VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Dates: Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20

Packet Preparation volunteer opportunities for the 2026 event have closed. Follow the link to learn more about the volunteer position.

Dates: Thursday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10

Date: Saturday, October 10

Date: Sunday, October 11

Course marshal, gear check, information team, start corrals and the Post-Race Party beer tent opportunities are open to individual volunteers on race day.

What is the age requirement for volunteers?

The volunteer age minimum is 14 years old and accompanying children are not permitted. We require that all individual volunteers be 14 years of age or older on the day they are volunteering. A parent/guardian must agree to the volunteer waiver for volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18. Children and young adults under the age of 14 are not permitted to accompany registered volunteers who meet the age requirement when they are volunteering. The event has the right to set different age minimums for designated positions.

How can I earn points for the volunteer rewards program?

Visit cemevent.com/volunteer/cem-volunteer-rewards-program to learn how you can earn points and for more details about the program.

Are walk-up registrations accepted?

No, walk-up registrations are not accepted. All volunteers must register online by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Friday, October 2, 2026 or they will not be allowed to volunteer for the event.

What should I wear?

Volunteers are expected to dress in clothing appropriate for the work duties they have been assigned to perform. Always make sure to check the weather in advance! Wear closed toe shoes at all times and the current event attire logo hat, shirt or jacket, and shoes, if provided. When required, you must have visible appropriate and current event-issued credentials and/or ID vests and wristbands to be on the premises.

What is the volunteer uniform?

All volunteers receive their uniform at volunteer check-in. Abbott Health & Fitness Expo volunteers receive a long sleeve t-shirt and credential. Race day volunteers receive a track jacket, hat and credential. The volunteer uniform should be worn as the outer layer and the volunteer credential should be visible at all times. While we appreciate the desire of volunteers to represent the organizations they are volunteering on behalf of, we ask that you do not alter the uniform or wear items representing anything other than the event. This includes wearing hats, pins or items that represent your organizations. Volunteers play a critical role in the participant experience and we want to ensure a consistent look across all areas of the event so participants are able to easily identify race volunteers and officials.

What should I bring?

Make sure to bring a valid photo ID for Volunteer Check-In. Students are allowed to use school IDs. We strongly discourage you from bringing any personal belongings to the event. Gear check will be required for belongings that cannot be carried in a volunteer’s pockets. Please note that items larger than a standard backpack will not be permitted in the volunteer gear check.

Is food provided?

Snacks and meals are provided depending upon the time of day and duration of the volunteer shift. While we try to provide a range of food items, we cannot guarantee that meals will accommodate all dietary restrictions.

Transportation and parking

We encourage volunteers to use public transportation when possible. Please visit transitchicago.com for more information and to plan your trip. Recommended transportation options and parking options (when available) will be provided in the confirmation email.

How do I register as a volunteer?

Access registration from a volunteer webpage. Opportunities are posted at chicagomarathon.com/volunteer.

To access your volunteer portal, visit cemevent.rosterfy.com/login and enter your email and password.

Do I need to create a new account?

If you have volunteered since the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, you are considered an existing user. Existing users can sign in at cemevent.rosterfy.com/login. If you are a new user, you will need to create an account to register. Visit cemevent.rosterfy.com/login to create an account and view available opportunities. Please note if you are a part of a volunteer group, you should follow the instructions from your group leader to register.

Can I register for another volunteer?

Volunteers cannot register on behalf of another individual. Each volunteer will need to click ‘create a new account’ to register. Only one account can be created per email address.

How do I know if I am registered?

Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email. Once you are registered, you will be able to view registered volunteer shifts on the dashboard of your volunteer portal.

What information can I access through my volunteer account?

• View details about your upcoming volunteer shifts
• Cancel your registration by clicking on the withdraw icon

How do I get my volunteers to register?

Email the registration instructions from the assignment email that you received from the Volunteer Team. If you cannot find it, email volunteer@chicagomarathon.com for assistance.

How do I keep track of my group?

Within your volunteer portal, click on the “View” button under “Groups I am Leading”. This will bring you to group leader mode which allows you see all of your registered volunteers. Use the search bars to find a specific volunteer.

I don’t think we will fill our shift. What should I do?

While group leaders are expected to recruit the number of volunteers they committed to bring, groups can still volunteer if they do not fill their shift. Notify the Volunteer Team at volunteer@chicagomarathon.com so they can plan accordingly.

When will my group receive more specific instructions?

• The Volunteer Team and/or your Aid Station Captain will communicate final information, including check-in location, parking and transportation options, preparation tips and more. All volunteer training takes place onsite.
• Group leaders are encouraged to follow up with their volunteers after receiving the official email to reiterate final details and share any instructions specific to your group.

Stay tuned! All registered volunteers will receive a race week confirmation email with location, check-in and preparation details.

If you have any questions, please contact your group leader or the volunteer team at volunteer@chicagomarathon.com or by phone at 312.796.8392.