Set Your Goal
Run Chicago!
2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
No ballot. No waiting. Just Chicago
There’s a reason the world records keep falling in Chicago.
Flat, fast, and run through twenty-nine neighbourhoods on closed streets lined with well over a million spectators, the Chicago Marathon is the friendliest big-city marathon in the world and the one most likely to give you the time you’ve been chasing. It starts and finishes in Grant Park, in the shadow of the skyline, and from the moment the gun goes it is loud, joyful and infectious.
It’s also one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, and for many Australian runners it’s the star that gets crossed off in the best possible mood.
Here’s the part most Australian runners don’t realise – you don’t have to enter the ballot. As an official Chicago Marathon tour operator, we hold our own entry allocation. Travel with us and your place is guaranteed.
And we’ve hosted Australians in Chicago before. We know the hotel, the walk to the start, the corral system, the best place to put your supporters on the course, and where to be at 4pm on race day with a beer in your hand. That’s what you’re actually booking.
WHY CHICAGO
The fastest course in the world Chicago’s course is famously flat and famously quick — it has hosted marathon world records and remains the course runners choose when they’re serious about a personal best. If there’s a time you’ve been chasing, this is where you chase it.
Twenty-nine neighbourhoods, one enormous party Boystown, Pilsen, Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown — the course is a tour of the most characterful city in America, and every neighbourhood turns out. Well over a million spectators line the route. There is essentially no quiet kilometre.
Start and finish in the same place Both are in Grant Park. That sounds like a small thing until you’ve run a point-to-point marathon and had to work out how to reunite with your bag, your family and your hotel afterwards. In Chicago, everything is where you left it — and if you’re staying where we stay, that’s a short walk from your room.
A Major with a great atmosphere Chicago is the Major people describe as fun. It’s well organised, warmly run, and the city genuinely embraces it. For a first Major or a first international marathon, it’s the one we most often recommend.
A brilliant city for supporters The architecture boat tour, the Art Institute, deep-dish pizza, the blues bars, the lakefront. Partners and family who come along have an outstanding week — and the course is easy to spectate in multiple places.
WHO ITS FOR
Runners of every ability — first-timers, PB chasers and Six Star hunters. Partners, family and supporters who want a genuinely great week in a genuinely great city. Running clubs, charity teams and corporate groups; talk to us about group arrangements.
If Chicago is your first international marathon or your first time travelling solo, you’re exactly who we built this for. You’ll never be on your own unless you want to be.
Our Commitment to Quality
Race entries, accommodation, dinners, events, tours, uniforms and training tips are all a part of the packages we provide. Adventure Time Travel is dedicated to excellence in every facet of your journey, so we have carefully selected our suppliers, hotels, private tours, and tour guides to guarantee quality.
Adventure Time Travel handle all the details within the packages so all you have to do is “focus on your run”, and what a run it will be through the streets of Chicago cheered on by thousands of enthusiastic spectators along the way!
Supporter Packages
Recognising the vital role of our supporters, their unwavering encouragement fuels our determination, we have created exclusive packages to show our gratitude. These curated packages aim to inspire, welcome, and motivate as they stand by us on this incredible journey.
Thank you, supporters; you are the wind beneath our wings!
Children Supporter Packages
Children are welcome to join on our marathon tours.
Children may share their parents’ accommodation and existing bedding where permitted by the hotel. Please note that hotel policies regarding child occupancy, cots, existing bedding and additional bedding vary by property, and any applicable hotel charges will be advised at the time of booking.
If your child is travelling with you but is not participating in the Adventure Time Travel hosted package, no Adventure Time Travel Child Supporter Package is required.
However, if your child would like to participate in our hosted tour experience, including official activities, sightseeing, meals, private coach transport and other package inclusions, a Child Supporter Package will apply:
- 5 nights: $1,500
- 4 nights: $1,400
- 3 nights: $750
Please contact our team to discuss your family’s requirements, and we’ll be happy to provide a personalised quotation.
