Do you have a question about the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon event or application process? Please view the frequently asked questions below to find the answers to your questions.

The following FAQs will continue to be updated as information becomes available.*

*Updates as of December 12, 2024.

If you can’t find the answer to your question, please contact the event via email at office@chicagomarathon.com.

• 2025 EVENT FAQs

  When is the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  The 47th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. 

  What are my options if I sign up and can’t participate?
  Registered participants will have the opportunity to cancel their entry and access a guaranteed entry for the next event. All event fees (entry, ancillary products, etc.) are non-refundable and will not be applied to future participation. Participants who select this option must complete the 2026 application process and pay the 2026 entry fee to redeem their guaranteed entry. Please note, this opportunity will not be available to participants who received a guaranteed entry through the charity or tour group applications, nor will it be available to those who cancelled their 2024 registration to 2025. 

  Individuals will also have the option to purchase refundable booking during the application process.  

  Learn more about the options available to registered participants if they choose not to participate.  

  Are participants required to pick-up their race materials in person?
  Yes. All participants are required to pick up their own participant packet (bib number and timing device) at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during the scheduled hours of operation. All participants are required to show a government-issued photo ID that reflects the name they registered under upon picking up their own participant packet. 

  Does the Bank of America Chicago Marathon have a recommended training plan? 
  Yes. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon offers an official 18-week training program developed by Nike coaches. The program is made to be adaptive and customized to fit in with your daily schedule and needs. For more information and to download the program, please visit the Training & nutrition page. 

  Does the event offer race day hospitality?
  The event offers a variety of race day hospitality options, including the Skyline Hospitality Tent, Pre-Race Participant Fast Track and the East Side Viewing Area. Hospitality products will be available for purchase in the Marathon Store starting on December 12, 2024. 

  When will future runnings of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon take place? 
  To create consistency and predictability for community members impacted by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the Chicago Marathon takes place on the second Sunday of October. View anticipated dates for future runnings of the Chicago Marathon. Please note that these dates are subject to change. 

• GENERAL APPLICATION FAQs

  What is the difference between a guaranteed entry and a non-guaranteed entry?
  A guaranteed entry ensures you a spot in the field for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, provided that you agree to the terms of that entry (Charity Program, International Tour Program) or that you qualify for that entry (Chicago Marathon Legacy Finisher, Time Qualifier, Bank of America Chicago Distance Series Finisher, 2024 Cancelled entry, High Performance Program or Para Athletics Program). 

  A non-guaranteed entry is subject to a selection through a drawing. 

  What are the application deadlines? 

  • Tuesday, October 22 at 10 a.m. (U.S. Central Time): Applications for the guaranteed and non-guaranteed entry paths open.  
  • Thursday, November 21 at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time): Guaranteed and non-guaranteed entry applications close. 
  • Thursday, December 12: Non-guaranteed entry applicants notified via email of their entry status throughout the day.  

  Learn more about the different application paths. 

  What is the entry fee for the 2025 race?
  The entry fee* reflects the cost and the resources required to stage a world-class marathon. Every dollar that is collected through registration is invested back into the event to help cover these expenses and to enhance the overall participant experience.  

  • U.S. residents (those who live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories): $245 (USD) 
  • Non-U.S. residents: $255 (USD) 

  Applicants must provide credit card information as a part of the application process. The entry fee is processed automatically when an application is approved or selected through the drawing. When completing the application please use a credit card that has an expiration date of December 2024 or later.

  *A processing fee is applied to all entry fees.  

  Why is a processing fee applied to the entry fee at the point of registration?
  The processing fee included at the point of registration is charged by the registration service for providing its software and services. This processing fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. 

  I identify as non-binary. Will I be able to select non-binary as a gender option when registering?
  Yes. The event introduced the opportunity for applicants to register as a non-binary participant during the 2022 application process. Discussions are ongoing with non-binary athletes to ensure we’re creating an inclusive event experience. We invite you to share your feedback with our team at office@chicagomarathon.com.  

