SECTION 1 EVENT INFORMATION
Event staff and key volunteers will receive a complimentary t-shirt, jacket, hat and credential at check-in. Additional merchandise items may be distributed to select individuals based on their role and scope of work. In addition to the items you will receive, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes during your shift.
If your role is outdoors, we encourage you to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The event will go on rain or shine!
EVENT RADIO
Some event staff and key volunteers are assigned two-way radios by their program managers. If you are assigned a radio, you will pick up your radio when you check in before your shift and return your two-way radio after your shift.
If you are new to using a two-way radio or need a refresher on protocol, please view the Two-Way Radio Training video (password: CEM).
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
All event staff and key volunteers will receive a credential at check-in. In case of an emergency, please refer to the phone numbers listed below and on the back of your credential.
Medical emergency: 312.586.7697or 9-1-1
Event Support: 312.638.2022
Lost person: 312.586.7935
Media Inquiries: 312.586.7516
ENGAGING WITH VOLUNTEERS
Engaging with, and in some cases managing, volunteers is an important part of event staff and key volunteer roles. While the level of responsibility may vary depending on your position, it’s likely that you’ll be supporting, guiding or directly overseeing volunteers in some capacity. Please remember the following when working with volunteers:
• Introduce yourself and be approachable: You’ll be spending a lot of time with volunteers throughout your shift. Start the day by introducing yourself and thanking them for being there!
• Explain the role clearly: Volunteers are expecting to learn the role from you! Take the opportunity to clearly walk them through their duties and set expectations upfront.
• Encourage and check in: Be sure to check in regularly to provide volunteers with encouragement, ask if they need support and offer breaks throughout the shift.
• Ask for help when you need it: Managing volunteers can be challenging at times. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your immediate supervisor if you need support.
SECTION 2 | ABBOTT HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO ROLES
The three-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held in advance of the event for race participants. Event staff and key volunteers supporting this area should be aware of the following.
When is my shift?
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is on Thursday, October 9, Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11. Please refer to your race week confirmation email for your specific shift details.
Where do I check in for my shift?
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is located at McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D (2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL, 60616). Please arrive at your scheduled shift start time and report to Volunteer Check-in.
How do I get there?
Public transportation: We encourage event staff and key volunteers to take public transportation for a greener Chicago.
• CTA: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get to and from the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. For information on CTA fares and transit directions to and from the event, visit transitchicago.com.
• South Shore Line: Participants and spectators are encouraged to take the South Shore Line to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The South Shore Line runs from South Bend, Indiana to Chicago with stops along the way. For more information about stations and tickets, visit mysouthshoreline.com or call 219.926.5744.
• Metra Train: Participants and spectators are encouraged to take advantage of Metra’s $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Pass, good for unlimited rides on either Saturday or Sunday. In addition, the $10 Weekend Pass (available on the Ventra App only) is good for unlimited rides on both weekend days. Abbott Health & Fitness Expo attendees are encouraged to take the Metra Electric line to and from the Health & Fitness Expo. Metra Electric provides frequent service between McCormick Place and downtown Divvy: Gear up for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Divvy Bikes! Make your commute easy with Divvy Bikes – Chicago’s bike and scooter share system. Event attendees can conveniently rent a bike or scooter from various docking stations around Chicago.
Parking: Parking will be available for Expo volunteers at McCormick Place Parking Lot C located on Fort Dearborn Drive for a reduced rate of $13. You must have your parking ticket validated at the Health & Fitness Expo in order to receive the reduced rate. Please note, parking is available throughout the McCormick Place campus for $27. Parking Lot C is the only parking lot with a reduced $13 parking rate.
What should I wear?
All Abbott Health & Fitness Expo event staff and key volunteers will receive a complimentary t-shirt, short sleeve polo, jacket, hat and credential at Volunteer Check-in. In addition to the items you will receive, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes during your shift.
Is food provided?
Meals, snacks and water are provided to all event staff and key volunteers during your shift. Please note that while we try to provide a range of food items, we cannot guarantee that snacks will accommodate all dietary restrictions. More information regarding what is provided for meals will be provided in an informational email prior to race day. That will include a link for you to provide any dietary restrictions you may have.
All event staff and key volunteers will receive a credential at check-in. In case of an emergency, please refer to the phone numbers listed on the back of your credential.
