OFFICIAL PROGRAM
October 13, 2024
our communities
As America’s #1 business lender, we’re invested in local economies with over $40 billion in business loans. Our commitment includes providing funding to under-resourced business owners and supporting entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to help them make every move matter.
Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago
CAREY PINKOWSKI
Executive Race Director
Bank of America
Chicago Marathon
Dear participants,
On behalf of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon staff, the Bank of America, the City of Chicago, our sponsors and volunteers, I am thrilled to welcome you to the 46th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Last year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon put the event on a trajectory that has seen nearly every record fall. Our professional athletes set course records in every division, highlighted by Kelvin Kiptum’s men’s world record. Our charity athletes raised $30.4 million for local, national and international causes, the highest fundraising total since the Charity Program began in 2002. An unprecedented number of individuals applied for this year’s race, which will feature the largest field we’ve hosted to date.
World records generate significant attention, and rightfully so. What Kelvin Kiptum accomplished last year on the streets of Chicago was nothing short of inspiring, and it was tragic to lose as magnificent of a person as him at such a young age. I hope his legacy inspires you to chase your own dreams during this year’s marathon. Very few of us can break world records, but the marathon provides everyone with an opportunity to go beyond what you believed was possible for yourself.
In the remaining days leading up to the race, I encourage you to reflect on all you’ve accomplished. Training for a marathon is no small feat. You persisted, you endured and now it’s your time to shine.
Go out there and set your record.
Sincerely,
Dear Friends:
Welcome to the 46th Bank of America Chicago Marathon – one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world.
We have hosted this marathon since 1994, and it’s great to see the impact it’s had upon the city of Chicago and all of you who run, volunteer and support this great race each year.
The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon generated a record $546 million in economic impact to the city. Plus, more than 14,000 runners committed to making their marathon experience more meaningful by completing it for the benefit of a charity. These runners generated $30.4 million towards charitable causes for Chicago.
Since 2002, more than 183,000 Bank of America Chicago Marathon participants have raised $322 million for nearly 200 charitable causes. That spirit of philanthropy gives added meaning to this race and helps make a lasting impact for communities in Chicago and beyond.
This year we will welcome 50,000 participants who will take on the 26.2mile course through the streets and neighborhoods of Chicago. That’s more runners than ever, who will help continue to bring a big benefit to the community.
It’s the power and spirit of you, the dedicated running community, that makes the Bank of America Chicago Marathon so special. And it is an honor to once again welcome runners, volunteers, supporters and fans from around the world to Chicago and this elite race.
On behalf of all our Bank of America teammates, thank you for being here and for your contributions to what will be an exciting and memorable 46th Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Good luck to all of you and enjoy the race.
Sincerely,
RITA SOLA COOK
President Bank of America
Chicago
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet Pick-up
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet Pick-up
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Abbott Chicago 5K
Grant Park
Race Start: 7:30 a.m.
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet Pick-up
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Grant Park
Marathon Wheelchair Start (men): 7:20 a.m.
Marathon Wheelchair Start (women): 7:21 a.m.
Marathon Handcycle Start: 7:23 a.m.
Marathon Wave 1 Start: 7:30 a.m.
Marathon Wave 2 Start: 8 a.m.
Marathon Wave 3 Start: 8:35 a.m.
Spectator access to Grant Park begins: 9:30 a.m.
27th Mile Post-Race Party
Grant Park, Butler Field
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Times are subject to change
For more than 45 years, the streets of Chicago have been home to world records, national records and personal records; 2023 was no different. While Kelvin Kiptum was gliding through 26.2 miles of Chicago’s streets at world record pace last October, he was unknowingly inspiring the thousands of witnesses he passed. When we lost him in February due to a tragic car accident, his impact and legacy was palpable across the world.
This October, we want to honor Kiptum’s legacy and celebrate the barriers he broke to push our sport forward. From participants setting their own personal record to the largest number of finishers in event history, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will continue to host and amplify the stories of the trailblazers and pacesetters in 2024 and for years to come.
REDEFINING POSSIBLE
Kelvin Kiptum’s world record and the lasting impact of a legend lost far too young
By Cindy Kuzma
FOR 30 YEARS,
Bernard Lyles has served as an aid station captain at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. In that time, he’s seen dozens of champions and more than a handful of record-setters fly by.
But he’d never seen anything like last October 8.
He and his team at Aid Station 19—at 2800 S. Michigan Avenue, past Mile 24 of the race—were almost done setting up their water and Gatorade. Not long after the leaders of the wheelchair race pushed by, a lone runner came into view.
It was Kelvin Kiptum, his smooth stride belying his swift pace.
“After the lead truck passed by, it got really quiet,” Lyles says. “Usually you see a pack, at least two or three, or you would at least see somebody a minute behind. But the next runner was almost four minutes behind.”
In only his third marathon, Kiptum, a 24 year old from Kenya, was charging ahead to a mind-blowing new world record of 2:00:35. That’s a full 34 seconds faster than the previous record, which fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge had run in Berlin the year prior.
The feat astonished volunteers and spectators along the course, journalists in the press room and fellow race participants, including his elite competitors.
“He was on an entirely different level,” says 2022 champion Benson Kipruto, also from Kenya, who
finished second to Kiptum in 2:04:02. Kipruto watched Kiptum break away after just 5K, then learned of the record immediately after crossing the line. “My jaw dropped when I heard his time and splits. Simply amazing.”
The record secured Kiptum’s spot as the heir apparent to Kipchoge, now age 39. It also raised the tantalizing possibility of the sub-2-hour marathon. Four years prior, Kipchoge ran 1:59:40 on a closed course in Vienna to become the first man to break 2 hours in the marathon distance. But that was in a scientifically optimized race, with a full team of pacers, and thus not record-eligible.
“That was one of the greatest sporting moments I’ve ever seen. People will still be talking about it 50 years from now.”
—Shane Quinn, husband of seventh-place women’s finisher Emily Sisson
Kiptum had just come within 36 seconds of the twohour mark, all by himself, in a race that was part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. “You just sort of thought, ‘Wow, we’re so close now,’” says Sarah Lorge Butler, a longtime running journalist who covered the 2023 race for Runner’s World magazine. “And you knew it could be him.”
Tragically, it was not to be. Kiptum’s next chapter was cut short when he and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, were killed in a car accident in Kenya on February 11.
The running community reacted with shock and grief, mourning a champion gone too soon. But as the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon nears, athletes and fans remember that magical day last year, and the lasting impact Kiptum and his performance will have on what they believe is possible.
“He was fearless. The conditions were just about perfect. He looked around and said, ‘This is my opportunity.’ He seized the moment,” says Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. “He reenergized this race and the entire city, bringing everyone together in an amazing way.”