  I’m hesitant to sign up just under a year before the 2025 event. Will there be opportunities to sign up closer to the event date?
  Individuals who are interested in signing up closer to the event may do so by running and fundraising on behalf of a charity. Each charity manages its own unique charity team, participant benefits and fundraising requirements. While fundraising requirements may vary from charity to charity, participants are required to raise no less than $1,500 (USD) if the entry is claimed during the application window (Tuesday, October 22 to Thursday, November 21) and $2,100 (USD) if the entry is claimed following the application window (Friday, November 22 to Monday, September 15, 2025). Charity program entries are available on a first-come first-served basis until Monday, September 15, 2025 or when the charity has reached its capacity, whichever comes first.  

  What happens if my friend or family member gets selected and I don’t?
  The person who did not receive an entry through the drawing has the opportunity to access a guaranteed entry by running with a charity in the event’s official Charity or International Tour Programs. 

• CHARITY AND TOUR APPLICATION FAQs

  What are the requirements of running for charity at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  Each charity manages its own unique charity team, participant benefits and fundraising requirements. While fundraising requirements may vary from charity to charity, participants are required to raise no less than $1,500 (USD) if the entry is claimed during the application window (Tuesday, October 22 to Thursday, November 21) and $2,100 (USD) if the entry is claimed following the application window (Friday, November 22 to Monday, September 15, 2025). Charity program entries are available on a first-come first-served basis until Monday, September 15, 2025 or when the charity has reached its capacity, whichever comes first. Those interested in participating for charity should directly contact the charity of their choice with any questions. 

  Note: Only charities that are part of the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program have access to guaranteed entries. Visit the Charity Index for a complete list of official charity partners. 

  What are the requirements of joining an international tour group at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  Each tour partner manages its own unique tour and requirements, such as cost of entry, air travel, hotel, etc. Please note, only tour operators that are part of the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon International Tour Program (ITP) have access to guaranteed entries and not all countries have approved Chicago Marathon tour partners. Those interested in joining an international tour group should directly contact the tour partner of their choice with any questions. More information on this application will be available soon. Please note, this application will remain open through Sunday, August 10, 2025. 

  I completed the charity or tour group application/registration and no longer want to run with a charity or tour group. What do I do? 
  Please contact your charity team or tour group coordinator directly for additional information.  

  I want to run for a charity but I don’t see them listed on the website?
  Only charities that are a part of our official Charity Program have access to guaranteed entries. Individuals selected through the drawing or those utilizing a guaranteed entry are welcome to run on behalf of any organization or cause. 

  I would like my charity or tour group to be a part of one of the event’s official programs. How can I get more information?
  For more information on the official Charity Program and International Tour Program email eventpartnerrelations@cemevent.com.  

• LEGACY AND TIME QUALIFIER APPLICATION FAQs

  How were the Time Qualifier standards determined?
  Time Qualifier standards are based, in part, on the number of participants who have historically met the qualifying standards for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s fastest start corrals, as well as the need to arrive at a number of likely registrants that can be managed for the 2025 Chicago Marathon. 

  The standards introduced for non-binary applicants are inclusive of the qualifying times for the two previously existing divisions. Applicants can expect standards to adjust in the coming years as data becomes available to help inform future qualifying times. Discussions with non-binary athletes are ongoing, with the goal of creating more inclusive event experiences. 

  What documentation is needed to prove qualification for this entry path?
  Applicants must submit results records for a marathon completed during the qualifying window (January 1, 2023 to November 21, 2024). The results documentation must include a finish time completed within the qualifying time standards and division (men, women or non-binary). 

  Finish times at race distances other than a marathon will not be considered. 

  A verifiable time is one run on a course certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics or a similar governing association; considerations will not be made for non-certified races, weather or course conditions. 

  Can those who narrowly missed the qualifying time, or who ran a comparable time at a different distance (e.g. half marathon, 50K, etc.), or who ran a qualifying time prior to January 1, 2023, be considered for guaranteed entry as a Time Qualifier?
  No. Exceptions to qualifying times, distances and dates will not be made. 

  Can those who run a qualifying time after the application window register as a Time Qualifier?
  No. All time qualifiers must register during the application window. 

