Bank of America Chicago Marathon

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Bank of America Chicago Marathon

11th October 2020

Duration: 4, 5 and 6 Nights Distance: Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the best and fastest in the world and the city itself is full of life – one of America’s greatest. On the course which, in 2019, saw the women’s world marathon record come plummeting down, 45,000 runners line up each year to take part. There is huge crowd support around the course, with marathon fans cheering every runner, on every corner of the route. To add to the atmosphere there will be live bands along the route. The Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors. Sports Travel International offers guaranteed entry with a hotel package.

DETAILS
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the best and fastest in the world and the city itself is full of life – one of America’s greatest. On the course which, in 2019, saw the women’s world marathon record come plummeting down, 45,000 runners line up each year to take part. There is huge crowd support around the course, with marathon fans cheering every runner, on every corner of the route. To add to the atmosphere there will be live bands along the route to cheer you on along the way!

Please Note: All entries are sold as part of a hotel and guaranteed entry package.

We can not sell packages to residents of the USA, or of countries where there is an official Chicago Marathon tour operator

Prices from €929 per person for 4 nights, plus Guaranteed Marathon Entry. Please refer to the hotel tab to see more hotel information and prices.

What’s included
- 4, 5 or 6 nights at The Blackstone Hotel on a room only basis
- All hotel taxes
- Sports Travel International guide services
Flights are NOT included.

Also available
- Marathon Entry Fee €449
- Travel Insurance €57– see our insurance page.
- Visit 360 Chicago – more details below
360 Chicago General Admission offers you a one time visit of the Observation Deck any day or night. €20 per person

360 Chicago Sun and Stars Admission offers you access to the best views of the city both day and night. Each ticket gives one guest two visits within a 48-hour period. €35 per person

360 Chicago Sparkling Chicago: This ticket allows two people to enjoy splitting half a bottle of Italian Prosecco, as they take in the best available view of the Windy City . Sparkling Chicago is a package only available as a pre-bookable ticket through the travel trade. €65 per couple

Spirit of Chicago Post Marathon Dinner Cruise – a 2 1/2 – 3 hour cruise (including a wonderful on board dinner) on Sunday October 11th departing from Navy Pier. A buffet dinner, entertainment and DJ are all features of the package. A memorable and enjoyable way to round off your marathon weekend. €95 per person.

The flat, loop course in Chicago is one of the fastest in the world and there are no qualifying restrictions. The average temperature at the Start is 40^oF (7^oC), rising to 55^oF (13^oC) at the finish. And it was in these perfect conditions, less than 48 hours after her compatriot Eliud Kipchoge broke the seemingly impossible sub 2 hour marathon barrier, that Kenyan runner Brigid Kosgei eclipsed the women’s marathon world record, that had stood for over 16 years. The 25 year old athlete went to heroic efforts to defend her 2018 title, claiming victory in a jaw dropping 2 hours 14 minutes and 4 seconds, over 6 minutes ahead of the rest of the field, and taking 1 minute and 21 seconds off the previous world best time, which was set by Britain’s Paula Radcliffe, back in 2003.

Her Chicago world record was the crowning moment of an incredible year for Kosgei as, in April, she claimed victory at another World Marathon Major race. A time of 2:18:20 was fast enough to take victory in the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon. Making her the youngest woman ever, to take the title at the most popular marathon race in the UK!

The start/finish is in Grant Park and the marathon passes through 29 of Chicago’s historic and ethnic neighbourhoods. Digital time clocks are positioned along the course at every mile, every 5K, at the half marathon point and at the finish line and highly visible mile markers are also placed along the course. The finish line closes after 6¹/₂hours and finish line facilities end at 2.30pm. Minimum age of participants is 16 years.

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Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Event Details

One of the world famous 6 World Marathon Majors; the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a flat, fast and furious course that, every year, sees elite and amateur athletes alike lining up to target a race known for its potential to generate personal, national and world records. On the course, you are guaranteed to see all that is great about the city of Chicago. You will start and finish the Chicago Marathon in Grant Park, just by Lake Michigan, before travelling through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. The course has produced four world records, several national records and countless personal bests. You will enjoy the support of 1.7 million spectators as you run through the city.

TESTIMONIALS

"Thanks for a really well organised tour"

I just wanted to say thanks for a really well organised tour to Chicago for the marathon. I got back this morning. The hotel was great and couldn’t have been better located for the race start and finish. Also all of your instructions were spot on and helped a lot. That was my fifth major with only Tokyo to do now! Once again thanks for a great trip.

Patrick Moore, Dublin -

"A well organised trip"

I have just recently returned from Chicago for the marathon. Thanks once again to Sports Travel for a well organised trip. Chris did a great job guiding us.

Denis O’Donnell, Co Donegal -

"Your guide went out of his way to help everyone"

Your guide, Chris, was brilliant on the Chicago trip. He went out of his way to help everyone and made sure everyone was alright and included. And always had a joke or good word on hand

Tricia Butler, Co Cork -

"Thank you "

I’d just like to thank you for such a well-organised trip to Chicago.

Garry Cribbin, Co Kildare. -

"Thanks for the memories "

Thanks to Chris and everyone for the memories

Donna Owens, Co Tyrone -

"Great achievement"

Just a quick thank you to Chris for all the help this weekend and well done to everyone on a great achievement

Aisling O’Connor, Dublin -
ITINERARY
Sample 4 night itinerary

Friday 9th October:

On arrival in Chicago, make your way to the Blackstone Hotel. To get to the hotel from Chicago O’Hare, we recommend taking the Blue Train Line to LaSalle station. The hotel is a short walk away. Alternatively, you can take a taxi straight to the hotel. When you arrive at the hotel you will be welcomed by the Sports Travel International guide who will be in the hotel reception at various times throughout the day and evening. Normal time for check in is from 3pm. After check in (and if you have time), our guide will accompany the group to the marathon expo & race number collection.

