Official Training Program

Nike's Official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Training Program starts in June and takes you all the way to the finish line on October 10, 2010—whether you're training on the streets of Chicago or virtually anywhere across the globe.

Training Programs
Nike+ Coach
Group Training Runs  

Downloadable Training Programs
Nike’s 17-week Bank of America Chicago Marathon Training Program, developed by Coach Jenny Hadfield, co-owner of Chicago Endurance Sports and columnist for Women's Running magazine and RunnersWorld.com, is available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced marathon runners. Download the Training Programs (.pdf) and start running!

Nike+ Coach
From anywhere in the world, runners have the opportunity to sync up with Nike+ and train for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with the world's largest running community. Nike+ Coach allows you to follow an existing marathon training program or create your own. Nike+ tracks your training and the virtual coach is there to support you every step of the way. Visit nikerunning.com/chimarathon for more details. Also, visit the site to ask Coaches Jenny and John any running related questions about training for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

What is Nike+? Check out this video on nikerunning.com.

Group Training Runs
Take part in Nike’s Official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Training Runs several days a week at various locations throughout Chicagoland and beyond. The 17-week training run program features long runs, tempo runs, 3-, 5- and 7-mile routes, and everything in between to get you to 26.2 including shoe trials and clinics, post-run refreshments and seminars and pace group leaders to prepare you for race day. Nike’s Official Training Runs will follow the Intermediate training schedule.

Fleet Feet Sports, Chicago
Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
1620 N. Wells St.
312.587.3338

Running Away Multisport, Chicago
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
1634 North Ave.
773.395.2929

NIKETOWN, Chicago
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
669 N. Michigan Ave.
312.642.6363

Naperville Running Company
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
32 W. Jefferson Ave.
630.357.1900

JBar, Chicago
Saturdays, 6:30 a.m.
610 N. Rush St. (adjacent to The James Hotel)

Saturdays will be structured as a central meeting place for long run training. Runners will have the opportunity to check gear, run on the Lakefront, and dine with fellow runners after the run. Please note there will not be formal pacers. There will be many pacers from the weekday training running with the group. A route specific to Chicago Marathon training will be outlined for runners. The group will depart from JBar at 6:30 a.m. and run together to the path as a warm up before groups/individuals take off on different goal speeds.

David Burke’s Primehouse, located at The James Hotel, has added a new offering to its weekend Brunch in a Box menu exclusive to Nike+ members. The Starter’s Box is perfect to help runners start their days after they finish with their training. Start the meal with a family-style fruit bowl and coffee for the table, followed by a signature Bento Box featuring traditional oatmeal, scrambled egg whites, granola & yogurt and choice of meat (Benton bacon, pork link sausage, turkey bacon, black forest ham or chicken apple sausage).

Only $15/person if you mention you are a Nike+ member (regularly $20/person).

Additional Training Resources
Click here for additional Bank of America Chicago Marathon training resources, including Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) training programs and 20-mile training run options.