A RISING STAR
The first time Pinkowski took note of Kiptum was following his debut at the Valencia Marathon in 2022. At age 23, Kiptum ran 2:01:53, the fastest debut marathon in history. Four months later, he won the TCS London Marathon in 2:01:25. “At that point, I realized he was something special, like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” Pinkowski says. “No question about it, he became a priority. We had to get him.”
The hope, of course, was for Kiptum to continue the legacy of record-breaking runs in Chicago—from Steve Jones in 1984 (2:08.05) to Khalid Khannouchi in 1999 (2:05:42); Catherine Ndereba in 2001 (2:18:47) and Paula Radcliffe in 2002 (2:17:18) to Brigid Kosgei in 2019 (2:14:04).
From the time organizers began recruiting Kiptum to come race in Chicago, it became clear that he was not
only a stellar athlete, but a kind and humble person. He trained hard, sometimes running more than 180 miles per week, and also happily participated in events surrounding the race. “If we asked him to do something at 10 o’clock, he’d be there at 9:45,” Pinkowski says. “He was warm and friendly, approachable.”
Kipruto agrees; though the two men trained and lived in different parts of the country, they crossed paths at competitions and other functions. “Kelvin was a bit quiet and introverted, but when together, he would come out of his shell and tell stories and make jokes,” Kipruto says.
Lyles had the chance to meet Kiptum at the press conference before the 2023 race. He noticed that although Kiptum was projected to win, he hung back, humbly. When asked by reporters, he didn’t mention the world record, saying only that he’d set his sights on Dennis Kimetto’s 2013 course record of 2:03:45.
THE PERFECT DAY
Race morning dawned with temperatures in the mid40s, low winds, and clouds overhead: in other words, dream conditions for marathoners. Four pacers were to lead the elite men to a fast time, assigned to travel the first half of the race in 60:40. That’s a 4:38 pace, which would have led to a 2:01:20 finish—speedy, but slower than Kipchoge’s prior record of 2:01:09.
All four pacers took Kiptum and six others, including Kipruto and fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, through the 5K mark in 14:26, exactly on pace. But Kiptum soon realized he could do more, and signaled to one of the pacers, Ronald Kirui, to begin a push forward.
The pair and Mateiko broke away, covering the second 5K in 14:16. By the 15K mark, they’d gained nearly a minute on a pack of their closest competitors, including Kipruto.
Kiptum and Mateiko hit the halfway mark in 60:48. Pinkowski, who spends race day largely by the finish line, receives regular updates on the professional race. At that point, he admits, he felt nervous, unsure if the record was within reach.
“Kelvin’s inspiration to me is that anything is possible with talent, hard work and big dreams.”
—Dan Daly, 2023 lead vehicle passenger
But he shouldn’t have stressed. Though Kirui soon tired—he stepped off the course not long after the halfway mark—Kiptum and Mateiko pushed forward. The pair kept the pace consistent through the 30K mark (about 18.6 miles), which they passed in 1:26:31.
And that was where the magic truly began. Kiptum covered the distance between 30K and 35K in 13:51, a 4:27 pace that inched him ever closer to a recordbreaking finish.
Local track and cross country coach Dan Daly, himself an accomplished marathoner, also has had a firsthand view of the race for years; he rides in the NBC camera truck by the lead runners. He watched all this unfold from a maximum of 50 yards away. As Kiptum ratcheted the pace down, the camera operator pointed out how his stride had changed as he accelerated, and Daly realized he was about to witness history.
Mateiko dropped back, and eventually, dropped out altogether. Even absent competition, Kiptum charged ahead. “He did it the old-fashioned way. He put the effort on his back, and it was him against the stopwatch,” Pinkowski says.
As he approached the finish line, Kiptum knew what he was about to accomplish. He waved to the crowd, pumped his fists and blew kisses. As he blew through the finish line tape, he raised his arms and kept going, leaping into Pinkowski’s arms.
“His performance will stay with us—it will be etched in our memories, etched in the trophy case and etched in history.”
—Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski
That joyous moment is seared in Lorge Butler’s memory. “How was that even possible at that point?” she wonders. “He didn’t even seem tired.” Shane Quinn, who’s married to American marathoner Emily Sisson, stepped outside just in time to see Kiptum cross the line. He watched, looked at the clock in astonishment, then looked back at Kiptum, also noting how energetic he appeared. “He looks like he could do it again,” Quinn thought.
Sisson, whose family lives nearby, has her own record-breaking history on the streets of Chicago— she slashed the American marathon record here the year prior with her time of 2:18:29. “The race means a lot to her in general,” Quinn says. “Seeing an all-time sporting performance on that course was validating as to how great an event it is.”
INSPIRING A COMMUNITY
The news eventually filtered back through the rest of the racers. At the aid station near Mile 18 in Little Italy, captain Paul Oppenheim of the Oak Park Runners Club heard the news from another volunteer, whose brother had texted him.
“I grabbed the bullhorn and started making announcements to the passing runners: ‘There was a world record set this morning! Kelvin Kiptum, two hours, 35 seconds,’” Oppenheim says. The racers could barely fathom what they were hearing. “A common reaction was, ‘Holy crap!’ People would say, ‘What was that time again?’ Or else they would cheer.”
Cheryl Ross was running her second-ever Chicago Marathon, 23 years after her first. Midway through, she heard someone shout, “He did it in two hours, 35 seconds!” Ross knew exactly who the person was talking about and felt honored to be running in Kiptum’s wake.
“Hearing that news lit my feet on fire, and I knew then that I was going to give everything I had,” she says. She finished in 4:13, fast enough to earn a time-qualified spot for her age group in 2024. This year, she’s back with bigger goals—a sub-four hour marathon—that she’s dedicating, in part, to Kiptum’s memory.
Even the non-running world took note. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson posted about the record on social media. Lizbeth Nieves, a Fleet Feet Chicago Racing Team performance coach who was spectating, got an excited phone call later that day from her 12-yearold nephew. “He knows I love to run,” she says. “He thought it was so cool that the world record was 2:00:35
broken here and wanted me to know in case I had not heard about it.”
And when Lorge Butler landed in Seattle from Chicago en route to her home base in Eugene, Oregon, she had an email from NPR’s All Things Considered, requesting an interview to discuss the feat. “You know when the mainstream media is calling, it’s a big deal,” she says.
While Kiptum’s run ended all too soon, his influence on the sport will endure. His racing style—start fast, then get faster—has inspired other competitors to try similar strategies. Even if they don’t always accelerate enough to claim world-record times, they’re dreaming bigger, and reaching for it.
“I will always cherish that moment of being a witness to greatness.”
—Lizbeth Nieves, Fleet Feet Chicago Racing Team Performance coach and 2023 spectator
About a month after Kiptum’s death, Kipruto ran a personal-best 2:02:16 to win the Tokyo Marathon in a course record. He trained hard and his coach offered encouragement and confidence. But Kipruto also gives Kiptum some of the credit.
“He helped show me that I should also not fear or limit myself to the pace or times that I had been used to running before, but that I need to dare more,” he says.
