The Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and a centerpiece of global running culture. Every October, more than 45,000 runners and 1.7 million spectators take over Chicago’s streets, passing through 29 neighborhoods and the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s not just a race but a citywide cultural moment, driving over $547 million in economic impact, filling tens of thousands of hotel rooms, and reaching millions through global broadcast and digital coverage. For brands, it’s one of the most premium sponsorship opportunities in endurance sports, offering rare access to an affluent, fitness-driven, and highly engaged audience.

The event draws over 70,000 unique runners and more than 144,000 Expo attendees from 100+ countries. The core age demographic is 25 to 44, representing over 60 percent of the field, and the audience skews toward high-income urban professionals who are active on social media, making the race an ideal platform for branded storytelling and influencer activations. The Health & Fitness Expo, held at McCormick Place, is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. With 144,000+ attendees, 150 exhibitors, and 240,000 square feet of space, it guarantees that every runner will interact with sponsor activations as they pick up race packets and gear. Friday typically sees the highest traffic, making it the prime day for on-site engagement.

The 27th Mile Post-Race Party is another powerful sponsorship moment. More than 70,000 runners, friends, and family gather immediately after the race to celebrate, creating a high-energy environment where sponsors have exclusive opportunities for experiential activations, product sampling, on-stage mentions, and branded content. VIP hospitality experiences, including exclusive receptions, finish line lounge access, private seating, and premium gift packages, provide brands with elevated engagement opportunities and meaningful relationship-building with key audiences.

The Chicago Marathon offers brands unmatched visibility, a highly targeted and valuable audience, and opportunities to create emotional connections that extend well beyond race day. It’s one of the rare events where scale, cultural impact, and audience quality align perfectly, making it a premier platform for brands looking to embed themselves at the heart of the global endurance sports community.