SECTION 3: ABBOTT CHICAGO 5K ROLES
The Abbott Chicago 5K is the perfect way for marathoners, fans of the sport and friends and family to experience Chicago and take part in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend. Event staff and key volunteers supporting this area should be aware of the following.
When is my shift?
The Abbott Chicago 5K will take place on Saturday, October 11. Please refer to your race week confirmation email for your specific shift details.
Where do I check in for my shift?
Please refer to your race week confirmation email for your specific check-in location details.
How do I get there?
Parking: Event staff and key volunteers (local and non-local) working the event can park at Millennium Garages and will receive a voucher upon checking in at their check-in location in Grant Park. The event will not reimburse for parking expenses, unless otherwise approved in advance of the event.
Public transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get around Chicago. For information on CTA fares and transit directions to and from the event, visit transitchicago.com.
What should I wear?
You will receive a complimentary short sleeve t-shirt and credential when you check in. In addition to the items you will receive, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes during your shift. We also encourage you to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The event will go on rain or shine!
Is food provided?
Event staff and key volunteers working at the Abbott Chicago 5K will be provided breakfast at check-in.
All event staff and key volunteers will receive a credential at check-in. In case of an emergency, please refer to the phone numbers listed on the back of your credential.
SECTION 4: RACE WEEKEND – GRANT PARK ROLES
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place in Grant Park. The event production team will be onsite from Thursday, September 25 through Friday, October 17. Please be aware and mindful of community members and event attendees while working onsite.
Program areas include Bike Marshals, Lead Vehicle Procession (LVP), Announcers, Photographers, Stage Managers, Finish Line, Forward Command, Grant Park Operations, Hospitality, Information Technology, Medical, Para Athletics, Pro Athlete Team, Final Approach, Pace Team, Gear Check, Information Teams, Information Tents, Post Race Party, Runner Supplies, Start Line, Sustainability, Finish Line, Harrison Volunteer Compound and USATF Officials.
Event staff and key volunteers supporting these areas should be aware of the following.
When is my shift?
Please refer to your race week confirmation email for your specific shift details.
Where do I check in for my shift?
You will check in at the Race Office, which is in the Harrison Volunteer Compound. More specific information about the Race Office will be included in your Race Week Confirmation Email.
How do I get there?
• Public transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get around Chicago. For information on CTA fares and transit directions to and from the event, visit transitchicago.com.
• Race day parking: Event staff and key volunteers (local and non-local) working the event can park at Millennium Garages and will receive a voucher upon checking in at the Race Office. The event will not reimburse for parking expenses unless otherwise approved in advance of the event.
• Bike to Grant Park: World Bicycle Relief will provide a free bike valet for participants and volunteers at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Van Buren Street. Bikes may be stored starting at 4 a.m. and must be picked up by 4 p.m. Individuals are encouraged to bring a bike lock in the event the Bike Valet has reached capacity. Public bike racks are located around the perimeter of Grant Park. Please note that we do not allow bike storage within Harrison Volunteer Compound. Divvy stations are also located at Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard, as well as Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive for your convenience.
What should I wear?
You will receive a complimentary t-shirt, jacket, hat and credential when you check in at the Race Office. In addition to the items you will receive, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes during your shift. We also encourage you to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The event will go on rain or shine!
Is food provided?
Event staff and key volunteers working over a mealtime will be provided with a meal. Please review your race week confirmation email for information on where your meal will be available.
All event staff and key volunteers will receive a credential at check-in. In case of an emergency, please refer to the phone numbers listed on the back of your credential.
SECTION 5: RACE WEEKEND – COURSE ROLES
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon course starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities.
Program areas include Aid Stations, Course Activations including course DJs, Course Logistics, Course Marshals, Course Participant Services and Course Operations.
Event staff and key volunteers supporting these areas should be aware of the following.
When is my shift?
Please refer to your race week confirmation email for your specific shift details.
Where do I check in for my shift?
You will check in at your course assignment. Please refer to your race week confirmation email for more details.
How do I get there?
• Public transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get around Chicago. For information on CTA fares and transit directions to and from the event, visit transitchicago.com.