  What constitutes a verifiable time for guaranteed entry as a Time Qualifier?
  A marathon time run on a course certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics, or similar governing association on or after January 1, 2023. Proof must be submitted in the form of an official finisher certificate or official results page. Exceptions/considerations will not be made for non-certified events, weather or course conditions, or for any race distance other than a full marathon. 

  I participated in the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience. Will my participation count towards the legacy or time qualifier entry application?
  No. The Virtual Experience results listing will not be incorporated into the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon results and cannot be used as a qualifying time for other events. 

  Will past Bank of America Chicago Marathon finishers be given preference to register for the 2025 Chicago Marathon?
  Yes. Those who have completed five or more Chicago Marathons within the last 10 years may register for the 2025 Chicago Marathon with a guaranteed entry. Beyond this consideration, past Chicago Marathon finishers have the same registration options as all other interested individuals. 

  How do I know if a charity or international tour group has access to Bank of America Chicago Marathon entries?
  Only charities listed in the Charity Index and tour programs listed in the International Tour Program Index have access to Bank of America Chicago Marathon entries. The event strongly discourages individuals from working with organizations that claim to have event entries but are not listed on the event website as an official partner. If you are unsure if an organization is affiliated with the event, please email the event at office@chicagomarathon.com.

• DRAWING APPLICATION FAQs

  Is it possible that the event might sell out through the issuance of guaranteed entries, thus negating the drawing?
  No. The guaranteed entry application paths are in place to supplement the non-guaranteed drawing, not replace it. The allotment of charity and tour group entries is managed in a manner to maintain the diversity of the participant field and the equity of the entry process. 

  Is there a fee to apply for the non-guaranteed entry drawing?
  There is no fee to apply for an entry.  

  Is there a limit to the number of people that can apply for a non-guaranteed entry?
  No. The application will remain open for entry until the application deadline. 

  How many entries will be available through the non-guaranteed entry drawing?
  We don’t know at this time, as that number will depend on the total number of people who register with a guaranteed entry by the application deadline. 

  How many entries are allotted to charities and tour groups? 
  There is not a specific allotment of entries for charities or tour groups. Rather, the registration process for these groups has been designed to help them achieve the same number of participants they have had in past years, and to allow for slight, incremental growth.  

  Is there an advantage to applying for the drawing earlier versus later?
  No. The time at which someone applies for the drawing will have no bearing on their chances of selection. 

  When/how will I know if I’ve been selected through the non-guaranteed entry drawing?
  Applicants will be notified via email of their entry status on Thursday, December 12. If an applicant receives an entry through the drawing, the entry fee is automatically processed. Individuals who apply for, but do not receive an entry through the drawing, may still register by opting to run for select official charities or tour groups. 

  Can someone apply for the non-guaranteed entry drawing multiple times to increase their chances of selection?
  No. Prior to selection, duplicate entries will be removed from the system and therefore will not increase one’s chances of selection. 

  What happens if I enter the non-guaranteed entry drawing multiple times and get selected more than once?
  Duplicate entries will be removed from the system prior to the drawing.  

  If I’m not selected to receive an entry, is there still a way I can participate in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  Yes. Individuals who apply for, but do not receive an entry through the drawing may still register by opting to run for select official charities or tour groups. 

• CANCELLATION (BY YOU OR BY US) FAQs

  What are my options if I sign up and can’t participate? 
  Registered participants who are unable to participate in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon can cancel their entry through Wednesday, October 8, 2025 via their participant account. All event fees (entry, ancillary products, etc.) are non-refundable and will not be applied to future participation. Participants who select this option must complete the 2026 application process and pay the 2026 entry fee to redeem their guaranteed entry. It’s important to note that once an entry is cancelled the process cannot be undone.

  This opportunity is not available to participants who received a guaranteed entry through the charity or tour group applications, nor is it available to those who cancelled their 2024 entry to 2025.

  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 event rules: Sale and/or transfer of race entries/bib numbers 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.

