Can my friends and family meet me at the Marathon VIP Experience?

Friends and family with guest tickets are allowed in the VIP room starting at 10:30 a.m.There is a Starbucks in the lobby of the Palmer House Hilton that guests can meet runners at prior to 10:30 a.m.

Can I take a snack goody bag or beverage for someone else?

We ask that you do not collect extra food or beverages for anyone else. This is to ensure that we don't run out for runners who finish after you. Please be respectful of your fellow marathoners.

How many indoor restrooms are available?

Eight sets of multi-person restroom (4 on the fourth floor, 2 on the third floor, and 2 on the fifth floor)

Where are the private toilets near the start corrals?

Outside Start Corral Gate 2 (corner of Michigan Ave. and Van Buren St). Cross Michigan Ave. and walk south to Van Buren. Toilets on on the east side of the road within the park.

How was the private toilet location chosen?

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon event staff determines the location and informs CARA where we may place our private toilets.

What do I need to access the private toilet area by the start corrals?

You will need the administered shoe tag affixed to your shoe to access the private toilet area.

Where can I change clothes before or after the race?

You may use the Palmer House Hilton restrooms if you need to change.

CARA Marathon VIP Experience

REGISTRATION

VOLUNTEER

Date & Time

Sunday, October 11, 2026

5:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Description

An exclusive VIP area for CARA runners on marathon day in Chicago

Location

Palmer House Hilton

MANAGE MY REGISTRATION

Runners

Comfortable, climate-controlled indoor space to relax pre and post-race
Private toilet area near the start corrals
Indoor restrooms at the Palmer House Hilton
Free, private gear check at the Palmer House Hilton
Pre-race and post-race hydration (water and Gatorade Endurance)
Photo opportunities
Post-race assorted carbohydrate and salty snacks
Stretching, NormaTec Boots, and Hyperice Massage Guns provided by Rush Physical Therapy

Guests

Comfortable, climate-controlled indoor space to celebrate with runners post-race
Photo opportunities
Indoor restrooms at the Palmer House Hilton post-race

General Registration Ticket: $95

General Registration is for NON CARA Supporter Level Members that are also not in the 2026 CARA Summer Marathon Training Program.
Includes access to all Marathon VIP Experience amenities and a 2026 CARA Supporter Level Membership.

CARA Supporter Level Ticket: $60

This ticket type is for individuals with a 2026 CARA Supporter Level Membership that are NOT in the 2026 CARA Summer Marathon Training Program.

Includes access to all Marathon VIP Experience.

Summer Marathon Training Program Participant Ticket: Waived Fee

This ticket type is for all participants in the 2026 CARA Summer Marathon Training Program.
Includes access to all Marathon VIP Experience amenities.

Charity Partner Ticket:

This ticket type is for charity runners who are not in the 2026 CARA Summer Marathon Training Program.
Includes access to all Marathon VIP Experience amenities.
Contact your Charity Coordinator or Charity Team Leader for registration information.

Guest Ticket: $5

This ticket type is for guests who want to celebrate with loved ones post-race in our
climate-controlled space at the Palmer House Hilton with photo opportunities.
100% of the proceeds provide improved experiences for the runners from year to year.
Ages 12 and under do not require a guest ticket.

Registration is open to all ticket types through the day of the Chicago Marathon or until capacity is reached.

REGISTRATION LINKS

General Registration:

CARA Supporter Level Members:

Guests:

Summer Marathon Training Program Participants: Registration offer located in participant account.

Charity Partners NOT in Training: Contact your charity team leader for details.

Runners

All digital tickets for the following categories will be sent in the registration confirmation email:
- General Registration
- CARA Supporter Level
- Summer Marathon Training Program Participant
- Charity Partner
Runners will use their digital ticket to pick up a shoe tag from the CARA tent at the Chicago Marathon Expo from October 8th through October 11th.
- 2026 Summer Marathon Training Program participants who already have a shoe tag do not need to pick up.

Guests

Digital tickets will be sent in the registration confirmation email.
Guests will use their digital ticket to pick up a wristband either from the CARA tent at the Chicago Marathon Expo from October 8th through October 10th or outside the VIP room at the Palmer House Hilton on race day.

Registration

EVENT DETAILS

Event Day Schedule:

5:30 a.m. - Venue opens to runners (pre-race)
5:30 a.m. - Gear check opens
10:30 a.m. - Guests can enter venue and post-race amenities begin for runners
5:00 p.m. - Gear check closes / venue closes (Open an additional hour!)

Entrance Requirements

Runners:

1. Registration is required for all runners who will be attending the Marathon VIP Experience. A digital ticket for the following categories will be sent in the registration confirmation email:

General Registration
CARA Supporter Level
Summer Marathon Training Program Participant
Charity Partner

2. Show your ticket at the CARA tent inside the Chicago Marathon Expo from October 8th through October 11th.

3. Receive a shoe tag* to be worn on race day for accessing the Marathon VIP Experience amenities.

*2026 Summer Marathon Training Program participants who already have a shoe tag do not need to pick up.

Guests:

1. Guest tickets may be purchased by the guest or runner for those intending to gather with runners inside the Marathon VIP space at the Palmer House Hilton. A digital ticket for each guest will be sent in the registration confirmation email.

2. Show your ticket either at the CARA tent inside the Chicago Marathon Expo from October 8th through October 11th or on event day outside the VIP room at the Palmer House Hilton.

3. Receive a wristband to to be worn on event day for entrance into the VIP room.

Refund Policy

Should participants voluntarily choose not to attend, or are unable to attend for reasons out of the control of the event (including, but not limited to injury, illness, personal matters, work conflicts, etc.), refunds will not be issued

FAQ

Q: Can I receive a refund if I need to cancel my registration/ticket?

No. Should participants voluntarily choose not to attend, or are unable to attend for reasons out of the control of the event (including, but not limited to injury, illness, personal matters, work conflicts, etc.), refunds will not be issued.

Marathon VIP FAQ

CARA Marathon VIP Experience

Date & Time

Description

Location

General Registration:

CARA Supporter Level Members:

Guests:

Summer Marathon Training Program Participants: Registration offer located in participant account.

Charity Partners NOT in Training: Contact your charity team leader for details.

EVENT DETAILS

VIP Locations

Entrance Requirements

Refund Policy

Capacity

Food & Beverage

Gear Check

Guest Policy

FAQ

How far is the Palmer House Hilton from the start line?

How far is the Palmer House Hilton from the 27th Mile Finish Line Party?

Can my friends and family meet me at the Marathon VIP Experience?

Can I take a snack goody bag or beverage for someone else?

How many indoor restrooms are available?

Where are the private toilets near the start corrals?

How was the private toilet location chosen?

What do I need to access the private toilet area by the start corrals?

Where can I change clothes before or after the race?

Can I receive a refund if I need to cancel my registration/ticket?