The Chicago Marathon is set for October 12, 2025. If you don’t know what to wear or what gear to take along, no worries. In this guide, we will discuss personalized clothing and gear ideas to help you participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
But before we get into the guide, let’s understand about the marathon first.
What is Chicago Marathon sponsored by the Bank of America?
The Chicago Marathon is a yearly race, started in 1977. The race takes place in 29 neighborhoods of the city. Marathon runners crossing each neighborhood experience a lively mix of sights, cheer, and noise.
Clothing and gear ideas for runners at Chicago Marathon
Since marathon is a special event, it’s important to dress well to ensure your victory. Here are the clothing ideas and gear you shouldn’t miss out.
Designed t-shirts
October in Chicago means the start of the fall season. So, we recommend wearing a designed t-shirt to participate in the Chicago Marathon. You can wear a t-shirt as the race starts. This will keep you comfortable while running, making to take an early advantage.
Ensure you choose from performance t-shirts to stay comfortable throughout.
Pro Tip: choose a branded t-shirt and use a DIY tool to customize it. You can use any design you like to tailor it.
Fabric to choose: Running is a high-intensity work, in which perspiration is natural. So, we recommend choosing a t-shirt fabric that’s moisture-wicking. For example, t-shirts with polyester or nylon blends.
Custom tank tops
Customizable tank tops are yet another outfit idea for runners. When the weather seems hot, they can start with a tank top that gives an easy-breezy feel. If you’re a runner, you can use any tank top and tailor it with your choice of quote, design, or text. Pair it with Nike shorts and running shoes to look marathon-ready.
Pro Tip: Switch to a tank top when the weather appears hot during the day. This will keep your body cool and provide enough comfort during the race.
Fabric to choose: Stick with moisture-wicking fabrics, such as cotton or nylon blend.
Personalized hoodies
Our marathon-ready apparel suggestion also features personalized hoodies. Look for comfy hoodies that are lightweight. Breathable hoodies paired with shorts allow high performance, enabling the runner to run faster but comfortably.
Pro Tip: Choose a lightweight hoodie to ensure it doesn’t make you grasp for breath or increase your body heat. Hoodies with pockets are practical so that you don’t have to carry a bag all along.
Fabric to choose: Go for spandex, nylon, or polyester blended fabrics.
Printed sweatshirts
Sweatshirts are yet another Chicago Marathon outfit ideas that runners and spectators can consider. Unlike hoodies, sweatshirts are a lighter version for days that are clear. If you want your sweatshirt to look stylish, personalize it with a favorite design, text, pattern, or quote. A printed sweatshirt will set you apart from other marathoners.
Pro Tip: Carry your sweatshirt along and toss it over your t-shirt when the weather feels cold or temperature changes. You can pair it with your running shorts. Women can pair it with shorts or leggings of their choice.
Fabric to choose: We recommend using nylon, spandex, cotton, or polyester fabric to stay dry and comfortable during the race.
Gear and accessories for runners during Chicago Marathon
Just like clothing, runners can also accessorize themselves for the marathon. The gear and accessories that you can carry are:
Personalized hats and caps
Custom hats and caps are athletes’ best friends during the race. They have a purpose to serve — to keep hair and sweat out of your face while participating in the Chicago Marathon. It also keeps runners cool, offering them the much-needed breathability during the run.
Printed visors look great and suit the event. You can showcase your creativity by personalizing them with your choice of text, design, or quote.
Pro Tip: Choose a hat or cap type that suits your personality while feeling comfortable at the same time.
Personalized beanies
Customized beanies can also be worn during a marathon. If the temperature changes and you feel a gush of cold air touching your ears, be better prepared than sorry. October is when the Chicago weather feels not so cold, but who knows when the breeze coming from Lake Michigan may turn colder?
Pro Tip: Unlike heavy beanies that are common during the winter season, we recommend using lightweight beanies.
Printed Scarves or Bandanas
If beanies or hats feel too heavy or uncomfortable to carry, consider printed scarves or bandanas. You can use them to cover your head or as an accessory to use whenever required during the run.
Pro Tip: Use bandanas or scarves in materials that feel soft against the skin and have moisture-wicking features.
Personalized Tumblers or Engraved Water Bottles
You can wear tights with pockets to hold your personalized tumblers or engraved water bottles. Since the Chicago Marathon distance will be 26.2 miles, running so long without hydration might be risky. So to stay hydrated, ensure carrying your tumbler or water bottle.
Pro Tip: Carry a bottle that’s easy to handle. Refill it at the rest points whenever required.
How’s the Chicago Marathon Course?
The Chicago Marathon course is flat and fast with just one ascend to Mount Roosevelt before the finishing line. As and when you descend the hill, then the finish line will be just a few hundred meters away.
Remember, the streets are wide, so you can take your steps comfortably toward the winning line. The course features three big out and back sections.
We recommend checking out the course map to understand the path as an early preparation.
What’s the Chicago Marathon 2025 Start Time?
The Chicago Marathon Wave 1 will start at 7:30 a.m. while the Wave 2 will begin at 8:00 a.m. and Wave 3 will start at 8:35 a.m.
Ensure to be into your corral before the start time to avoid crowd and other inconveniences.
When is Chicago Marathon 2025?
The 47th Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be organized on October 12, 2025.
What’s the fee of Chicago Marathon 2025?
The Chicago Marathon fee is as follows:
$245 (USD) for U.S. residents
$255 (USD) for Non-U.S. residents
Conclusion
Every year, Chicago Marathon is held in early October. The event witnesses millions of finishers and spectators. If you’re a marathon runner or fan planning to participate in or cheer for your favorite athlete, we’ve got the best clothing and gear ideas for you. Take a look at the clothing ideas discussed earlier to look comfortable and at your best for the upcoming marathon. Happy running!