  Are there cancellation options for participants who are or recently have been pregnant?
  We have put into place an exception to our standard event policies to permit deferral for participants who need to cancel their registration due to being pregnant, recently pregnant or postpartum. Click here for more information on the pregnancy and postpartum policy.

  Are there any exceptions at all? If I provide medical documentation for my surgery, injury, etc., can I receive a refund? 
  There are no exceptions to the event rules.

  I cancelled my entry, but something changed and now I’m able to participate. Can I undo my decision to cancel my entry? 
  No. Once you cancel your 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon entry it cannot be undone. Registered participants have until Wednesday, October 8, 2025, to complete the individual cancellation process. We encourage you to complete the process when you are confident you can no longer participate in the 2025 event.

  What are my options if race organizers cancel the event?
  If it is determined, for reasons outside of the event’s control, that the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon cannot take place, registered participants will have the option to receive a partial refund for their 2025 entry or the opportunity to defer their place to the 2026 event and receive a discount on their 2026 entry fee. 

  Learn more about the options available to registered participants in the event of a race cancellation.   

  Why does the event not allow participants to defer their place and entry fee?
  Our current policy in the event of a cancellation considers a participant’s financial commitment to the event, as well as the cost and the resources required to stage a world-class marathon. Every dollar that is collected through registration is invested back into the event to help cover these expenses and to enhance the overall experience for our participants. Planning and financial commitment for each year’s event begins well in advance of the application window for the next event.

  Learn more about the options available to registered participants in the event of a race cancellation

• REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION FAQs

  What is refundable registration and who is it available to? 
  Individuals who are concerned they may not be able to participate in the 2025 event can pay an additional service fee (16% of all items purchased, excluding event processing fees) for a 100% refund of the entry fee and additional products paid by the participant during the registration process. Registered participants who purchased refundable registration and are unable to participate in the race (for one of the wide range of perils covered) must apply to receive a 100% refund of their entry fee and ancillary purchases. An update on the application should be received within 10 business days of the application submission. Please note, refundable registration is not eligible to participants whose entry will be paid for by a charity, tour or sponsor partner. 

  Learn more about the options available to registered participants if they choose not to participate. 

  Who is eligible to purchase refundable registration? 
  Refundable registration is available to individuals who paid for their entry and/or additional products during the registration process. Please note, refundable registration is not available to individuals whose entry will be paid for by a charity, tour or sponsor partner. 

  When can I purchase refundable registration? 
  The option to purchase refundable registration is only available during the application/registration process. 

  If event organizers cancel the event would I receive a refund on my refundable registration purchase? 
  No. In the event of a cancellation by the event, the additional service fee associated with refundable registration would not be refunded. 

  I purchased refundable registration. When can I apply for a refund? 
  If you purchased refundable registration, you can start your application for your refund any time leading up to the event and you have until 60 days following the event to submit your claim. In the event of illness/injury please note, refund applications where the conditions are unpredictable and the event is more than two months in the future will not be approved. 

  How long does it take to complete the refundable registration refund application form? 
  The online refund application can take 5-10 minutes if you have all evidence required for your claim prepared. While you have the ability to start the form, save your progress and submit your relevant evidence into the form at a later date, we encourage you to have all required evidence ready before starting the application process. 

  What is my booking reference number? 
  Your booking reference can be found in the products section of your registration confirmation email. You will see REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION REFERENCE NUMBER followed by your alpha-numeric booking reference. Please note that this is a different number than your event registration number. 

  Why do I need to submit my bank account information when completing my application? 
  Protect Group only provides refunds via bank transfer as the event’s registration provider does not share payment details from your original registration. You will need to ensure the home country of your bank and the bank account information requested on the refund application form are accurate. Entering the information incorrectly may impact the ability to receive a refund if your application is approved. 

  If approved, how long does it take to receive my refund? 
  Once you have fully submitted your refund application form and included all required evidence, the Customer Experience team from Protect Group will review your application within 24 hours. All participants who fully submit the refund application will receive an email informing them of the status of the refund application (approved or denied). If approved, you should receive your refund to the bank account entered in the application process within three (3) business days of your applications approval. We recommend keeping an eye out for any emails from the Protect Group Customer Experience team in case further information is required to validate your refund application. 

