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Cheer zones

Runner with arms extended on course at the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Words of encouragement and cheers of support from spectators have helped thousands of participants cross the finish line at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Your energy and inspiration make a difference!

Consider creating a Cheer Zone on this year’s course with your run club, nonprofit organization, business or neighborhood group to encourage runners on race day.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon also features four themed cheer zones on the course at the 8K marker, Mile 13.1, Mile 15 and Mile 26.

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Cheer Zone – 8K

Cheer on runners as they shamROCK through the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Cheer Zone located in Lincoln Park at the 8K mark. The Shamrock Shuffle is the kickoff to the Chicago running season and is a continuation of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Visit shamrockshuffle.com for more information.

Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Cheer Zone – Mile 13.1

Reimagine the run and celebrate Chicago’s West Side at the halfway point of the course! The second Bank of America Chicago 13.1 will take place on June 4, 2023, running through the historic parks, boulevards and vibrant culture of Garfield Park, Humboldt Park and Douglass Park. Visit chicago13point1.com to learn more.

Charity Block Party – Mile 15

Thousands of Bank of America Chicago Marathon participants run and fundraise on behalf of important local, national and global causes. To celebrate the impact these participants make, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon hosts a Charity Block Party near Mile 15. Spectators, family and friends can cheer on their charity runners at the Charity Block Party, located at Adams Street and Loomis Street near Whitney Young High School.

Bank of America Cheer Zone – Mile 26

Listen for the sound of a crowd filled with noisemakers and exciting on-course entertainment as you enter the Bank of America Cheer Zone on your way to the finish line near Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road.

Community cheer zones

Local running clubs, community groups, organizations, businesses and international groups have organized cheer zones throughout the course to motivate participants on their 26.2-mile journey through Chicago. View a list of groups and their locations on the course (.pdf).

If you have questions, please contact communityrelations@cemevent.com.