THE COURSE

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known globally for its fast, flat course starting and finishing in Grant Park on Columbus Drive, near Buckingham Fountain. Elite athletes and amateurs alike annually target the race for its potential to generate personal, national and world records.

In addition to its speed, the course itself offers all runners a scenic tour of Chicago as it weaves through numerous diverse neighborhoods and dozens of landmarks. In running The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, you are guaranteed to see all that is great about the City of Chicago.

PACKAGES

Please contact us for the best Marathon package deals to Chicago

Please note that an AU$55 Per Person surcharge will apply on all packages to
1) Australian Residents who do not purchase airfares through Travelling Fit.
2) All Non-Australian residents

RACE INFORMATION

ENTRY FEES
To Be Advised

QUALIFYING TIMES
The 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon does not require a qualifying time, however the course closes after 6 hours and 30 minutes.

START TIME
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon starts at 8.30am

CUT-OFF TIMES
Runner must be able to complete the run in 6 hours and 30 minutes after the official start. The Finish Area facilities officially close at 3 p.m.

RACE TIMING
Race timing will be provided using the ChampionChip timing method.

RACE PACKETS
All participants (runners and wheelchair athletes) are required to pick up their marathon packet during The Bank of America Health & Fitness Expo.

Friday 10 October: 9am - 8pm
Saturday 11 October: 9am - 6pm

NOTE: There will be no race day pick up!

The Expo is located at McCormick Place, North Building, Exhibit Hall TBA, 2301 South Martin Lutehr King Drive.

PACE SETTERS
Join a New Balance Pace Team where you will be guided along by experienced Pace Leaders to help you meet your performance goals.

Pace Team Leaders will be provided for the following times: 3:00, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45

To register for a Pace Team group, visit the New Balance Pace Team booth at The Bank of America Health & Fitness Expo.

AID STATIONS
There are 15 aid stations on the course, every 1 to 2 miles. They will supply Gatorade Endurance Formula Lemon-Lime Flavor and Hinckley Springs Water and aid stations 10-13 will also distribute bananas.

PERSONAL REFRESHMENTS AND CLOTHING
Before the marathon, all participants (open and seeded) may store their warm-up clothing in their designated Gear Check Tent within the Start/Finish area.

TRANSPORT
Free shuttle bus to the expo will be provided from:

Downtown; Hilton
Chinatown; CTA Red Line Stop
Gold Coast; Westin Hotel/Hancock
North Pier; Sheraton.

Free Shuttle Buses will operate between
8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Friday, 10th October and 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, 11th October.

Last pick-up time from the Expo will be at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

EXPO
The La Salle Bank Health and Fitness Expo will be held at:

McCormick Place Convention Center
North Building, Hall B1
Chicago

Friday 10^th October from 9am until 8pm
Saturday 11^th October from 9am until 6pm

FINISHERS T-SHIRTS, MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES
A medal will be awarded to all official finishers who complete the full distance within the 6hrs 30mins cut-off.

WEATHER CONDITIONS
The average temperature for October in Chicago is between 6°C and 18°C (43°F to 65°F)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

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