“In my opinion, Kelvin—much like Eliud—has helped reshape people’s view of the sport of marathoning and made everyone reassess what we can all dream of achieving. For that, I will always be grateful.”
2024 PARTICIPANTS LOOK TO SET THEIR OWN RECORDS
By Emilia Benton
Seven participants share the records they’re chasing at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon – even if they have nothing to do with time.
From raising funds for charity to overcoming unique hardships in life, these participants share their “why” for giving it their all at this year’s race.
As we near the anniversary of Kelvin Kiptum’s recordsetting run, with the running community continuing to remember and honor him, many participants are taking it upon themselves to approach the 2024 race with a variety of reasons to aim for their own record
or reason to keep running. Here, seven runners from Chicago and around the U.S. share what’s kept them motivated to reach their own victories at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon finish line.
DJ KI 29, Los Angeles, California
For DJ Ki, the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be their second consecutive time running this iconic race. Their primary motivation to return comes from support from the queer running community, of which they are proud to be a member. In fact, Ki, who identifies as non-binary, founded the Queer Run Club in Los Angeles in 2022 to create a running/athletic space that felt inclusive, accessible and welcoming. QRC meets weekly in different LA neighborhoods, including the West Side, East Side, South/Central Los Angeles and the Valley.
“Run clubs [can be] intimidating, and historically, distance running has been dominated by thin white
cis men,” they said. “We wanted to make a space and a community where you didn’t feel like you needed to fit those parameters and could feel empowered to take up space, particularly in athletic spaces that have historically excluded the queer and trans community.”
This year’s race will also hold additional significance for Ki, as they were unknowingly severely immunocompromised, likely as a result of having had COVID-19, leading up to last year’s race. Despite being in and out of the doctor’s office for chest pain and recurring viral and bacterial infections, they managed to train intensely and come out of the 2023 race with a new personal record of 3:40:37.
In hindsight, Ki recognizes that racing in that state wasn’t the wisest decision, as they spent seven to eight more months recovering. When their health finally showed significant signs of improvement, Ki applied to run with Project Renegade, a venture of Renegade Running store in Los Angeles, which is sponsoring 26 runners of color from California and Chicago to run this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
“When I got the email that I’d been selected, I couldn’t believe it,” they said. “I was admittedly terrified, as training for this would mean pushing my body again when I wasn’t sure if I was physically ready. [Returning to this race] will be a full-circle moment.”
If there’s anything Ki has taken away from last year’s experience, it’s the importance of finding a healthy balance between training and other life priorities, including their social life and mental health. They are also a recovering heroin and meth addict who has been sober for the last seven years, thanks in part to finding running.
“When you’re using, all that matters is the next hit,” they said. “Running has taught me the value of delayed gratification and has radically transformed my life for the better.”
With regard to their illness, Ki knows to be conscious of their limitations going into this year’s race.
“I secretly still want to PR, but I also want to come into this race with a different perspective: that I can train [well], not PR and still have fun,” they said.
BRIDGET CHAMBERLIN
35, Westmont, Illinois
Westmont resident Bridget Chamberlin’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon journey started with her first-ever marathon in 2011. She finished that race in 6:23, openly admitting she wasn’t dedicated to training consistently back then. Fortunately, she didn’t come out too scarred from the experience.
“I truly think Chicago is the perfect marathon for beginners, the most runner-friendly of the World Marathon Majors and a fantastic race day experience,” she said.
After dropping out of the 2013 marathon due to injury and taking a couple of years off from the race and the distance, she made her return to Chicago in 2015. She took nearly 90 minutes off her first marathon time, finishing that race in 4:47:43. It was at that point that something shifted, making her curious to see what she was truly capable of. After taking another hiatus to have her two children, she longed to feel like herself again and was motivated to get back in shape. She had another comeback and breakthrough at the 2022 race, where she took another 30-plus minutes off her time, breaking four hours for the first time in 3:44:18, which she followed up with another big PR of 3:25:18 at the 2023 race for her first Boston Marathon qualifier.
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“I truly believe that I’m proof anyone who wants to go for it can run a marathon, and you can absolutely run faster than you think,” she said. “It takes hard work, consistency, and, [in my opinion], the secret sauce of people cheering you on.”
To no one’s surprise, Chamberlain is going after another big time goal this year aiming to run under 3:15 after her first season training with a coach and group, the Naperville Running Company Track Club.
“Training through the summer has been challenging in a lot of ways, but I’m ready to go after a time goal I’d never dreamed of when I got started now that running has become a huge part of who I am,” she said. “What motivates me to keep training and going after my goals is to prove to myself (and that runner back in 2011) that I have what it takes, and to show my daughters that moms can have big dreams and crush them, too.”
TASFIA AZIM
28, Houston, Texas
Tasfia Azim ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the first time in 2021, which participants and spectators not-so-affectionately remember as the most recent “hot year.” It was Azim’s second marathon ever, and she admits she still had a lot to learn about the sport. “I knew it was going to be really hot and I still tried to go
for a PR when I should have adjusted my expectations,” Azim said. “I crashed and burned, ending up in the medical tent due to dehydration afterward.”
Even though Azim only ended up seven minutes off her then-PR with a 3:36:01 finish time that year, she still walked away feeling disappointed, and determined to make a comeback to run Chicago right by her own standards. Under better conditions in 2022, she did just that, running a new PR of 3:19:01. She’s since gone on to run several more marathons, including hitting a big breakthrough with her first sub-3 hour marathon at this year’s Houston Marathon, where she finished in 2:58:07.
“I’ve only just started working with a coach for the first time, so I’m just so grateful that I’ve made it this far having coached myself and not dealt with any injuries,” she said. “I do think I can do better than that 2:58, which is why I hired a coach to guide me for this year’s Chicago Marathon.”
Even more than pursuing new records, Azim, who is the daughter of immigrant parents from Bangladesh, finds motivation in boosting representation at races, particularly at the front of the pack. She only started running at age 22, when she moved to Houston and started graduate school at Rice University, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D in chemical and biomolecular engineering.
“I never played sports growing up. In fact, my parents really discouraged it, since it wasn’t something girls did in Bangladesh,” she said. “After starting to participate in races in 2019, I noticed there were never many minorities the closer I got to the front corral. It’s pretty homogenous, and I’d like to see more representation there.”
That feeling of not seeing herself represented within the community also led Azim to struggle to find community at the beginning of her running journey. One of the main reasons she’s excited to return to Chicago for a third time this fall is that it’s only her second experience doing a race weekend with friends.
“This year’s Houston Marathon was my first time training with a group and not going into the marathon alone, and it truly was an unbeatable experience,” she said. “There’s a big group of runners who I’ve been training through the challenges of the Houston heat with and I’m excited to actually run the Chicago Marathon with some of them to hopefully get a new PR.”