Optional Extra – why not visit 360 Chicago?

Saturday 10th October:

If you didn’t manage to attend the marathon expo yesterday, you must go today. There will be no opportunity to collect your bib on race day. Please do not forget to take your passport with you as ID. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Chicago.

Later this evening, your Sports Travel guide will hold a meet and greet with your fellow runners in the hotel lobby, offering tips for the big day and answering any questions you may have.

Sunday 11th October: RACE DAY

Your guide will accompany you to the marathon start and will also bring any non runners to a suitable spectator spot nearby (about a 20 minute walk from the hotel).

The start and the finish of the race are located at Grant Park (2020 times to be confirmed)
- 05:30 am – Gear check opens
- 05:30 am – Start corrals open
- 07:20 am – Wheelchair Start
- 07:21 am – Hand-Cycle Start
- 07:23 am – Athletes with Disabilities Start
- 07:30 am – Wave 1 Start
- 08:00 am – Wave 2 Start
- 08:35 am – Wave 3 Start
As the Blackstone Hotel is right beside the race start & finish, you will not need the gear check facility.

After the Marathon there is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 27th Mile Post-Race Party at Grant Park, Butler Field from 09:30 am – 16:00 (times are subject to change)

Monday 12th October:

A free day for sightseeing, or a chance to rest your legs.

Tuesday 13th October:

The morning is free for some sightseeing or last minute shopping. Hotel check out is 12 noon so you can check out early, store your bags and head off to enjoy Chicago. Ensure you return in good time for your return flight home, unless you have extended your stay.
HOTELS & PRICING
The Blackstone

The Blackstone Hotel is situated in a historic French Beaux-Arts building, situated in downtown Chicago's center within 10 minutes’ walk of the Art Institute of Chicago and ...

Prices below for the Blackstone Hotel are on a Room Only Basis. Guaranteed race entry cost is an additional €449 per runner.

4 nights €929 per person based on double occupancy of a twin or double room / €1,729 per person based on sole occupancy of a single room.

5 nights €1,099 per person based on double occupancy of a twin or double room / €2,099 per person based on sole occupancy of a single room.

6 nights €1,279 per person based on double occupancy of a twin or double room / €2,479 per person based on sole occupancy of a single room.

Charity Partners

We work closely with a number of charities for our tours. If you would like to fundraise for one of our nominated charities, please email us at info@sportstravelinternational.com for a list of direct contacts for charities for this tour.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon Hotels
The Blackstone

The Blackstone Hotel is situated in a historic French Beaux-Arts building, situated in downtown Chicago’s center within 10 minutes’ walk of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Willis Tower. The Magnificent Mile’s shops, Grant Park, and Museum Campus are less than 1.2 miles away. Millennium Park is only a10 minutes’ walk.

Bedrooms feature a desk, refrigerator, streaming services. Marble bathrooms are stocked with a bathrobe, slippers and free bathroom amenities.

Mercat a la Planxa, the on-site tapas restaurant, features Catalan and Mediterranean dishes. A Blackstone Market Café is also located in the hotel. Guests have free access to the hotel’s 24-hour gym.

To get to the hotel from Chicago O’hare, we recommend taking the Blue Train Line to Forest Park getting off at LaSalle. The hotel is then a 4 minutes walk. Alternative you can hail a taxi straight to the hotel.

WIFI is complimentary for Sports Travel International clients.

Check in from 4pm and check out at 12pm.

Hotel Price

Other facilities include:

Wellness facilities

Fitness centre

Cycling

Hiking

Billiards

Golf course (within 3 km)(Additional charge)

Bar

Restaurant

WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and costs USD 14.95 per 24 hours.

Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and costs USD 69 per hour.

Concierge service

ATM/cash machine on site

Luggage storage

Express check-in/check-out

24-hour front desk

Daily maid service

Dry cleaning (Additional charge)

WIFI is complimentary for Sports Travel International clients

Mini-market on site

Airport shuttle (additional charge)

Air conditioning

Non-smoking throughout

Heating

Lift

Facilities for disabled guests

Non-smoking rooms

Newspapers

Room service
IMPORTANT INFO

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist Sports Travel’s travel insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page.

It includes cover for participation in the marathon and travel disruption.

NB: Our travel insurance is only available to you only if you are a resident of Ireland and have been for the past six months prior to booking the travel insurance.

If you have your own travel insurance, you must ensure that your policy covers you to participate in running events and we also recommend it includes cover for travel disruption.

www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/EHIC/

www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

Passport Information

Check the date of validity of your passport well in advance of travel and renew if necessary.

See www.dfa.ie/passports or https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports

Immigration to the USA

International visitors to the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries (Ireland and Britain) are required to apply for a travel authorisation online, known as the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). Travellers from non-Visa Waiver Program countries should check the requirements with their embassy.

To do the ESTA online, go to the link below and have your passport and travel details to hand. Only use this link as this is the US government site. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
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Chicago Marathon 2020

8th - 14th October 2020

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ASK A QUESTION

Previous Question

Q. Can you secure me guaranteed entry into this event?

A.
Yes, Sports Travel International have guaranteed entry into the Chicago Marathon

Q. I am a single traveler, is this event for me?

A.
Yes, we offer a twin share option.

Q. Can I bring family and friends on the trip?

A.
Yes, we welcome non-runners. There is plenty for them to do in this wonderful city.

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Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

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