Every Record Tells a Story: Shokz and 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
1. Introduction
On the second Sunday in October, runners from around the world will convene in Grant Park to tackle the penultimate World Marathon Major of the year, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. With its largely flat course that traverses the streets of Chicago’s North Side, West Side, and South Side, the Chicago Marathon is known for producing fast, often world-record, performances from its racers.
This year, Shokz will be returning as the Official Headphone Partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, cheering on runners from the sidelines and offering spectators the chance to experience our signature open-ear audio. In this article, we’ll discuss the history of the Chicago Marathon, the different on-site activities that Shokz will be hosting, and the best products to support all your racing needs.
2. History of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The first Chicago Marathon was held in 1905 and began at the Evanston Golf Club, with 15 runners starting the race and only seven actually finishing it. The crowd of spectators numbered over 100,000. The modern Chicago Marathon was later founded in 1977 and originally named after Mayor Richard J. Daley. Its runners were mostly amateurs until the early 80s.
Today, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon draws over 50,000 of the best runners from 100+ countries, making it one of the largest races in the U.S. It starts and ends in Grant Park, and runs through 29 neighborhoods with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the city’s most iconic downtown skyscrapers.
3. Shokz Activities at 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
2025 marks the second straight year that Shokz will be the Official Headphone Partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We have a number of exciting activities planned for the event. Here’s a little more about each one of them:
Expo
From Oct. 9 to 11, you can join the Shokz Team at Booth #451 in Expo Hall. We’ll have open-ear headphones to test out and trivia questions to test your knowledge on Chicago and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. There’ll be prizes and fun giveaways. Then, on Oct. 12, come join us for a post-race party to celebrate the runners who left it all on the course and the volunteers whose tireless support made it all possible.
Cheer Zone
If you’re in Chicago, you can make some noise on race day at Shokz’s very own Cheer Zone. We’ll have cool gifts to help you get into the spirit, from Cheer Sign DIY to bells, so you’re not going to want to miss this.
Won’t be in Chicago? You can still take part in the fun by recording your voice ahead of time on the Shokz website. We’ll be playing the recordings throughout the race, so it’ll feel like you’re right there with us!
Strava Challenge
We’re sponsoring our very own Strava Challenge. The rules are simple: move for 1 hour, in any sport, at any pace. This can include hiking, running, walking, working out, cross-fit, wheelchair sports, and virtual running.
All finishers will earn a discount code for selected Shokz products and a Strava badge. But the lucky Grand Prize Winner will earn guaranteed entry into the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as well as a Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. The 5 Second Prize winners will receive an OpenRun Pro 2. And the 10 Third Prize winners will receive a marathon season limited-edition cowbell.
Signups begin on Sept. 29, and the challenge will run from Oct. 6 to 12, with winners announced on Nov 1. Don’t miss out on the chance to set your own record!
4. Shokz Recs for Race Day
Whether you’re a casual morning jogger or a hardcore marathon warrior, these Shokz products will help you set your own personal record:
OpenRun Pro 2: Engineered for endurance, the OpenRun Pro 2 boasts clear, powerful sound with adjustable EQ modes to keep you focused and motivated. It also offers a secure, comfortable fit; IP55 sweat resistance; and up to 12 hours of battery life, with Quick Charge capabilities – so no run is ever too long.
OpenFit 2: For maximum comfort and stability, try the OpenFit 2. Its featherlight open-ear design is built for all-day wear and situational awareness. And it has 48 hours of total battery life, plus enhanced sound powered by Dolby Audio™, so you can always get the most out of your runs.
OpenDots ONE: With its ultra-light clip-on design and secure fit, the OpenDots ONE is crafted for everyday movement and easy runs. You can take in the scenery while enjoying crisp, rich sound with Dolby Audio™ and up to 40 hours of battery life and wireless charging.
5. Conclusion
On Oct. 12, runners from around the world will come to Grant Park to try and set a personal best, and maybe even a world best, at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. And as the Official Headphone Partner of the race, Shokz will be supporting the runners, volunteers, and spectators every step of the way.
If you’re in town, Shokz will be sponsoring several on-site activities before, during, and after the race. But even if you won’t be in Chicago, there’re still plenty of ways to get involved, win amazing prizes, and shop for all your race-day needs, from OpenRun Pro 2 to OpenDots ONE.
To learn more, visit Shokz.