JEN GROSSHANDLER
57, Highland Park, Illinois
This year won’t be Jen Grosshandler’s first rodeo at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. However, it will be the first time she’s run it since 2009 – and her first time going the distance since declaring “retirement” after the 2014 Boston Marathon, when she decided to pursue triathlons. She never thought she’d make a comeback to the event until this year when her son, Lev, 24, approached her saying he wanted to run his first marathon with her by his side. Not only that, but he wanted to run the marathon in support of his sister and Grosshandler’s daughter, Chazzie, 18, who is transgender.
This marathon will look different from the ones Grosshandler ran for time to qualify for Boston, as she’s been recovering from having hip replacement surgery in January 2023. She and her son are also fundraising for the GenderCool Project, which Grosshandler founded in 2017 and where Lev works as manager of corporate partnerships. The organization’s mission is to debunk misconceptions about transgender and nonbinary youth while also sharing their stories in a positive light and promoting leadership development, education, advocacy and visibility, in an effort to impact culture, policy and business worldwide.
“Our goal is to be strong and present and to run 26.2 miles not for ourselves and to feel this personal sense of
accomplishment this time,” she said. “We want to show the world and the country together that the mother of a transgender daughter and the brother of a transgender sister, have limitless love for Chazzie and limitless love for all transgender and non-binary kids out there.”
Grosshandler noted that the GenderCool Project is currently not an official Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity partner, so she and Lev are also promoting the work of Proud to Run. She aims to have her organization partner with the marathon for the 2025 race.
“My recovery has made this training cycle challenging, but my son, Lev, has kept me motivated,” she said. “I think parents are sometimes unaware of the impact our actions and our words have on our kids, and running the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 in June was a big moment for me, as a person and as a mother, to show my kids that your actions do matter. I feel I have the responsibility to show up and be stronger, to be stronger than I’ve ever been physically and mentally, so I’m doing everything that I need to so that when we step up on October 13 in Chicago, I know we’re going to kill it.”
JORGE GARCIA 50, Maryville, Illinois
Jorge Garcia is a true Bank of America Chicago Marathon veteran. Even though he lives in Maryville, which is closer to St. Louis than Chicago, he’ll be
returning for his 11th time on the course. Despite the fact that he’s run marathons in all 50 states and on all seven continents, including all six Abbott World Marathon Majors, he’s quick to confirm that Chicago is, in fact, his favorite marathon out there.
“While attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, I met a good friend who happened to be from Chicago, and because of him, I visited and fell in love with [the city],” he said. “I love the diversity, the vibe, the food, dance, cultures, multiple languages and really enjoyed running on Lake Shore Drive. I knew then that someday I would run the Chicago Marathon.”
But for Garcia, his reasons for continuing to rack up medals and finishes go beyond chasing times and bucket list milestones. He runs every day in memory of his mother, who was murdered by his father when Garcia was a child, leading him to become a ward of his home state of New Jersey at seven years old. As a result, Garcia lived a tumultuous childhood filled with prison visits and court custody battles as he experienced food insecurity and lived in shelter homes.
“My mother never saw me run, much less cross a finish line, so I run to honor her every day, by carrying a picture of her on every run and while crossing every finish line,” he said. “However, what keeps me motivated is [knowing] I am not alone. I was very fortunate to have hundreds of people who helped me climb out of a not-so-great childhood and into the world of long-distance running.”
Those hundreds of people naturally extend to the running community, with Garcia shouting out local running store RunWell, which organizes group runs in which he regularly participates, as well as his two training partners and his wife, who is also a runner and regularly encourages him to give his all in training and racing.
“I love to lead by example, since my running journey started with unfortunate and challenging circumstances filled with obstacles that needed to be overcome,” he said. “More important than the competition of running, is my desire to inspire others, runners and non-runners, to experience what can be accomplished on two feet and to do what others think is impossible.”
SARA PASSANI
30, Los Angeles, California
Competitive runner Sara Passani knows what it’s like to chase big goals. After all, the former NCAA Division III All-American qualified and competed in both the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathons and currently holds a personal best of 2:34:33 from the 2022 California International Marathon. One milestone she hasn’t yet hit? Running her first Abbott World Marathon Major, which she’ll do when she lines up in Chicago this fall. To make her first Major experience more meaningful, Passani is also fundraising for Camp One Step, which provides free year-round camp experiences for children with cancer and their families.
“After the better half of the last two years qualifying for and training for the Trials, I just felt like running for a charity would bring like another layer of excitement and purpose to my marathon build, and one that didn’t have to do directly with performance by any means,” Passani said. “I obviously still want to run well at Chicago, but it’s been nice to divert some of that attention to [this cause], which I was introduced to by my mom when she decided to donate, and I saw it was an official charity partner of the marathon.”
Passani, who is of Iranian and Middle Eastern descent, also finds inspiration in diversifying the front of the
pack, knowing she was one of the 12% of the women’s field at the 2024 Trials who identified as women of color.
“Continuing to help boost representation definitely motivates me, especially since I’m hoping to qualify for a third Olympic Trials before the Los Angeles Games in 2028,” she said. “In the meantime, I just want to see how good I can get, which hopefully is a PR in Chicago this fall, either in the low 2:30s or possibly even below 2:30.”
ERICA HARPER
56, Brooklyn, New York
For Erica Harper, it took years to ever consider running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The Brooklyn, New York-based runner was familiar with the city, having previously lived in Chicago for a few years, and felt the longer blocks than her home city might make it more of a mental obstacle for her.
However, after attending the 2022 race to cheer on her training partner, she knew she had to finally experience it for herself. She ran the 2023 race after fundraising for Achilles International, and although she had a challenging day dealing with blisters on her feet on the way to the finish line, the experience was positive enough to make her return this year.
Harper particularly knows to appreciate the good days in both training and racing because she deals with asthma and allergies. When she was growing up, children with asthma were encouraged to sit on the sidelines rather than be active. As an adult, she knew her asthma was maintained, so with the support of her doctor, she decided to start running when she came across one of the New York Road Runners’ Open Run community events.
“The infrastructure in New York has very much improved, with a nice promenade along the waterfront, with open air, grass and parks,” she said. “I found I enjoyed doing these 5Ks every Tuesday, with people and families from all walks of life.”
Harper manages her conditions by being aware of weather and air quality alerts before setting out for a run, and carries her asthma pump and inhaler along with her energy gels and water.
“I’m always very aware of the pollen seasons and pollen counts and know what triggers me,” she said. “I make sure to carry [these supplies] because you never know what’s lurking in the park.”
Managing her conditions has proven to be even more challenging this summer, as New York City, like much of the country, has dealt with pockets of extreme heat. She finds motivation through her teammates in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Track Club, though she is mindful of staying off social platforms like Strava to avoid falling into a comparison trap with them.
