The 48th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
takes over the streets of Chicago on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Running 26.2 miles through 29 Chicago neighborhoods is a pretty big deal. And while that shiny finisher medal and some seriously tired legs are proof enough of your accomplishment, a few Chicago businesses are adding a little something extra to the celebration.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon returns Sunday, October 11, 2026, and runners should hang onto those bibs and wear those medals proudly after crossing the finish line. Restaurants and businesses around Chicago are offering everything from free desserts and drinks to discounts and medal engraving.
Here are some of the perks we've spotted for Chicago Marathon runners this year:
🍪 Free Dessert? You Earned It.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Show your medal or bib on Marathon Sunday and receive a free dessert tapa with dine-in service. Limit one per runner.
Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Marathoners can also show their medal or bib here for a free dessert tapa on Sunday, October 11.
Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park
Bring your bib or medal on Marathon Sunday and receive a free profiterole with the purchase of an entrée.
The Cookie Bar by Summer House
Not quite free, but still a sweet deal: show your bib on Sunday and grab any cookie for $3. Limit one per runner.
🍝 Free Food & Post-Race Fuel
Tanta Cocina Peruana
Show your race bib when dining on Marathon Sunday and runners receive a complimentary Cebiche Clásico.
Cozy Noodles n' Rice
This Lakeview favorite has a particularly fun connection to Chicago's running community: owner Chef Tee is a marathoner himself and has an annual tradition of offering Chicago Marathon runners a free carb-up meal when they bring in their bib. We'd recommend checking with the restaurant for this year's specific timing before heading over.
🥂 Cheers to 26.2!
Pizzeria Portofino
Show your bib on Marathon Sunday for a complimentary pour of Giuliana Prosecco.
Casa Chi
Show your marathon medal or bib number on Marathon Sunday or Medal Monday and receive a complimentary beer or sparkling wine with the purchase of an entrée.
Michael Jordan's Steak House
Runners who bring their bib or medal on Sunday or Monday can celebrate with a free beer.
Toro
Show your 2026 Chicago Marathon finisher medal on October 11 or 12 and receive a complimentary classic margarita, glass of bubbles, or draft beer with purchase.
Eataly Chicago
On Marathon Sunday, finishers can show their official medal and choose a complimentary Eataly Cola or Peroni. You must be 21+ with valid ID for the beer.
The Gwen
Runners 21+ can show their Chicago Marathon bib or medal at the bar for a complimentary glass of bubbly after the race.
🍺 One More 312 for 26.2
Chicago Marathon organizers are getting in on the celebration, too.
At the official 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Butler Field, runners 21+ can use the tear-off portion of their bib to redeem a Goose Island 312 Beer, Goose IPA, or Michelob ULTRA.
Then, keep the celebration going at one of five Goose Island post-race celebrations around Chicago. The first 312 runners wearing their 2026 finisher medal at each participating location get their first 312 Beer on the house.
🍻 A Souvenir for the First 100
Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Here's one you'll want to get to quickly: the first 100 runners who arrive with their finisher medal receive an exclusive Guinness pint glass engraved with a special marathon symbol.
The brewery is also offering $2.62 pints of beer brewed and served exclusively at the Chicago brewery.
🍽️ Bring the Cheer Squad
Lottie's Pub
This might be one of our favorite deals for runners with family and friends in tow. On Marathon Sunday, show your race ID and your entire group gets 26.2% off food.
Because anyone who spent the morning chasing their runner around Chicago deserves a little reward, too.
🚤 Take Your Medal for a Ride
Seadog Chicago
The celebration doesn't have to end Sunday. On Medal Monday, October 12, Chicago Marathon finishers who show their medal at the Seadog ticket booth can receive 50% off their cruise.
Not a bad way to rest those legs while enjoying the skyline.
Skydeck Chicago
Purchase a general admission ticket to Skydeck and present your medal for a complimentary keepsake photo from The Ledge. You can present on-site, or reserve online using code CHIMarathon26.
Marathoners are also invited to book a reservation for a special carb-loading meal ahead of the race. Available on Saturday, October 10th you can dine on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower at 6 pm. This special 3-course meal features Giordano's pizza and Eli's Cheesecake and amazing views of the skyline. $115 pp/available on Tock.
🏅 Make That Medal Even Better
FP Movement (Wicker Park)
Bring your marathon medal to FP Movement's Wicker Park location on Monday, October 12 at 11 a.m. for complimentary medal engraving. Registration is available for the event.
🥒 And One Perk for EVERYONE...
You don't even have to run 26.2 miles for this one.
McDonald's is debuting its limited-edition Pickle Boost in Chicago during Marathon Weekend. The bottled pickle brine is designed as a salty post-workout boost, and runners, spectators, and curious pickle lovers can score two free 2-ounce bottles at select Chicago McDonald's restaurants on race day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last.
Participating locations include 2635 N. Clark St., 1563 N. Wells St., 600 N. Clark St., 203 N. LaSalle St., and 207 E. 35th St.
Wear That Medal Proudly, Chicago!
Whether this is your first marathon or your tenth, completing 26.2 miles deserves to be celebrated. So don't tuck that medal into your bag quite yet. Wear it around Chicago, grab a treat (or two!), and enjoy your victory lap around the city.
And to every runner taking on the Chicago Marathon this year: Good luck! Chicago is cheering for you!
You can view more perks online here
Offers and availability are subject to change and may be limited to specific dates, times, locations, or quantities. Some alcoholic beverage offers require a purchase and are available only to guests 21+ with valid ID. We recommend confirming details directly with the business before making a special trip.
