Marketing opportunities
On Sunday, October 10, 2021, 35,000 runners will reunite in Chicago for the return of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon: a diverse community brought together by a commitment and the miles that led us to this moment. Together, we’re going to bring the people’s race back to the streets of Chicago.
The return of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be a celebration like no other! Don’t miss this opportunity to introduce participants and patrons to your brand!
Event update
The 43rd running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled to return to the streets of Chicago on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
Event organizers are working closely with the City of Chicago, including the Chicago Department of Public Health, to safely produce a race weekend experience for event attendees and the Chicago community. Preparations for the October 2021 race will align with local and state coronavirus guidelines.
We encourage you to visit the 2021 FAQ page for the latest updates on the 2021 event.
We are working with the below deliverable dates to get everything finalized earlier than before to elevate our event app with an interactive Expo floor plan.
June 21, 2021
2021 Expo / Participant Bag / Virtual Bag / Official Program Ad online registration opened
August 3, 2021
Participant Bag insert deadline
August 20, 2021
Exhibitor Kit to be available to exhibitors
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
The Abbott 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 two-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.
We anticipate attendance may be slightly reduced for the 2021 event. Historically, the event has welcomed more than 150,000 people to the show
2019 Exhibitor list
Below is the 2019 exhibitor list for reference.
2019 Abbott Health & Fitness Expo exhibitor list (.pdf)
Expo booth pricing
The table below is the 2021 expo pricing schedule. Please note pricing for this year’s event has been adjusted to recognize the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on exhibiting organizations.
2021 Expo booth pricing schedule |
|
| Booth size | Regular rate: Launch – event |
| 10’x10′ Booth, Regular | $2,700 |
| 10’x10′ Booth, Prime | $3,200 |
| 10’x10′ Corner Booth, Prime | $3,600 |
| 10’x20′ Booth, Regular | $4,900 |
| 10’x20′ Booth, Prime | $5,600 |
| 10’x20′ End Cap Booth, Prime | $5,900 |
| 10’x30′ Booth, Regular | $7,100 |
| 10’x30′ Booth, Prime | $7,700 |
| 10’x40′ Booth, Regular | $8,900 |
| 10’x40′ Booth, Prime | $10,200 |
| 20’x20′ Booth | $10,200 |
| 20’x30′ Booth | $15,800 |
| 20’x40′ Booth | $20,600 |
| 20’x60′ Booth | $30,200 |
| 20’x70′ Booth | $36,400 |
| 30’x30′ Booth | $23,200 |
| 30’x40′ Booth | $30,200 |
| 30’x50′ Booth | $35,000 |
| 40’x60′ Booth | $53,200 |
| Custom configuration | Contact Paul Brackey for pricing |
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. 59,000+ virtual bags distributed in 2019.
View the 2019 Virtual Bag.
Pre-Race Messages:
- June TBD – Training – Gear up, nutrition, around the launch of training program.
- August/September TBD – Longer mileage 30 or 60 days out
Event Lead-up Messages:
- Monday, September 27 – 2 weeks out – Final Prep/plans trip
- Monday, October 4 – Race week kick off – Deals in Chicago
- Friday, October 8 – Race weekend – Deals in Chicago
- Monday, October 11 – Marathon Monday – Celebration/Recovery
- Saturday, October 16 – Weekend after Marathon – Final Reminder/Celebration
Virtual bag pricing
Virtual bag – Option #1 – Event time (5 times): $2,700
Virtual bag – Option #2 – All (7 times): $3,800
For more information, contact Paul Brackey at 312.904.9812 or paul.brackey@cemevent.com.
Hotels, travel & parking
Event housing partner
Experient is the official housing partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, offering access to exclusive room blocks at the city’s most desirable hotels.
Visit the Bank of America Chicago Marathon housing site to book a room for the 2021 event.
View the hotels that will have rooms available for the 2021 race and the distances from these hotels to the start and finish lines in Grant Park, the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, city landmarks and more.
* Attention runners: When making travel arrangements, please note that you must pick up your own participant packet (which includes your event-issued bib number and timing device) at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during regularly scheduled hours. Learn more about the Health & Fitness Expo.
Hilton Chicago
The Hilton Chicago is the official headquarter hotel of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Chicago boasts 1,544 deluxe guest rooms. Ideally located on famed Michigan Avenue, and near the start and finish of the race, the Hilton Chicago is also within walking distance of Millennium Park, museums, shopping and the Loop Business District.
Travel
American Airlines
With over 500 daily flights at Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) and the ability to connect on to more than 120 destinations worldwide, American is proud to bring people to the Windy City. American Airlines is the official airline of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Parking
All participants and spectators are strongly encouraged to use public transportation during race weekend. If you drive, allow sufficient time for heavy traffic congestion and street closures due to the race.
Millennium Garages
Millennium Garages offer the closest race day parking options to Grant Park at the Grant Park North, Grant Park South, Millennium Park and Millennium Lakeside garages.
Public transportation
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get to and from Grant Park on race day. For the most up-to-date travel information and to learn how to use the CTA bus and rail system visit transitchicago.com.
Metra
Participants and spectators are encouraged to take advantage of Metra’s $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Pass good for unlimited rides on either Saturday or Sunday. In addition, the $10 Weekend Pass (available on the Ventra app only) is good for unlimited rides on both weekend days. Abbott Health & Fitness Expo attendees are encouraged to take the Metra Electric line to and from the Health & Fitness Expo. Metra Electric provides frequent service between McCormick Place and downtown.
View Metra’s modified weekend schedule for Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend (.pdf)
South Shore Line
Participants and spectators are encouraged to take the South Shore Line to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The South Shore Line runs from South Bend, Indiana to Chicago with stops along the way.
Park your car at one of the convenient South Shore Line stations and ride in comfort to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo and to Grant Park on race day. For more information about stations and tickets visit mysouthshoreline.com or call 219-926-5744.
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.