“Each year, I’m learning that each day is going to be a different obstacle and I just have to take it day by day and not beat myself up about it,” she says. “[A big part of] doing a marathon is mental, so I’m learning to ease my expectations to continue to feel good and feel that sense of accomplishment. If I can make it to this year’s finish line with fewer aches and pains [than last year], that will be a good day for me.”
WHAT TO DO IN
If you’re looking for things to do while you’re in town for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, take recommendations from those who know our city best! From local runners to professional athletes who have been to Chicago many times, try their favorite restaurants and check out the top activities to ensure you get the most out of your visit.
RESTAURANTS
MILLENNIUM HALL
Millennium Hall is a multi-restaurant concept at the Midwest’s number one tourist attraction, Millenium Park and Cloud Gate (The Bean). With three unique restaurant concepts (Napolita, Double Clutch Beer Garden and Casa Bonita), Millennium Hall offers something for everyone.
QUARTINO
Whether this is your pre- or post-race meal, Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant for pasta, pizza and wine, featuring Italian small plates. Located in River North, Quartino is an easy visit from where all the race day action takes place.
GOOSE ISLAND
Goose Island uses 32 fermenters, over 15 different yeasts and state-of-the art filters that brew the tastiest beers. Goose Island prides itself on the quality of its beer, and utilizes a 50 barrel JV Northwest 5 vessel system that brews 24/7. With a brand new pub on the Chicago River and a taproom in West Town, Goose Island provides great beer and food in the best locations in Chicago. Umai
MORE GREAT OPTIONS
• Portillo’s
• Lou Malnati’s
• Mia Fresca
• Hard Rock Cafe
• City Winery
• Stan’s Donuts
• Momotaro Chicago
“My big recommendation is the Niu B Japanese restaurant that’s on Michigan Avenue. I love their food and they are always big fans of the marathon–plus highly nutritious racing fuel.”
– Susannah Scaroni
Let’s run plastic water bottles out of Chicago.
Hydrate with Culligan water and join our movement to reduce reliance on 40 billion single-use plastic bottles this year. See how
Winning is in its nature.
The triple-crown-awarded, three-row Kia
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Power up for your peak performance with Kipchoge and Shokz.
THINGS TO DO
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE TOUR
Highly rated and a not-to-miss Chicago attraction, the Architecture River Tour takes you up and down the three branches of the Chicago River, providing breathtaking views of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers and landmarks at every turn. From hidden treasures to the city’s most wellknown sights, you’ll view over 40 Chicago landmarks on the 75-minute architecture river boat tours.
CHICAGO MAHOGANY TOURS
Customers get to experience the neighborhoods that make up Chicago with local historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas. Dilla brings the city to life through captivating storytelling and insider knowledge.
“The architecture boat tour gives you an appreciation of all the beautiful buildings along the water. Be sure to read Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen before your next visit. It will enhance your appreciation of my personal favorite city, Chicago.”
– Deena Kastor
FLYOVER NAVY PIER
at Wrigley Field.
“My favorite thing to do is catch a Cubs game
There is nothing like
going to the Friendly Confines!”
– Galen Rupp
Flyover Chicago is a unique and immersive experience like no other! Fly through our beautiful city, see the landscape and famous attractions and become captivated with Chicago! The immersive journey shares Chicago’s story through stunning visuals and authentic cultural connections — culminating in an epic nine-minute flying journey through the city’s most iconic and remarkable places.
“Running along the Lakefront Trail is a must , especially the weekend of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and being among all the runners!” – Keira D’Amato
MORE GREAT ACTIVITIES
• The Museum of Ice Cream
• Shedd Aquarium
• Eataly
• Chicago Cultural Center
• Museum of Illusions Chicago
What matters to you matters to us.
At McDonald’s, our purpose is to feed and foster communities.
McDonald’s has a celebrated history of supporting and investing in our diverse communities around the world. From our charitable investments in community programs and long-standing support of Ronald McDonald House Charities, to our during times of need, giving back to our communities is part of our DNA.
Our charitable investments focus on three key strategic outcome areas:
• Supporting Families: Help address the needs of families and their well-being through the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
• Times of Need: Help respond to the needs of people and communities in the face of crisis and hardship.
• Opportunity Employment: Help reduce systemic barriers to employment.
For runners across the globe, competing in an Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) race is a significant accomplishment. Six of the largest and most renowned road races in the world— the Tokyo, Boston presented by Bank of America, TCS London, BMW BERLIN, Bank of America Chicago, and TCS New York City marathons—make up the AbbottWMM. The organization delivers several unique benefits to runners:
• Unparalleled experiences: Operational excellence at each race ensures a premium race-day journey for runners.
• A professional series : the best professional athletes in the world competing to become the Series Champion.
• Promotion of marathon running: AbbottWMM organizers aggressively champion anti-doping protocols and make many other efforts to move the sport forward.
To learn more about the Abbott World Marathon Majors, visit worldmarathonmajors.com.
The professional athlete field for the 46th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon features two of the top 10 fastest women of all time, two of the world’s most exciting marathon stars racing in the United States for the first time and both defending champions in the wheelchair field.
“We are accustomed to making history at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. “With some of the fastest athletes in the world joining us this fall, we are hopeful to build on the tradition of great performances this year.”
The full professional field roster can be viewed at chicagomarathon.com.
MEN’S OPEN DIVISION (INTERNATIONAL)
Amos Kipruto (KEN, 2:03:13)
Vincent Ngetich (KEN, 2:03:13)
Dawit Wolde (ETH, 2:03:48)
WOMEN’S OPEN DIVISION (INTERNATIONAL)
Ruth Chepngetich (KEN, 2:14:18)
Sutume Kebede (ETH, 2:15:55)
Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN, 2:16:24)
MEN’S OPEN DIVISION (AMERICAN)
Zach Panning (USA, 2:09:28)
Brian Shrader (USA, 2:09:46)
CJ Albertson (USA, 2:09:53)
MEN’S WHEELCHAIR DIVISION
Aaron Pike (USA, 1:20:02)
Johnboy Smith (GBR, 1:20:05)
Daniel Romanchuk (USA, 1:21:36)
WOMEN’S OPEN DIVISION (AMERICAN)
Keira D’Amato (USA, 2:19:12)
Betsy Saina (USA, 2:19:17)
Sara Hall (USA, 2:20:32)
WOMEN’S WHEELCHAIR DIVISION
Susannah Scaroni (USA, 1:27:31)
Manuela Schär (SUI, 1:28:17)
Tatyana McFadden (USA, 1:31:30)
WHEELCHAIR
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS
Catherine Debrunner (SUI, 1:34:16)
Marcel Hug (SUI, 1:17:47)
2024 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON
Every year, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon hosts thousands of runners who choose to make their Chicago Marathon experience more meaningful by running on behalf of a charity. Since 2002, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has raised more than $322 million for local, national and global causes. The 2024 Charity Program features more than 200 charities, and hundreds of inspiring stories. Read about some of this year’s charity runners and consider supporting a cause that is meaningful to you!