Packages & Pricing
Inclusions
- Guaranteed Race Entry (runners only)
- Four nights’ accommodation (Check-In: 07 Oct | Check-Out: 11 Oct)
- Full American Breakfast Daily
- Baggage handling charge on arrival at the hotel
- Meet & Greet Welcome Dinner (Thursday – drinks at own expense) exclusive to ATT clients
- Pasta Dinner (eve of the marathon; own expense)
- Post marathon Celebration Event (Sunday – inclusive of food and drinks) exclusive to ATT clients
- Marathon course tour in private coach with a local guide, 9.30am – 2.00pm (Friday) exclusive to ATT clients
- Bib collection at Expo post course tour
- Running tour of marathon ‘Start’ and ‘Finish’ line
- Group stretch and team photo shoot – group and individual photo opportunities available
- Opportunity to participate in the Abbott Chicago 5km
- Escort for runners to the Start Line
- Supporters invited to join ATT Team members along the course to cheer the runners on
- ATT experts are available daily in Chicago to answer any questions
- Group shake-out runs
- Adventure Time Travel uniform kit (personalised for runners)
- Optional extra activities (tba) exclusive to ATT clients
- Service Charges & taxes, including VAT
- Live interactive sessions with “running” health professionals leading up to race day to equip you with knowledge for your marathon journey exclusive to ATT client
- Marathon focused information sessions hosted by Anna Liptak exclusive to ATT clients in the months leading up to the marathon
- Monthly newsletters and email blasts from ATT regarding training and preparations in lead up to marathon
- Access to a closed ATT Facebook and WhatsApp groups to share information
Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Pre & Post package accommodation
- Arrival and departure airport/hotel transfers
- Optional touring and dining
Accommodation Options
Congress Plaza Hotel
520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
https://www.congressplazahotel.com/Literally across the road from the Start and Finish Line, you could not be any closer than the Congress Plaza Hotel. Step back in time at this Chicago icon, renowned for over 125 years. Originally built in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exhibition, the Congress Plaza has hosted everyone from international celebrities to presidents. This classic hotel captures the heart of Windy City hospitality, providing both luxury and history in every stay.rnrnEnjoy spacious guest rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, ultra-plush pillow-top beds, and flat-screen TVs. Treat yourself to a Lakeview room, featuring stunning views of Lake Michigan and even full Jacuzzi tubs for some post-run relaxation. The Congress Plaza Hotel combines charm, convenience, and classic comfort for an unforgettable Chicago experience.
Standard King (1 guest)
Room Info$6480 (tbc) /pp
(Runner)
$5445 (tbc) /pp
(Supporter)
Standard King (2 guests)
Room Info$5515 (tbc) /pp
(Runner)
$4480 (tbc) /pp
(Supporter)
Standard Double (2 beds / 2 guests)
Room Info$5545 (tbc) /pp
(Runner)
$4505 (tbc) /pp
(Supporter)
Standard Double (2 beds / 3 guests)
Room Info$5250 (tbc) /pp
(Runner)
$4195 (tbc) /pp
(Supporter)
Deposit & Payment Structure
Preliminary Deposit
$1,000 (per runner)
Final payment due
Fri, 15/03/2027
Race Information
Entry Fees
All entry fees are included in the cost of your Marathon package.
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for this event, but you MUST be at least 18 years old to compete.
Start Time
The Marathon Batches A-N from 06h17 onwards.
Elite wheelchairs — 06h10
Elite field — 06h15
Cut-Off Times
There is a 6 hour 30 minute cut-off for this event, starting from when you cross the starting mat. You can check out all the cut-off times here.
Pace Setters
Pace setters will be positioned in all 4 starting waves. They will carry a pacer flag with the respective target times.
- Wave 1: 3:00, 3:15, and 3:30 hours
- Wave 2: 3:00, 3:15, 3:30, and 3:45 hours
- Wave 3: 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, and 4:15 hours
- Wave 4: 4:15, 4:30, and 5:00 hours
Race Timing
The 42.2km Marathon is timed using two systems:
- Gun to mat for elites
- Mat to mat for all other events (net time)
The Trail runs and 10km & 5km Peace Runs are timed on a mat-to-mat basis.
Race Packets
Electronic registration confirmations will be mailed to participants at the start of September, regardless of when the registration form was received.
Each participant will need to take the confirmation card along with a passport or photo ID to pick up their race bib, clothing bag, and other goodies from the Expo.
All race bibs must be personally collected; it is not possible for a third party to collect them on the participant’s behalf.
Please note: Race numbers not picked up during the Expo opening hours will expire without refund. There will be no other opportunity to collect them.
Bag Drop-Off Option
There are several tents where you can drop off your clothing bag in the start and finish area. Please follow the signs and arrive at least one hour before the start.
You will receive a transparent clothing bag and a sticker with your start number for the bag.
All objects must be packed separately and loosely. You may not put other bags in your clothing bag.
Any kind of luggage is prohibited within the start/finish area!
You drop off your clothing bag at the indicated tent and retrieve it there after you finish.
Course Information
FAQs
Flat and fast, looping through 29 Chicago neighbourhoods — one of the most spectator-friendly courses in the world, and part of the World Marathon Majors.
Yes — the flat course and huge crowd support make it popular with first-time marathoners.
