76-year-old Randy Burt and George Mueller, who have run every edition of the race since 1977, are ready to put on their racing shoes for the 2024 Chicago marathon. While speaking with WGN News, the seasoned marathoners revealed they plan to reach 50 uninterrupted marathons. In less than two weeks, over 50,000 will race across the streets of Chicago to live out their dreams.

Yet, none of the athletes or hobbyists would get the opportunity to live out their dreams if not for the over 50 sponsors and partners associated with the World Athletics Label road race. No wonder Ben Parkes, who clocked in at 2:43:00 last year, said, “I’ll say the best organized marathon I’ve ever been to.”

Learn about the 2024 Chicago Marathon sponsors

The name ‘Bank of America Chicago Marathon’ clearly indicates who’s the title partner of the World Marathon Majors event. However, six other brands are also designated ‘Official Sponsors’ for the 2024 edition of the annual race. They include familiar names and sports brand giants such as Nike and Gatorade. Yet there are others you may be less familiar with, such as TCS, aka Tata Consultancy Services, which is based in India.

However, despite not being the title partner, you could argue that Chicago-based healthcare and research company Abbott is among the most crucial sponsors. That’s because, since 2015, Abbott has organized the World Marathon Majors. Besides the Chicago Marathon, the multinational company is also responsible for putting together the annual New York and Boston marathons in the USA.

Overseas, they also sponsor the Tokyo, Berlin, and London marathons. These six races comprise the World Marathon Majors. The company also helps bring in more sponsorship through its Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. They call the expo a “unique opportunity” for smaller brands to cater to associate themselves with the Chicago Marathon.

Brands who wish to become part of the prestigious long-distance race can rent booths on the expo floor. These range from a 10’x10′ cube at $3,500 to a 40’x60′ booth at $67,200. Other official and associate partners have roles you could guess, such as Gatorade being one of the official hydration and every drink partner. Meanwhile, others do not have such a direct correlation with the race.

You’ll find everything from multinational companies such as Deloitte, Hilton Chicago, McDonald’s, and KIA to small businesses like Chicago’s very own City Scents on the list. However, besides the sponsors, charities, and fundraisers also play a large role in making the Chicago Marathon a success.

Major charities and various fundraisers in connection to the prestigious event

Of the over 50,000 runners who take to the streets of Chicago on October 13th, not everyone will run to break PRs. In fact, many will run as part of the several charity and fundraising teams that also participate in the marathon. The World Athletics Event is a great opportunity to raise money for noble causes such as health care research, combating poverty, and much more.

Over the years, the number of such teams has only increased, and this year at least seven major teams are representing their causes at the Chicago Marathon. Among them is Team CARA ‘Go Run, aka. Chicago Area Runners Association, which has the privilege of calling itself the “official charity partner” for the long-distance race.

Besides Team CARA, the American Cancer Society, World Vision, Team Race for ALS, Mercy Home, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities will sponsor teas of marathoners. Those who make the teams will get several perks, including their teams paying the registration fees. You can easily spot the runners under their banners, as each team will hand out exclusive gear.

While all these teams will run in the marathon to raise awareness, many, including members of the American Cancer Society team, the Mercy Home Heroes, and others, have set individual fundraising goals for each member. In many cases, only those who reach the minimum goal get access to many of the perks. With just under 11 days left until the 2024 Chicago Marathon, everyone from the sponsors to the participants is making final preparations to make the 46th edition of the race a success.