“I am running in honor of my mom, Carole Swain, who passed away from lung cancer in 2022. As a nurse at Advocate Health Care, I know my fundraising efforts can provide the gift of hope to all the fighters who come through Advocate’s doors and allow more of them to leave with the gift of health. I have always enjoyed running but this will be my first marathon!”
REBECCA BEVERIDGE
Advocate Health Care
Charitable Foundation
“Growing up, runners didn’t look like me on TV, on the high school track field or on the neighborhood trail. Running with Students Run Chicago, we can help highlight the sport of running to all walks of life. SRC’s mission in providing a space for high school students to grow into the next generation of leaders was an essential part of my decision to represent Students Run Chicago around the community for the 2024 season.”
ANTHONY DEPAZ
Students Run Chicago
“I ran my first marathon in Chicago in 2019 in the memory of my father who we lost to pancreatic cancer in 2018. I made a strong connection with Project Purple through Dino Verrelli, who started Project Purple after losing his father to pancreatic cancer. After raising over $4,500 for Project Purple, I caught the marathon bug and haven’t stopped. While I secured my 2024 entry through a time qualifier, I just couldn’t imagine not running with Team One Step and will be serving my second year as a team captain.”
Team One Step
RICHARD KLOTZ
PATRIOTS’ DAY | MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
7
“Our baby boy Breken had many complicated health issues that required hospitalization. Without warning, he left this Earth on Saturday, April 25, 2015. During the stressful days of his diagnosis and treatments, we worried about where to stay near his hospital and stressed about how we could afford a hotel on Michigan Avenue, which averaged a few hundred dollars a night. Now we see how much organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities make a difference for families like ours by providing accommodations, meals and support when we needed it most. When I decided to commit to the 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Ronald McDonald House Charities became my charity of choice because they helped my family in so many ways. I knew I had to give back. Years later, I’m back to support RMHC not only because of what they did for our family but also because of what they do for our friends and their families.”
DANIELLA HOSCH-DUPONT
Ronald McDonald
House Charities
Top 5 2023 charities by participation:
Team World Vision
1,670 participants
Ronald McDonald House Charities
1,150 participants
American Cancer Society 872 participants
TEAM PAWS Chicago 511 participants
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 507 participants
16,000
Charity runners at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
322 million
Dollars raised for charity since 2002
200
Charities featured in 2024
“I run for Autism Speaks TeamUp because I am on the autism spectrum, and I was late diagnosed at age 20. Because of misunderstandings and ignorance about what autism spectrum is, moreover, what it is like to be a female on the autism spectrum, I was treated very poorly by the education system. I have run 13 marathons thus far. I will be running my ninth Bank of America Chicago Marathon and my fourth TCS New York City Marathon this fall with Autism Speaks TeamUp. It touches my heart that Autism Speaks TeamUp does such an amazing job in giving back to provide resources to families touched by autism.”
SONIA CHAND Autism Speaks
CulturaLink is proud to serve as the exclusive language services provider for the extraordinarily diverse running community at the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. As race sponsors, we provide solutions that respect and honor the various cultures, traditions, and medical needs of the runners, marathon staff, and volunteers.
CulturaLink puts #200LanguagesInYourPocket and arms hospitals and physician offices with immediate technology-based solutions and on-site interpreters that ensure precise, clear, and concise communication between patients and medical providers. To learn how CulturaLink can help your medical organization better serve today’s diverse healthcare needs, please call 1-888-844-1414 or visit theculturalink.com
Stay up to date with the latest race news and inspiration by following the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on social media! Tag your race weekend content with #MyChicagoMarathon for the chance to be featured on our channels.
Cheer on this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon participants along the course or from home by following TV and radio coverage of the event. Spectators can track individual runners using the Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services. After the race, join your participant at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Grant Park.
GRANT PARK SPECTATOR ACCESS
Spectators will not have access to the race start and finish areas within Grant Park on race day. These areas will be accessible only to participants displaying their event-issued bib numbers, event staff with proper credentials and ticketed guests (where applicable). Family, friends and individuals who are not registered for the race will not be able to escort participants to the start line.
We recommend that spectators support participants from elsewhere on the course and meet runners after the race in the Runner Reunite area of the 27th Mile Post-Race Party.
The 27th Mile Post-Race Party will open to spectators at 9:30 a.m. To access this area, spectators must pass through security and bag screening at Entrance Gate #1 (Jackson Drive and Michigan Avenue) or Entrance Gate #4 (Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue).
FINISH LINE VIEWING
Cheer on participants as they make the turn on to Columbus Drive in the final stretch of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Spectators can purchase East Side Viewing tickets to access an exclusive spectator viewing area at the finish line. For more information visit chicagomarathon.com/marathonstore.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON APP, POWERED BY TCS
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, Powered by Tata Consultancy Services is the perfect resource to prepare for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Whether you’re running or spectating, the free mobile app includes everything you’ll need to be prepared for a great race week experience.
The 2024 official race app features unlimited live race day runner tracking, professional athlete profiles, live broadcast streaming, real-time weather, an interactive course map, participant bib share and more. Spectators can submit a digital cheer through the app for the chance for your message to be displayed on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course as your participant goes by. Visit the “Cheer” page in the app to submit your message.
New in 2024! A donate button will appear for any participants you track that are fundraising through charities using the Haku platform. Help runners reach their fundraising goal and donate through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon app! This year’s app also includes eleven major leaderboards that will allow users to find race leaders across all tracked categories, from the professional athlete field to the open field. Full results of the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be available in the app in real time.
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 the 2024 course with your run club, nonprofit organization, business or neighborhood group to encourage runners on race day. The Community Cheer Zone Application is available at chicagomarathon.com/cheerzones.
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 Bank of America Chicago 13.1 runs 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 ZONES
Join Bank of America to make some noise supporting race participants at one of their on-course Cheer Zones located at Mile 13 on N. Wacker in front of Bank of America Tower and again at Mile 26, close to the finish line, near Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road. Entertainment, cheer items and more will be available.
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. If you have questions, please contact communityrelations@cemevent.com.
EAST SIDE VIEWING AREA
Cheer on participants as they make the turn onto Columbus Drive in the final stretch of the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Spectators can purchase East Side Viewing Area tickets to access an exclusive spectator viewing area at the finish line.
ON THE COURSE
GRAND RED LINE STATION
Miles 1, 3 and 12.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Grand Avenue (Mile 1). Walk three blocks west to LaSalle Street (Mile 3) and four blocks west to Wells Street (Mile 12.5).
JACKSON RED OR BLUE LINE STATION
Mile 2
Board a Red or Blue Line train and exit at Jackson Street.
CHICAGO RED LINE STATION
Miles 3.5 and 12.25
Board a Red Line train and exit at Chicago Avenue. Walk three blocks west to LaSalle Street (Mile 3.5) and four blocks west to Wells Street (Mile 12.25).