  How does the Protect Group Customer Experience team contact me? 
  When you submit your refund application, you will be emailed by a member of the Protect Group Customer Experience team. You can reach out to this team member at any time and they will assist you with any questions you may have regarding your refund application. 

  The Protect Group Customer Experience team said my evidence was not sufficient. How do I provide updated information? 
  Protect Group outlines what evidence is required and what specific information you will need to provide to validate your refund application for each claim reason. You can find this in the evidence section next to each circumstance in the Refundable Terms and Conditions. If you need to submit new or additional evidence, you can either respond to your email communication with your Protect Group Customer Experience team member or revisit your incomplete refund application via the same link found in your registration confirmation email. 

  What do I do if I am having trouble submitting the form? 
  If you are experiencing issues on the form, please submit your technical question using the “Ask a Question” box located on the bottom left of the form. Once submitted, a technical representative from Protect Group will be in touch to assist. Before closing the form, be sure to save your application so everything you have entered thus far remains. 

  I submitted a refund application a while ago and have not received a response. How do I check the status of my claim? 
  All participants receive an email from the Protect Group Customer Experience team following their refund application submission. Please contact this Protect Group Customer Experience representative directly for any questions regarding your application status. If you have not received an email, please check your junk or spam folders with your email service provider. 

  My unforeseen circumstance is not listed in the terms and conditions, what should I do? 
  If your refund application is for a circumstance not exactly listed in the Refundable Terms and Conditions the Protect Group Customer Experience team also considers other Emergency Circumstances at their absolute discretion and you will need to provide evidence for these circumstances. 

  What if I knew about my circumstance at the time I registered? 
  If you knew about your circumstance when you registered or could have reasonably foreseen it, you will not be eligible for a refund under the Refundable Terms and Conditions. Refundable circumstances are unforeseen circumstances which prevent you from attending the event. 

• TRAVEL FAQs

  Do you work with an official travel and housing partner that offers special rates for Bank of America Chicago Marathon participants?
  Yes, Maritz is the official housing partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Visit the Chicago Marathon housing site to book your hotel today. We encourage you to review all travel partner cancellation policies prior to booking travel accommodations for race weekend. 

  What is the official headquarters hotel of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  The Hilton Chicago is the official headquarters hotel of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. 

  I booked my hotel through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon housing site – did I book through a third party?
  Yes. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon works with Maritz, the official housing partner, to provide access to exclusive room blocks at the city’s most desirable hotels. If you have questions regarding reservations booked through Martiz, please email chi@maritz.com or call 864.208.2935. 

  How can I confirm my hotel reservation?
  Once you have made your hotel reservation you will receive a confirmation email from Maritz. If you do not receive the email, please contact Martiz’s customer service at chi@maritz.com. 

  How can I cancel my hotel reservation?
  If you’ve booked your hotel registration through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon housing site and would like to cancel your registration, please contact Maritz’s customer service at chi@maritz.com. 

  What is the best way to get to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  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. 

  Where should I park my car race morning?
  If you drive, allow sufficient time for heavy traffic congestion and street closures due to the race. The closest race day parking options to Grant Park are available at the Millennium Garages (Grant Park North, Grant Park South, Millennium Park and Millennium Lakeside garages). For more information, please visit millenniumgarages.com. 

  Where can I find information about race day street closures?
  Information about race day street closures will be available in advance of race day. 

  If I need a visa to travel to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, will the event assist with my application? 
  The Bank of America Chicago Marathon does not provide invitation letters or visa application assistance for international participants. Participants are responsible for obtaining the necessary documentation to travel to the United States. 

• ABBOTT HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO FAQs

  Where is Abbott Health & Fitness Expo (Packet Pick-up) located?
  The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is held at the McCormick Place Convention Center. For more information on the Health & Fitness Expo, visit the Expo & Packet Pick-up page. 

  When is the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo (Packet Pick-up)? 

  • Thursday, October 9 
    • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

  • Friday, October 10 
    • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

  • Saturday, October 11 
    • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

  Times are subject to change. 

