Chicago Marathon 2026 Gear Check: Hours, Bag Rules, and Pickup
If you plan to store personal belongings on race morning for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2026, you must follow strict bag drop rules. Only official race-issued bags are permitted inside Grant Park gear check areas.
Here is what you need to know about drop-off hours, bag requirements, designated locations, and post-race retrieval.
When does gear check open and close?
Gear check facilities in Grant Park follow a set schedule on race day:
- 5:30 a.m.: Grant Park, start corrals, and gear check areas open to participants.
- 4:00 p.m.: Gear check closes in Grant Park.
Because Grant Park and start corrals also open at 5:30 a.m., arrive with enough time to pass through security screening and drop off your bag before corrals close (7:20 a.m. for Wave 1, 7:45 a.m. for Wave 2, and 8:10 a.m. for Wave 3).
What bags are allowed at gear check?
You must use your event-issued clear plastic participant bag received at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during packet pickup. No other bags will be accepted at gear check.
Key bag guidelines include:
- No personal bags inside: You cannot place backpacks, gym bags, or purses inside the clear plastic gear check bag.
- No loose items: Loose articles of clothing or personal items outside the clear bag will not be accepted.
- Attach your tag: Detach the gear check tag from your bib number and fasten it to your bag. Organizers also encourage writing your bib number in the space provided on the bag in case the tag detaches.
- No valuables: Do not check wallets, cash, jewelry, cell phones, cameras, or electronic devices. The event is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Gear check is reserved for participants only; spectators are not permitted inside the gear check area.
Where do you drop off your bag?
Your assigned gear check area is determined by the color printed on the top and bottom of your bib: red, blue, or orange. You must use the specific gear check location matching your bib color.
You must present your bib number when dropping off your gear.
If you bring extra layers to stay warm before the start, do not leave them at gear check. Place discarded clothing in designated collection zones located near and within the start corrals. Clothes discarded at the start line will not be returned after the race.
How do you reclaim your gear after the finish?
To collect your bag after crossing the finish line:
1. Return to your color-coded gear check area in Grant Park before 4:00 p.m. 2. Present your bib number and the gear check claim ticket located on your bib to event staff.
If you finish after 3:30 p.m., your gear check bag will either be available in the area immediately west of the finish line or transferred to the Hilton Chicago.
What happens if you miss the 4 p.m. pickup deadline?
Bags not picked up by 4:00 p.m. in Grant Park are moved to the Grand Tradition Room near the Michigan Avenue entrance of the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Avenue).
Late bags can be reclaimed in person at the hotel during the following windows:
- Sunday, October 11: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, October 12: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Before heading to the hotel, visit chicagomarathon.com/lostandfound to confirm your bag is ready for collection. Any items left unclaimed by Friday, December 4 will no longer be available.
To prepare for race weekend logistics, check our guide to tracking a runner at the Chicago Marathon or sign up for free race updates on our Chicago Marathon page.
Sources: Bank of America Chicago Marathon Participant Information, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Rules & Safety, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Course Information