CLARK/DIVISION RED LINE STATION
Miles 4 and 12
Board a Red Line train and exit at LaSalle Street (Mile 4). Walk one block west to Wells Street (Mile 12).
SHERIDAN RED LINE STATION
Mile 8
Board a Red Line train and exit at Sheridan. Walk four blocks east to Broadway.
ADDISON RED LINE STATION
Mile 8.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Addison Street. Walk four blocks east to Broadway.
SEDGWICK BROWN LINE STATION
Mile 11
Board a Brown Line train and exit at Sedgwick Street. Walk a half-block north to North Avenue.
WASHINGTON/WELLS BROWN, PINK OR ORANGE LINE
STATION
Mile 13.5
Board any Brown, Pink or Orange Line train and exit at Washington/ Wells. Walk two blocks west on Washington Street to Wacker Drive.
UIC-HALSTED BLUE LINE STATION
Miles 14 and 17
Board a Blue Line train and exit at UIC-Halsted. Use the Halsted Street exit or Morgan Street exit and walk two blocks north to Adams Street to view the runners around Mile 14 in Greektown. Or use the Halsted Street or Morgan Street exit and walk one block north to Jackson to view runners around Mile 17.
18TH PINK LINE STATION
Mile 19.25
Board a Pink Line train and exit at 18th Street. Walk four blocks east to Loomis Street.
CERMAK-CHINATOWN RED LINE STATION
Mile 21.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Cermak-Chinatown.
SOX-35TH RED LINE STATION
Miles 23, 23.25 and 23.5
Board a Red Line train and exit at Sox-35th. Use the 33rd Street exit and walk four blocks to Michigan Avenue (Mile 23) or walk five blocks east to Indiana (Mile 23.5). Exit at 35th Street and walk four blocks east on 35th Street to Michigan Avenue to view runners around Mile 23.25 as they run on 35th Street from Michigan to Indiana Avenues.
35TH-BRONZEVILLE-IIT GREEN LINE STATION
Miles 23, 23.25 and 23.5
Board a Green Line train and exit at 35th-Bronzeville-IIT. Use the 33rd Street exit and walk one block east to Michigan Avenue (Mile 23) or two blocks east to Indiana (Mile 23.5). Exit at 35th Street and walk one block east to Michigan Avenue to view runners around Mile 23.25 as they run on 35th Street from Michigan to Indiana Avenues.
CERMAK-MCCORMICK PLACE
GREEN LINE STATION
Mile 25
Board a Green Line train and exit at Cermak-McCormick Place. Walk two blocks east to Michigan Avenue.
ROOSEVELT RED, GREEN AND ORANGE LINE STATION
Finish Line
Board a Red, Green or Orange Line train and exit at Roosevelt Road. Walk east on Roosevelt Road toward the Museum Campus/Grant Park.
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The Chicago area is home to a diverse running and walking community with a variety of clubs that offer individuals the opportunity to train, build community and take part in fun wellness based activities. Each club meets in unique locations throughout the area and have their own culture, mission and goals on how they support and serve their community. We encourage you to immerse yourself in the Chicago running community and connect with the local clubs leading up to and during race weekend.
3RUN2
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @3RUN2
Above Ground Running
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @AboveGroundRunning
Black Girls RUN! Chicago
Chicago and suburbs
Website: blackgirlsrun.com
Chicago Area Runners Association
Chicago and suburbs
Website: cararuns.org
Chicago Muslim Running Club
Chicago, IL – The Loop
Instagram: @chi.mrc
Chicago Road Runners
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @official_ chicagoroadrunners
Chingonas Run Chicago
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @ Chingonasrunchicago_
DWRunning
Chicago, IL
Website: dwrunning.com
EDGE Athlete Lounge
Chicago, IL
Website: edgeathletelounge.com
Elmhurst Running Club
Elmhurst, IL
Website: elmhurstrunningclub.com
Evanston Running Club
Evanston, IL
Website: evanstonrunningclub.org
Family Style RC
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @FamilyStyleRC
Fleet Feet Running Club
Chicago, IL
Website: fleetfeet.com/s/chicago/ fleet-feet-running-club
GRC Run Club
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @GRCRunClub
Lakeview Run Club
Chicago, IL – Lakeview
Instagram: @lakeviewrunclub
Latinas Run Chicago
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @LatinasRunChicago
Lawndale Let’s Keep It
Moving Walking Club
Chicago, IL – Lawndale
Let’s Move, Lawndale!
Chicago, IL – Lawndale
Facebook: Let’s Move, Lawndale!
Midway Mile Chasers
Chicago, IL – Midway
Instagram: @MidwayMileChasers
November Project –
Chicago
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @novemberprojectchicago
On the 9
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @onthe9runcrew
Peace Runners 773
Chicago, IL – Garfield Park
Website: peacerunners773.com
Read & Run Chicago
Chicago, IL
Website: readandrunchicago.com
Rogers Park Running Club
Chicago, IL – Rogers Park
Facebook: Rogers Park
Running Club
Run to the Pub
Running Club
South and Northwest Suburbs
Website: runtopub.net
Second City Track Club
Chicago, IL
Website: secondcitytc.com
Skokie Swifters
Run/Walk Club
Skokie, IL
Website: www.skokieswifters.run/home
Tortugas Run Club
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @tortugas_rc
Trail Blazin Crew
Chicago, IL
Instagram: @trailblazincrew
Venados Running Club
Chicago, IL
Website: venadosrunning.com
Viento Little Village Runners Club
Chicago, IL – Little Village
Instagram: @vientolvrc
CELEBRATE WITH US
Every year, 10,000 volunteers lend their time to make the Bank of America Chicago Marathon great. Volunteers play a critical role in the event’s operation, starting weeks before race weekend with packet preparation before serving as the main point of contact for participants at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. On race day, volunteers fulfill an impressive range of roles, providing guidance as information team members, helping maintain start corrals, distributing fluids and supplies at aid stations, assisting those who need medical attention oncourse and in Grant Park and handing out medals and runner refreshments after the race. The Chicago Marathon truly could not take place without each and every one of our volunteers. Thank you, volunteers, for all the help you provide!
Cheer on this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon participants from home by following TV and radio coverage of the event.
WATCH LIVE
NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago and TeleXitos will provide complete live TV coverage and live streaming of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in English and Spanish. The NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago and TeleXitos live television broadcasts will air from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. (U.S. Central Time) and the live stream will be available at nbcchicago.com and telemundochicago.com, on the NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago apps and on the stations’ Roku and Apple TV channels, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. (U.S. Central Time).
LISTEN LIVE
670 The Score Sports Radio will provide complete live radio coverage of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on race day from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. (U.S. Central Time). Listen to Josh Liss and expert analysts provide a play-by-play of all the exciting action. Download the free Audacy app to listen from anywhere. Tune in at 7 a.m. on Saturday, September 28 and Saturday, October 5 to listen to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon preview shows featuring running experts and Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. A post-race show will air on Saturday, October 19 recapping the exciting moments from Marathon Sunday.
