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NOTE: NBC 5 will offer complete live coverage of the 2017 race beginning at 7 a.m. CT online and on TV. The race can be streamed live from around world on the NBC Chicago app, which will also offer a live stream of the finish line from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more.
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon begins Friday in the city, just two days before thousands of runners descend on city streets to race in the major event that has garnered worldwide attention.
The expo takes place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Hall D.
It will offer runners a chance to pick up their packet information ahead of the race - including their bib number, a timing device, and more - along with offerings from numerous retailers on marathon footwear, apparel, nutrition and technology.
The packets include:
- Bib number and safety pins
- MYLAPS BibTag timing device
- Gear check tag
- Nike participant running shirt
- Participant bag
- Complimentary post-race 312 Urban Wheat Ale beer ticket for those 21 and over
There will also be presentations at a "Runner's World Stage," which offerinformation about the course, last-minute tips, and advice from industry experts.
Not sure how to get there?
There will be free shuttle bus service from the Hilton Chicago, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Nike Chicago on Michigan Avenue and the Hyatt Regency Chicago at Millennium Park.
Parking will be available for $10, but travelers must validate their parking ticket in the expo.
The Chicago Transit Authority, South Shore Line, Metra and Metra Electric will also offer transportation to the venue. Divvy bikes will also be available with the purchase of a 24-hour pass.