  Do I have to pick up my participant packet, participant bag and t-shirt at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo?
  Yes. All participants are required to pick up their own participant packet (bib number and timing device) at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during the scheduled hours of operation. All participants are required to show a government-issued photo ID that reflects the name they registered under upon picking up their own participant packet. 

  Can I pick up my participant packet, participant bag and t-shirt on the day of the race?
  No. Participant materials will not be available for race day pick up. 

  What exhibitors will be at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo?
  The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo features a variety of health and fitness exhibitors. A full list of exhibitors will be available on the Expo & packet pick-up page. 

  If I am a vendor interested in purchasing booth space at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, whom should I contact?
  If you are interested in purchasing booth space, please visit the Marketing Opportunities page. 

• RACE DAY FAQs

  Where is the start line?
  The Bank of America Chicago Marathon start line is located in Grant Park at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Drive. 

  What are start corrals?
  Start corrals are designated start areas designed to facilitate a more efficient and convenient race start for all participants. Start Corrals are assigned based on a submitted and verified qualifying time or on the estimated finish time you entered on your race application. More information about start corrals for the 2025 event will be available this summer. 

  Are start corrals guaranteed?
  No. Assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis until the corrals reach their respective capacities. 

  Will there be an option to submit qualifying times for start corral placement?
  Yes. Participants will have the option to submit a qualifying time for their start corral placement. More information about the start corral process will be shared with registered participants this summer.   

  Where can I check my gear on race day?
  You may store small personal items or articles of clothing during the race at your designated gear check area, which is determined by the color on the top and bottom of your bib. 

  Which gear check area should I use?
  Each participant is assigned to a specific gear check area. Your assigned gear check area corresponds with the color on the top and bottom of your bib. 

  Where can I change before or after the race?
  Participants have access to gender neutral facilities on race day, including individual changing stalls for before or after the race. Changing stalls are located near the gear check tents. 

  Will portable restrooms be available in Grant Park and along the course?
  Yes. Participants have access to gender neutral facilities on race day, including standard and ADA portable restrooms on-course and in Grant Park. 

  What is the course time limit?
  The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. After this time, the course will re-open to vehicular traffic. Participants must maintain a 15-minute per mile pace (approximately) or faster, completing the full marathon distance—start line to finish line—within the event time requirement. Those who finish outside of the time limit will not be recorded as official finishers and may not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel. 

  If the weather changes during the race, will there be alerts along the course?
  Yes, if weather changes during the race participants will be alerted based on the Event Alert System (EAS) levels. The Event Alert System is a color-coded system that communicates the status of course conditions to participants, spectators, volunteers and event staff leading up to and on race day. On race day, the current EAS level is announced via public address announcements and color-coded signs/flags at the start and finish areas and at each of the 20 aid stations along the course. 

  How many aid stations are on course?
  There are 20 aid stations on course. The aid stations are located approximately one to two miles apart. 

  What flavor Gatorade do you offer on the course?
  Gatorade Endurance Formula Lemon-lime will be offered at all aid stations. 

  Can I run with headphones?
  Yes. Music devices with headphones are permitted for use on the course; however, participants must be alert to their surroundings at all times and must pay attention to important announcements made in Grant Park and along the course. Music devices with headphones are not permitted for use by athletes in the High Performance Program. 

  Can I run with my GPS watch device?
  Yes. Participants can run with their GPS watch device. However, athletes competing for prize money cannot carry devices that can be used to communicate with any other person. 

  What is not allowed on course?
  The event does prohibit participants from using or carrying certain items/devices while on course. For more information on the prohibited devices, please visit the Event rules page. 

  Where is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon finish line located?
  The Bank of America Chicago Marathon finish line is located on Columbus Drive south of Balbo Drive in Grant Park. 

  Is there medical care at the finish line?
  Yes. There are medical personnel and medical facilities at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon finish line. The Main Medical Tent, Podiatry Tent and Ice Station are located directly beyond the finish line. An additional medical tent is located in Grant Park to assist participants after they exit the finish area.