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo features more than 160 health and fitness industry exhibitors offering Bank of America Chicago Marathon merchandise and the latest in running footwear, apparel, nutrition and technology. The Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.
Packet Pick-up is located at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo in McCormick Place. Participants must present their Packet Pick-up email along with a photo ID to receive their participant packet and participant bag.
LOCATION
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr. Chicago, IL 60616
HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, October 10 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, October 11 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 12 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For a list of Abbott Health & Fitness Expo exhibitors, go to chicagomarathon.com/expo.
*For driving and parking, use the above address for the best access to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. If you are driving, follow the signs for Parking Lot C for the most convenient parking location. The publicly listed mailing address for McCormick Place is 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive.
Celebrate your accomplishment at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Butler Field, near the start line at Columbus Drive and Jackson Drive. The outdoor celebration will feature music from a Chicago-based DJ, and food and beverages available for purchase and fun activations from event partners. Participants aged 21 and over (photo ID required) can redeem the tear-off portion of their bib number for one Goose Island 312, Goose Island Hazy Beer Hug or Michelob ULTRA Superior Light Beer.
Connect with friends and family after the race at Runner Reunite. Red alphabetical towers (A-Z) will be staged in Butler Field within the 27th Mile Post-Race Party to facilitate meeting locations by name.
The 27th Mile Post-Race Party is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with beer ticket redemption and sales from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2 Kia EV9 vehicles leading the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon field, reducing the overall emissions of the event
13
Zero Waste Stations set up in Grant Park at the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
35
tons of material diverted from the landfill through our recycling and composting programs
24
tons of clothing collected from the start line and donated AMVETS, Pacific Garden Mission, New Life Centers and local mutual aid groups
15 tons of organic waste collected at Zero Waste Stations and on course were composted, with the finished compost donated to local community gardens in the spring
REUSABLE CUPS
were used at the 2023 Abbott Chicago 5K and Start Hydration Stations at the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, preventing over 13,000 cups from being used
THE RIBBON
from the 2023 finisher’s medal was made from 100% recycled PET
OVER 1,200
sustainability commitment cards were completed at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo by attendees, each pledging one action they will take to make a positive impact on climate change
17,000 pounds of produce and packaged food from Runner Refresh donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository following the 2023 event
OFFICIAL
SUPPORTING
MEDIA
ASSOCIATE
Blue Plate, Breitling, CulturaLink, Deloitte, Evian, Hilton Chicago, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Inc., Jewel-Osco, Lantana, Michigan Apple Committee, Millennium Parking Garages, Mountain House, Therabody, Vital Essentials, Stryker
VENDOR PARTNERS
Art Institute of Chicago, Chiquita Banana, City Scents, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Divvy, Fleet Feet Chicago, haku, Hard Rock Cafe, iTab., MarathonFoto, Polar Beverages, Stan’s Donuts, TSMGI, That’s It, Verse Chocolate, Victory Jewelry, Yakult U.S.A., Inc
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Help protect the nation’s top athletes
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, anywhere. A victim’s chance of survival decreases for every minute without treatment.1
Public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), high-quality CPR and quick treatment is vital for better patient outcomes. Whether it’s SCA, respiratory or an opioidinduced arrest, empower your team to tackle emergencies.
1. Automatically deliver a shock with a fully automatic model when needed and continue chest compressions during rhythm analysis with cprINSIGHT® analysis technology
2. Switch between two pre-set languages
1. Durable: defend your device from water and dust with the highest level of protection (IP56)
2. Lightweight: 2.4 pounds
5. Low cost of ownership: four-year battery and electrode replacement LIFEPAK® CR2 AED with carry case
3. Child mode: delivers lower energy levels and CPR guidance appropriate for children
4. Save time and resources by remotely monitoring AED status and supply expirations with LIFELINKcentral™ AED program manager
samaritan® PAD 350P
AED with carry case
3. Low cost of ownership: Pad-Pak includes the electrodes and battery in one single-use cartridge (four years)
4. Optional Pediatric-Pak: reduces energy level for children
5. Two-button operation: semi-automatic AED prompts user to push the shock button
JAMIE RHEE, COMMISSIONER DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION
CLINEE HEDSPETH, COMMISSIONER DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
JOSE TIRADO, ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS
ANNETE NANCE-HOLT, FIRE COMMISSIONER CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT
RACHEL ARFA, COMMISSIONER MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
LARRY SNELLING, POLICE SUPERINTENDENT CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
OLUSIMBO (SIMBO) IGE, M.D., MPH, COMMISSIONER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
TOM CARNEY, ACTING COMMISSIONER DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROSA ESCARENO, GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT & CEO CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT
DORVAL R. CARTER, JR., PRESIDENT CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY
COLE STALLARD, COMMISSIONER DEPARTMENT OF STREETS AND SANITATION
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON
ALDERPERSON BRIAN HOPKINS, 2ND WARD
ALDERPERSON PAT DOWELL, 3RD WARD
ALDERPERSON LAMONT J. ROBINSON, 4TH WARD
ALDERPERSON NICOLE LEE, 11TH WARD
ALDERPERSON BYRON SIGCHO LOPEZ, 25TH WARD
ALDERPERSON WALTER BURNETT, JR., 27TH WARD
ALDERPERSON JASON ERVIN, 28TH WARD
ALDERPERSON BRENDAN REILLY, 42ND WARD
ALDERPERSON TIMMY KNUDSEN, 43RD WARD
ALDERPERSON BENNETT R. LAWSON, 44TH WARD
ALDERPERSON ANGELA CLAY, 46TH WARD
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO DISTANCE SERIES
The Chicago Distance Series is made up of Chicago’s premier racing portfolio: the Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon. The three unique races span the outdoor running season and celebrate the vibrant and diverse nature of our local and global running communities.
Individuals who finish all events will receive a unique Bank of America Chicago Distance Series medal and a guaranteed entry into the next Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
BANK OF AMERICA SHAMROCK SHUFFLE
Long recognized as an annual rite of spring, a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the kickoff to the outdoor running season in Chicago, Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle treats participants to a scenic 8K run through downtown Chicago. The 2025 event will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO 13.1
The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 offers participants a unique experience, bringing a world-class half marathon to the neighborhoods of Chicago’s West Side. The 13.1-mile course weaves through the historic parks and boulevards of the West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park with scenic loops through Humboldt and Douglass Parks. The fourth annual Bank of America Chicago 13.1 will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON
Every October, participants from across the country and around the world unite on the streets of Chicago to conquer 26.2 miles and call themselves Bank of America Chicago Marathon finishers! The race welcomes thousands of runners across the finish line, setting countless personal bests and six world records. The 47th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
