Sat, 10 Oct 2026 · Athletics
Hotels for Chicago Marathon 2026
In Grant Park, Chicago on Sat, 10 Oct 2026. 140 hotels within 3km — book close and walk back after the show.
About Chicago Marathon 2026
Marathon day starts long before dawn, with runners threading through neighbourhoods on the way to the finish. Streets close across large stretches of the route, and residents come out early to cheer regardless of the weather. For those not running, it is a day of watching, cheering, and finding a good spot along the course.
Where to stay nearby
Chicago itself is the obvious base, with the largest choice of hotels and the shortest journey to Grant Park on race morning. Berwyn offers a quieter, more residential alternative a short train or drive from downtown, useful if central rooms are scarce or pricier during the event. Des Plaines sits furthest out, better suited to those happy with a longer commute in exchange for more availability, particularly if travelling by car.
Chicago — about 4 km away
Chicago itself is the natural choice for most visitors, putting you steps from Grant Park and within walking distance of museums, restaurants, and nightlife. The venue is just 4km away, reachable on foot, by public transit, or a quick cab ride.
Find hotels near ChicagoBerwyn — about 15 km away
Berwyn is a quieter residential suburb 15km from Grant Park, appealing to those who prefer a calmer atmosphere and don't mind a short drive or transit commute to the venue. Regular buses and regional transit connect it to downtown Chicago.
Find hotels near BerwynDes Plaines — about 28 km away
Des Plaines lies further out at 28km from the venue, best suited to travelers prioritizing lower accommodation costs or those with a car. Plan for a drive or public transit journey of 30–45 minutes to reach Grant Park.
Find hotels near Des PlainesThis is an AI-assisted planning guide. Dates, start times, transport and event details can change — please confirm everything with the official event and transport websites before you book. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
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The closest hotels to Grant Park, Chicago
140 within 3km — the nearest 12 shown. Tap any hotel or search to see live availability and prices for Sat, 10 Oct 2026.
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
636 South Michigan Avenue
0.5km away
Congress Plaza Hotel
520 South Michigan Avenue, 60605
0.5km away
Sentral Michigan Avenue
808 South Michigan Avenue
0.6km away
Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Avenue
0.6km away
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
65 East Harrison Street
0.6km away
HI Chicago Hostel
24 E Ida B Wells Drive
0.7km away
Le Meridien Essex Chicago
800 South Michigan Avenue
0.7km away
Chicago Athletic Association, a Hyatt Hotel
12 South Michigan Avenue, 60603
0.8km away
Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
10 South Wabash Avenue
0.9km away
The Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe Street
0.9km away
Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, an Ascend Collection Hotel
500 South Dearborn Street, 60605
0.9km away
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
55 E 11th Street
0.9km away
History
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, first run in 1977, is one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors and among the flattest and fastest courses in the sport. Its single loop winds through 29 city neighbourhoods and starts and finishes in Grant Park on the Lake Michigan shore, cheered by well over a million spectators.
Chicago has a rich record of fast times: Kelvin Kiptum set a men's marathon world record here in 2023, and Ruth Chepng'etich set a women's world record on the course in 2024. Because it is a loop, the logistics are among the simplest of any major — base yourself near Grant Park and you can walk to the start and back from the finish, with no race-morning transit to worry about.
October in Chicago is often crisp and bright, and marathon weekend fills the downtown hotels. Collect your bib at the expo, usually held at McCormick Place, in the days before — there is no race-day pickup.
Records & quirks
- First held in 1977; one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors.
- Confirmed for Sunday 11 October 2026.
- Kelvin Kiptum set a men's marathon world record in Chicago in 2023.
- Ruth Chepng'etich set a women's marathon world record in Chicago in 2024.
- Starts and finishes in Grant Park, passing through 29 neighbourhoods.
- A single loop, so the start and finish sit close together downtown.
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