• Parking: If you plan on driving, please be aware of street closures and plan extra travel time to accommodate for traffic. Please contact your program manager or aid station captain for information on parking.
What should I wear?
You will receive a complimentary t-shirt, jacket, hat and credential when you check in at your remote check-in location on the course. In addition to the items you will receive, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes during your shift. We also encourage you to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The event will go on rain or shine!
Is food provided?
Snacks, water and coffee are provided to all event staff and key volunteers on the course. Please enjoy offerings after you check in. Please note that while we try to provide a range of food items, we cannot guarantee that snacks will accommodate all dietary restrictions.
All event staff and key volunteers will receive a credential at check-in. In case of an emergency, please refer to the phone numbers listed on the back of your credential.
SECTION 5: RACE WEEKEND – HILTON ROLES
The Hilton Chicago is the official headquarters hotel of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Chicago is ideally located on famed Michigan Avenue, and near the start and finish of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Program areas include Communications, Pro Athlete Team and Hilton Participant Services.
Event staff and key volunteers supporting these areas should be aware of the following.
When is my shift?
Please refer to your race week confirmation email for your specific shift details.
Where do I check in for my shift?
Please refer to your race week confirmation email for your specific check-in location details.
How do I get there?
Public transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get around Chicago. For information on CTA fares and transit directions to and from the event, visit transitchicago.com.
Parking: Please contact your program manager for information on parking.
What should I wear?
You will receive a complimentary t-shirt, jacket, hat and credential when you check in. In addition to the items you will receive, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes during your shift. We also encourage you to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The event will go on rain or shine!
Is food provided?
Meals are provided while working onsite.
All event staff and key volunteers will receive a credential at check-in. In case of an emergency, please refer to the phone numbers listed on the back of your credential.
SECTION 6: EVENT INFORMATION
RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
ABBOTT HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D (2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL, 60616).
Thursday, October 9
Public hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, October 10
Public hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 11
Public hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Please note that event staff and shift times vary from the public hours to account for setup and cleanup time. Refer to your race week confirmation email for your exact shift time.
ABBOTT CHICAGO 5K
Saturday, October 11
Grant Park and on course
6:30 a.m. Start corrals open
7:25 a.m. Wheelchair start
7:30 a.m. Race start
9:00 a.m. Finish line closes
For a full schedule of events, please visit https://www.chicago5k.com/event-information/
RACE DAY
Sunday, October 12
Grant Park and on course
Grant Park opens to runners 5:30 a.m.
Gear check opens 5:30 a.m.
Start corrals open 5:30 a.m.
Wave 1 start corrals close 7:20 a.m.
Men’s Professional Wheelchair Start 7:20 a.m.
Women’s Professional Wheelchair Start 7:21 a.m.
Handcycle Start 7:23 a.m.
Men’s and Women’s Professional Start 7:30 a.m.
High Performance Program Start 7:32: a.m.
Wave 1 Start 7:35 a.m.
Wave 2 start corrals close 7:45 a.m.
Wave 2 Start 8:00 a.m.
Wave 3 start corrals close 8:10 a.m.
Wave 3 Start 8:35 a.m.
Grant Park opens to spectators 9:30 a.m.
27th Mile Post-Race Party starts 9:30 a.m.
Gear check closes 4:00 p.m.
27th Mile Post-Race Party ends 4:00 p.m.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE SERVICES
American Sign Language services will be available race weekend to assist deaf and hard of hearing participants. Services will be available at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday, October 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Friday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, October 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Participant Services area of the Expo.
On race day, services will be at designated locations within Grant Park. Please email office@chicagomarathon.com for more information.
SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon sustainability program focuses on environmental stewardship, community engagement and outreach, accessibility and innovation. At the event, we encourage you to join us as we work to improve our efforts and reduce our footprint. Thank you for helping to make the Bank of America Chicago Marathon a more sustainable event!
MEDIA INFORMATION
Please do not speak to any member of the media on behalf of the event, or comment on any aspect of the event. If you are approached by a member of the media, please respond by saying, “I am not an approved spokesperson for the event,” and provide them with the following number to contact a member of the event’s media relations staff: 312.586.7516.
SECTION 7 | SAFETY & SECURITY EVENT ALERT SYSTEM
The color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) will communicate the status of race conditions leading up to and on race day. EAS levels range from Low (Green) to Moderate (Yellow) to High (Red) to Extreme (Black) based primarily on weather, as well as other conditions.
