HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an event like no other! Don’t miss this opportunity to introduce participants and patrons to your brand at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo.
The Health & Fitness Expo features exhibitors offering Bank of America Chicago Marathon merchandise and the latest in running footwear, apparel, nutrition and technology. Additionally, the Health & Fitness Expo is the home of the participant Packet Pick-up for all Marathon participants. Held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, the three-day Expo is free and open to the public. The Expo welcomes the world’s top runners and fitness enthusiasts, making it a unique opportunity for sales and to establish your company in front of a highly engaged audience.
The Expo is a three-day event. In 2025, we saw more than 157,000 unique visitors over the three days.
Hours of operation
- Thursday, October 9: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday, October 10: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, October 10: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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PARTICIPANT BAG INSERT
The participant bag is your opportunity to get your product or information directly into the hands of each participant. Up to 58,000 physical bags are assembled for distribution to participants race weekend. There will be a limited number of inserts available this year.
Deadline to arrive at the assembly facility is August 7, 2026. Detailed instructions will be sent once the order has been received.Participant Bag insert pricing
- Product samples = $3,200
- Paper insert = $5,200
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VIRTUAL BAG
The virtual bag allows your coupon, flier or advertisement to reach our participants, volunteers and spectators without the cost of printing. Post-race metrics for the virtual bag will allow you to see how many people viewed, printed and shared your advertisement. More than 61,000 virtual bags distributed multiple times as well as links included in event communications resulting in 327,500 views and 132,500 page visitors in 2024.
Pre-race messages
- Message #1: Mid July TBD- Training – Gear up, nutrition, around the launch of training programs
- Message #2: August/September TBD – Longer mileage 30 or 60 days out
Event lead-up messages
- Message #3: Monday, September 28 – 2 weeks out – Final Prep/plans trip
- Message #4: Monday, October 5 – Race week kick off – Deals in Chicago
- Message #5: Friday, October 9 – Race weekend – Deals in Chicago
- Message #6: Monday, October 12 – Marathon Monday – Celebration/Recovery
- Message #7: Saturday, October 17 – Weekend after Marathon – Final Reminder/Celebration
Virtual bag pricing
- Virtual bag – Option #1 – Event time (5 times): $3,350
- Virtual bag – Option #2 – All (7 times): $4,200
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
For more information about Bank of America Chicago Marathon sponsorship opportunities, contact Eileen Hurley at 312.446.0161 or eileen.hurley@cemevent.com.
CONTACT US
For more information, contact Paul Brackey at 312.904.9812 or paul.brackey@cemevent.com.