Securing your Chicago Marathon Guaranteed Entry 2027 is simple. Register your interest via our website and our team will guide you through the available package options, accommodation choices and deposit process. Once confirmed, your entry is secured — no ballot required.
Most Australian citizens travelling to USA for short trips, up to 90 days, can obtain an approved ETSA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) instead of a traditional visa. This requirement is part of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows Australian citizens to enter the US without a traditional visa for tourism or business purposes.
You can apply online at the Official ESTA Application – CBP where US Customs and Border Protection approves most applications within minutes, though processing can take up to 72 hours.
Adventure Time Travel specialises in premium marathon travel experiences. We remove the stress of logistics, provide guaranteed entry and deliver personalised support from enquiry through to race day — so you can focus on your training and enjoy the experience.
By placing a Preliminary Deposit, you will receive priority access to our Chicago Marathon package when it officially goes on sale.
Your deposit is refundable up until the official package launch, less an administration fee.
Once packages officially go on sale, you will be invited to confirm your place, and your deposit will be applied towards your package balance.
Reviews
Shannon Woodson
I will forever be grateful to Anna and her team for the experience I had for the London Marathon. I traveled solo, but this was the most supported I’ve ever felt. I really didn’t have to think about anything. They arranged a great hotel experience, where we had welcome drinks, breakfast every morning, celebration drinks and a celebration dinner with champagne. From a city experience, we attended a tour of the Winston Churchill War Rooms, and a welcome dinner on site there. Our shakeout run had a nice tour of the finish line area with the Buckingham palace. The best part was the marathon course bus tour, where we got to drive along the full course calling out tricky areas to lookout for and key spectator areas. We also got to walk to the start area and see where each of our start waves would be. This helped so much in getting rid of those pre-race jitters and worries. On race day, we had buses that drove us over, which eliminated our worries about having to take the train and deal with crowds. We got to group together inside at a coffee shop near by that Adventure Time Travel reserved for us. Here we were provided with some pre-race snacks and we got to group together with others in our wave. Whenever people would leave for their start time, we would applause them good luck. During the race, they captured some great photos of us with their professional photographer and on their phones. After the race, we had the celebration dinner together and got to exchange stories on our race experiences and take photos together. Overall, this was the least loneliest solo trip I’ve ever had and the most supported I’ve ever felt at a marathon. I will definitely be booking with Adventure Time Travel again!
Robyn O’Grady
I have travelled twice with Adventure Time Travel and the whole team make the experience so easy, they go above and beyond. Looking out for Anna cheering in the Chicago marathon at 3 different locations made the world of difference. Thank you Anna and team!
Lee Corey
I’ve done now 3 tours with Anna and the team at Adventure Time Travel; New York, Sydney and Berlin.
Each experience has been a memorable one and well planned. You don’t have to worry about anything because the team has thought of it. I love that the group is small as you get to know everyone well whilst you’re away striving to achieve your individual goals. I love the friendships I’ve made each trip. Everyone with their own story, stories that motivate others and fuel the fire when you’re out there slogging the 42.2km.
Flights, Insurance & Visa
FLIGHTS & TRAVEL
At Adventure Time Travel, we recognise that a marathon is often just one element of a broader holiday experience. To provide our clients with a truly seamless, end-to-end service, we have partnered with industry expert Elizabeth Johns of Hastwell Travel & Cruise.
With more than 30 years in the travel industry, I bring deep expertise in creating seamless, detail‑driven itineraries — from corporate travel to destination weddings, milestone celebrations to African surfing safaris.
I’ve planned just about everything imaginable, and that breadth of experience means there’s very little I haven’t handled before.
I thrive on event‑based travel, where timing matters and every moving part must align perfectly.
My goal is always the same: to make planning effortless and create journeys that feel personal, polished, and unforgettable.
I’m proud to be part of Hastwell Travel & Cruise, an Australian‑owned, award‑winning agency backed by more than three decades of industry strength and a team with over 150 years of combined experience.
Our ATIA and CLIA accreditations, along with strong partnerships through the Travellers Choice network, mean my clients benefit from trusted governance, competitive supplier access, and exceptional support behind every trip.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Adventure Time Travel uses Cover-More Travel Insurance when we are jetting off on an adventure. We extend this option to our runners as well.
PASSPORTS, VISAS & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary documents, and only the destinations you intend to visit can provide the most current visa requirements. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your travel destinations for accurate information.
Many countries and territories require your passport to be valid for at least six months. Immigration authorities may deny entry if your passport has less than six months’ validity remaining.
Ensure you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations may be recommended for certain locations. Consult your local doctor to receive the necessary vaccinations before your departure date.
For more information visit http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au