Familiarize yourself with the Event Alert System prior to race day, remain alert for directions from race officials and announcers and take precautions to prepare properly for varying conditions on race day. The Event Alert System table is available below and will be available on the back of your credential race weekend.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical support is available at 22 on-course locations. Each is staffed by a team of medical professionals, is equipped with emergency and first aid supplies and has access to ambulance service.
In Grant Park, the Main (Balbo) Medical Tent is located directly beyond the finish line. An additional medical facility (Jackson) is located at the entrance to the Post-Race Party.
For the safety of all participants, volunteers and event staff, only those requiring medical assistance may access the medical facilities. If you feel like you need medical assistance on race day, you are encouraged to seek help from a medical volunteer or visit a medical tent in Grant Park or on course.
Lend a hand, save a life! Participants, volunteers and event staff are encouraged to watch an instructional HandsOnly CPR video from the American Heart Association in advance of race weekend. This training is critical and can be lifesaving.
RACE DAY LACTATION SPACES
Private and semi-private lactation spaces are available to participants on race day. Participants interested in using the spaces will have access to a private or semi-private seating area (chair and table), a water source or a portable hand-washing station and a power source. Spaces will be available in the following locations:
• Pre-race: Private and semi-private space at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Avenue)
• On-course: Private and semi-private tented facility on Laflin Street between Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard at Miles 15 and 16
• Post-race: Private and semi-private tented facilities, with access to power and a sink, are provided at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party. Visit the information tent to request access.
Event staff & key volunteers interested in using the pre-race space at the Hilton Chicago are asked to email office@chicagomarathon.com for instructions on how to access the space.
Staff will be onsite at each location to assist those interested in using the space on a first-come first-served basis. Please note, the event will not store or transport equipment.
Additional questions about lactation spaces can be directed to office@chicagomarathon.com in advance of the event.
LOST PERSON INSTRUCTIONS
In the event you find a lost child/person or are approached by a parent/guardian of a lost child/person, follow these steps:
1. Keep the child/person or parent/guardian with you.
2. Spend a reasonable amount of time (approximately 2 minutes) checking the surroundings to see if a connection can be made.
3. If you are not at an information tent, walk with the child/person or parent/guardian to the nearest information tent.
4. Once at the information tent, the information tent coordinator will place a call to 312.586.7935.
5. Keep the child/person or parent/guardian with you and inform them that the appropriate personnel have been notified through the Monterrey Security network throughout Grant Park.
6. Do not communicate information by radio unless instructed by Grant Park Logistics to communicate over the dedicated Lost Child Channel. Do not relay details about the child over a radio or PA system without permission from Grant Park Logistics. When you call, speak slowly and clearly and provide as much information as possible (see Lost Child Documentation Form).
7. The information tent coordinator will communicate with an event staff member who will work directly with a Monterrey Security team member to document the situation. They will log all details into the Monterrey Security online system for detail tracking and follow-up reporting. The Monterrey Security online system will have information if the lost child or parent/guardian has already been communicated to our team from the other party elsewhere in the park.
8. Monterrey Security will broadcast the information to their network of staff throughout Grant Park.
9. An additional Monterrey Security Guard will be deployed to the information tent to provide additional assistance.
10. If a parent insists on continuing to search the park, send a Monterrey Security representative, who is connected to the Monterrey network working on establishing the reconnection, with the parent.
11. Upon reuniting the child/person and parent/guardian, Monterrey Security or law enforcement official will request to see identification prior to releasing the child/person. A Monterrey Security Guard must be present, and Monterrey must document the exchange to close the case.
Care guidelines
• No food or drink should be offered except for plain water, in case of allergies
• Staff should kneel or sit while talking to child to create a sense of comfort
• Staff should speak in a calm, quiet and soft voice to limit alarm or frightening the child
• Dispatch a security guard based on current location using identified light pole number, tent name or another landmark
• Upon reuniting the child/person and parent/guardian, a Monterrey security guard or law enforcement official must be present
RUNNER DOWN
• Scene safety - Make sure YOU are safe.
• If it is not safe, what can you do to make it safer?
• Notice where you are (location, address, street corner, light pole number).
