Travel Guide: Why The Chicago Marathon Should Be On Your Bucket List

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a fantastic option for runners looking to take on their next challenge and to experience and unforgettable city break.

Nestled on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a vibrant blend of rich history, dynamic culture, stunning architecture, and world-class food.

It’s a city where runners can soak in the energy of race day and then unwind with everything from deep-dish pizza to jazz clubs, sandy lakeside beaches to towering skyscrapers. Whether you’re traveling solo, spectating, or making it a marathon-and-mini-break combo, Chicago offers experiences that will stay with you long after crossing the finish line.

In this post we will share our insights into how best to explore Chicago and make the most out of your Chicago Marathon experience.

Making the Most of Your Chicago Marathon Experience

There is so much more to experience than the Chicago Marathon and as an international runner visiting, this is a great opportunity to explore everything this fantastic city has to offer.

Exploring Chicago

Chicago isn’t just a concrete jungle. With over 600 parks and more than 8,000 acres of green space, it’s one of the greenest cities in America! Millennium Park remains a top attraction, not just for tourists, but for locals too. It’s home to festivals, yoga sessions, outdoor movie nights, and live concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Just a short walk away, Maggie Daley Park offers climbing walls, skating ribbons, and play areas for families. Prefer something quieter? Stroll along the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, which runs from the South Shore up to Edgewater and offers stunning lake views, beaches, and skyline backdrops. (We recommend doing this after the marathon)

If you’re looking for a natural escape without leaving the city, head to the expansive Lincoln Park, which houses a free zoo, conservatories, and nature reserves.

A Sporting Mecca for Fans and Athletes

Few cities live and breathe sport like Chicago. It’s one of the only cities in the U.S. to have teams in all five major professional leagues:

• Chicago Cubs (MLB) – Wrigley Field is a national treasure.
• Chicago White Sox (MLB)
• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago Bears (NFL)
• Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
• Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

But Chicago doesn’t just celebrate the pros, it’s a city where active lifestyles thrive. The annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, brings in runners from over 100 countries for its flat and fast course and spectators lining the streets to cheer all day. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, the energy is electric. Its a course that takes runners on a scenic tour of the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and along the banks of Lake Michigan, making Chicago a city seemingly purpose built for running.

The Lifetime Chicago Half Marathon & 5K offers a scenic lakeshore route and is a great challenge for newer runners. Fitness lovers can also enjoy kayaking on the Chicago River, paddleboarding on Lake Michigan, or a group yoga class on a rooftop overlooking the skyline.

Taste the Flavours of Chicago

Chicago’s food scene is as diverse as its people. The deep-dish pizza is a must (try Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s), but that’s just the beginning. Take yourself on a journey through all the city’s neighbourhoods:

• Pilsen – Explore Mexican street food, taquerias, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
• Greektown – Home to authentic Greek dishes.
• Chinatown – One of the oldest in the U.S., perfect for dim sum, bubble tea, and shopping!
• Little Italy – Grab handmade pasta or espresso’s at a traditional Italian cafe.
• Devon Avenue – A bustling corridor of Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and spice markets.

Don’t forget to try the famous Chicago-style hot dog, piled high with pickles, onions, relish, mustard, and tomatoes, all on a poppy seed bun.

Chicago’s Arts, Music, and Culture

Chicago is where creativity flourishes. Its skyline alone is a testament to architectural innovation, from the Willis Tower to the Frank Gehry Serpentine Gallery Pavilion.

Art lovers will find themselves immersed in world-renowned collections at the Art Institute of Chicago, home to works by Monet, Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and more. For something edgier, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Music pulses through the city, from the birthplace of blues and jazz to the underground birth of House music, Chicago’s music scene is legendary. Watch a live show at Kingston Mines or the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge – from big-name artists to local late-night jam sessions.

Chicago Family-Friendly Fun

Traveling with kids? Chicago has plenty for the younger crowd too. Visit the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, or the Field Museum, where they can come face-to-face with the world’s most complete T. rex skeleton. Navy Pier – Chicago’s waterfront destination, is another family favourite, featuring the Centennial Wheel, museums and boat rides. Easy to do both before and after the marathon!

Shop, Stroll, and Soak in Chicago

For a true day in Chicago, start with shopping along the Magnificent Mile, one of the most famous stretches of retail in the U.S, featuring designer boutiques and local shops.

Architecture lovers can hop on a Chicago River architecture boat tour (also included as part of your Chicago Marathon Sports Tours International package,) offering a fascinating perspective on how the city rose from the ashes of the Great Fire in 1871 to become an architectural dream.

Make Chicago Your City Break Destination

Chicago is more than just a place to visit, it’s a city to experience. It’s a breath of fresh air, a plate full of flavour, a burst of energy on every corner. Whether you’re there for the races, the restaurants, or to sightsee, Chicago promises moments you’ll never forget.

Why not Run and Sightsee?

Here at Sports Tours International we combine athletes’ passions for running and travel by providing trips of a lifetime, with guaranteed entry into running events.

We take thew stress out of travelling for runners by providing central accommodation, close to the start and finish line. On-site support from our Sports Tours friendly staff and an itinerary for your trip. We’ll get you race-ready with a pre-race briefing, shake-out runs, and escorted trips to the expo and start line.

Celebrate your achievement at the official after-party at the House of Blues (a rock- & blues-themed restaurant & bar serving Southern-inspired dishes, plus live music.) And enjoy perks like welcome drinks, a private cheer zone for spectators, and the chance to join a Chicago River Architecture Cruise.

Experience the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with ease by travelling with Sports Tours International.