Chicago Marathon

10 Oct 2010 to

Entries for the 2010 Chicago Marathon have now closed.

The 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago’s Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 10th.

Seldom does the BBC cover an entire marathon outside of London or the major championships. The fact that they decided to do so in Chicago was an indication that they expected something special and they certainly got it in 2002 with Paula Radcliffe’s sensational World best of 2.17.18. 2007 proved a rather hot day and the pace was slowed, but with 45,000 runners this is truly ‘America’s’ Marathon.

And the Chicago Marathon has the highest percentage of female runners of all the Marthon majors, with over 43% of runners being women in 2009. This certainly makes it a more friendly environment for women.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its fast, flat course. Elite athletes and amateurs alike annually target the race for its potential to generate personal, national and world records. In addition to its speed, the course offers a scenic tour of Chicago as it weaves through 29 diverse neighborhoods and dozens of local and historic landmarks. You are guaranteed to see all that is great about the city of Chicago.

We have teamed up again with the Chicago Marathon to offer the chance to sample the unique city on a tour that is based in the Essex Inn Hotel, directly opposite the start and finish staging area in Grant Park

The Chicago Marathon has a history of great performances-starting with a world best by Steve Jones and finishing with the world best by another popular British runner, this time the women’s record by Paula Radcliffe.

The Hotel
We will be returning to the Essex Inn Hotel. A comfortable 3 star hotel, all rooms are en suite, colour TV, air conditioning and telephone.The hotel has a bar and restaurant,gym and a swimming pool.

Prices

		Twin	Single
3 Night package price		£859	£1168

Extra Night Price: £126 per person

Flight details below
Tour Details

Friday 8th Oct: Depart from Heathrow to Chicago on a scheduled service.

Saturday 9th Oct: Registration. Pasta Party (must be pre booked with your entry).

Sunday 10th Oct: RACE DAY

Monday 11th Oct: Part day free for sightseeing, afternoon back to the airport for evening flight to Heathrow

Price Notes
Race entry fee: £125 per person

Included in the price: flights, taxes, and 3 nights at the Essex Inn Hotel on a room only basis.
Not included: travel insurance, race entry and pasta party.
Early arrival and extended stays may be possible.

IN ORDER TO CONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION WE WILL REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING PAYMENT AT THE TIME OF BOOKING:

Deposit – £200 per person
Race Entry Fee – £125 for runners only

INSURANCE
For details of insurance for the our travel packages, please visit our insurance page

TO BOOK
To book, please download our *booking form* and post, fax to 0161 703 8547 or email to us at running@sportstoursinternational.co.uk .

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PASSPORTS – THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

Please note: we will require a copy of your passport along with your application form.

Please – don’t leave it to the last minute. The following information is for United Kingdom passport holders only, other nationals including Eire should consult the appropriate embassy.
UK residents are allowed to enter the USA with a ten year passport, with no less than 6 months left before the expiry of the passport, if staying in the US for less than 90 days. However, the rules are constantly updated, so we advise that you check your own individual situation as the visa waiver programme is subject to strict criteria, and for example, if you have a criminal record or have previously been refused entry to the US, you may not qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver programme. Please check your status with the rules.

Passengers are no longer permitted to enter the USA with a non-machine readable passport unless their old style passport has a valid Visa stamp. The newer red passports are machine readable. CHILDREN MUST HAVE THEIR OWN PASSPORT – If in doubt please contact the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000, or Passport Office Website or if applicable the American Embassy on 0207 499 9000 or the US Embassy Website

IMMIGRATION TO THE USA

There are now very strict guidelines on entry to the USA and a new system put in place whereby you must have registered with the Department of Homeland Security at least three days before you travel. More information can be found on the Department’s Official Website

INSURANCE

For details of insurance for the our travel packages, please visit our insurance page

There is additional information about our other Concierge Services on our special web page.

The Bank OF America Chicago Marathon is a popular event for charities and nearly $50 million has been raised by runners since 2002 entering this marathon. You too can help your chosen charity by running in Chicago. Please visit our charity section of our website for more information.

MORE INFORMATION

More information about the Chicago Marathon is available on the Official website