Chicago Marathon Expo Opens Ahead of 2026 Race

Runners preparing for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon can collect their race materials and explore the running industry at the Abbott Health and Fitness Expo, a free three-day event taking place October 8-10 at McCormick Place North Building in Chicago. The expo also welcomes the public as more than 170 exhibitors showcase running merchandise, footwear, apparel, nutrition, and technology ahead of Sunday's marathon.

According to NBC Chicago, participants must collect their race packets and bags before race day. Each packet includes a bib number, safety pins, a MYLAPS ThinTag timing device, a gear check tag, a Nike participant running shirt, and a participant bag.

Organizers have also outlined security requirements for visitors entering the venue.

"We ask that all Abbott Health & Fitness Expo attendees refrain from bringing large bags and/or luggage to the Health & Fitness Expo. Please note that all attendees will be subject to a security screening upon entering the Health & Fitness Expo," Chicago Marathon organizers said online.

Rideshare passengers are encouraged to use the McCormick Place East Building as their drop-off point, although the expo itself is located in the North Building.

The marathon is scheduled for October 11, with more than 55,000 runners expected to take the starting line, according to Loyola University Chicago. The 26.2-mile course begins and ends in Grant Park, passing through sections of downtown Chicago and the city's North, West, and South Sides.

Race-day activities begin at 5:30 a.m., when Grant Park opens to runners and gear check and start corrals open. The men's professional wheelchair race starts at 7:20 a.m., followed by the women's professional wheelchair race at 7:21 a.m. and the handcycle start at 7:23 a.m.

Professional runners are scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m., followed by the high-performance running program at 7:32 a.m. and the first wave of general participants at 7:35 a.m. Wave 2 runners start at 8 a.m., while Wave 3 begins at 8:35 a.m.

Grant Park is scheduled to open to spectators at 9:30 a.m., when the 27th Mile Post-Race Party also begins. Gear check closes and the post-race celebration ends at 4 p.m., according to the published race schedule.

Among the participants are Loyola University Chicago faculty, staff, and students running for personal goals and charitable causes. Their motivations include honoring family members, supporting loved ones, raising funds for medical causes, and pursuing long-term athletic ambitions.

Preston Reilly, director of the Center for Student Engagement at Loyola, is running to achieve a personal milestone while raising money for the Danny Did Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on epilepsy awareness and preventing seizure-related deaths. His wife, who lives with epilepsy and has completed the Chicago Marathon multiple times, inspired him to participate this year.

Reilly described the training process as an opportunity to challenge himself while navigating the physical and mental demands of marathon preparation.

"Run your race and don't compare yourself to others. When you run your first marathon, you're already setting a personal record!" Reilly said, offering advice to other runners.

Becky Lindquist, a Loyola student pursuing a master's degree in 2027, is preparing for her second Chicago Marathon after an injury affected her performance the previous year. She said her current training emphasizes strength work and a more measured approach to racing.

Lindquist previously ran in memory of her late father and supported the American Heart Association. She has also described running as an opportunity to spend time outdoors while balancing work, school, and screen time.

Zaccari Starkman, a Loyola student pursuing a bachelor's degree in 2027, is running to support Lurie Children's Hospital. As an employee there and an aspiring physician interested in physical medicine and rehabilitation, he hopes to contribute to patient care through fundraising.

Starkman said his work in rehabilitation clinics and hospitals has motivated him to participate, particularly after witnessing patients work toward greater independence and improved quality of life.

Theresa Burkhart, an assistant professor of healthcare administration at Loyola, is preparing for her 10th Chicago Marathon. She has completed marathons in 33 states and aims to become the first Loyola professor to run a marathon in all 50 states.

Burkhart ran her first marathon in Chicago alongside her sister and their spouses after several family members experienced health scares. She has since supported other runners by volunteering as a training group leader and helping participants prepare for their own races.