• Notice the position of the runner (lying down, sitting, standing) and whether conscious, breathing and moving.
• If sick/injured person is a part of the event (runner, spectator, staff, volunteer, vendor), call the Medical Emergency number (312.586.7697) to request help. Be prepared to identify the participant by bib number. After two unsuccessful attempts to reach the Medical Emergency number, call 9-1-1.
• Start CPR if necessary and apply AED if present.
• If sick/injured person is not participating in or a part of the event, or if injury occurs outside of race hours, call 9-1-1 directly.
CPR AND AED USAGE
AEDs are located in all medical facilities (main medical tents and on-course medical tents) on race day.
How to operate an AED:
1. Turn the AED on by opening the front cover and pressing the power button.
2. The AED will talk to you and give you detailed instructions.
3. Follow the directions of the AED.
4. You can never hurt a patient by using an AED.
How to do Hands-Only CPR:
• If a runner collapses and is unconscious, first call for help.
• Begin chest compressions by putting your hands in the center of the chest
• Push down in the center of the chest hard and fast.
• Push about two inches deep at a rate of 100 per minute until help comes.
• Tip: If counting the compressions is too tough, try compressing to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive.”
UNATTENDED PACKAGES
• If you see an unattended bag or package, follow the three “C’s.”
• Claim: Ask if anyone in the area claims the item. If no one claims it, then go to the next step
• Cop: Tell the nearest police officer about the bag. If there isn’t a police officer nearby, then go to the next step
• Call: If there isn’t a police officer is nearby, call (312.586.7935). If you cannot reach this number after two attempts, call 9-1-1
Do not touch or attempt to move the package. Quietly move people away from package without causing a disruption or panic.
ACTIVE THREAT
In the event that an active threat is in your vicinity, follow the steps below:
• Run: Have an escape route and plan in mind, leave your belongings behind and keep your hands visible
• Hide: Hide in an area out of view, block entry to your hiding place and silence your mobile devices
• Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, act. Attempt to stop the threat using physical aggression and/or creating a distraction by throwing items.
Call 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.
Provide law enforcement or 9-1-1 operator the following information:
• Location of the threat
• Physical description of individual(s)
• Number and type of weapons held by individual(s)
• Number of potential victims at the location
When law enforcement arrives:
• Remain calm and follow instructions
• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
• Raise hands and spread fingers
• Keep hands visible at all times
• Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating
EVACUATION PLANS
Follow the directions of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and/or event organizers. Event organizers will issue instructions to race officials (aid station captains/leaders, zone managers, etc.) through the radio dispatch team in the Forward Command facility.
• Follow the directions of the Chicago Police Department or event organizers.
• If you are in immediate danger, evacuate to a safe location.
• If you self-evacuate or are part of a larger evacuation, once you are safe, call Event Support (312.638.2022).
RACE PAUSE PROCEDURES
If a dangerous course condition arises resulting in a decision by Chicago Police Department and event organizers implement a race pause, follow these procedures when instructed by the event organizers from the Forward Command facility:
• Aid station personnel in the affected area will pull a rope with red banner flags and barricades across the race course and instruct available aid station members and course marshals to stand on the course holding the rope to halt oncoming runners. Stop signs and bullhorns are in aid station supply crates and will be used to help stop runners.
• The DJ/PA announcer will make announcements to notify participants of the stop and hold.
• HAM radio operators, located in the Medical Tent, will be responsible for changing EAS flags.
• Event Alert System (EAS) course condition flags in the affected area will be changed to BLACK.
• Once runners are stopped, medical volunteers will scan the crowd for runners requiring medical assistance.
RACE DIVERSION
A race diversion is a change in the race route due to a dangerous condition on the roadway. There are two types of diversions. A race re-direct is a short change in the course around a problem area that brings runners back to the original course after a few blocks. A race re-route is a larger course change that utilizes a new route. To implement a race diversion:
• The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and event organizers will work closely to minimize race disruption while maintaining safety.
• Event organizers and CPD will review new route for security and safety. CPD will issue instructions to police commanders. Event organizers will issue instructions to race officials (aid station captains/leaders, zone managers, etc.) through the radio dispatch team in the Forward Command facility. Race officials will communicate these instructions to event staff and volunteers.
