Shokz x 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Guide
As the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon approaches, Shokz returns as the race’s Official Headphone Partner, bringing open-ear audio to race week with special activities, including the Shokz Four-Star Challenge.
A highlight is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon limited-edition OpenRun Pro 2. Here’s what makes this special edition unique and what to know about Shokz’s flagship open-ear running headphones.
Shokz X 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Enter to win the Co-branded Edition OpenRun Pro 2
Explore Now →
2026 Shokz Four-Star Challenge
Join ShokzSquad to enter the challenge, collect four stars, and unlock giveaway rewards.
Explore Now →Shokz Activities During the Marathon Race Week
During the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon race week, Shokz activities are mainly divided into two parts: online activities and in-person events in Chicago. If you are following the marathon from home, there are several ways to participate online. If you are in Chicago during race week, you can also visit Shokz event locations or join designated running activities.
Online Activities
Shokz has several online activities connected to the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon:
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Online Giveaways
Shokz is offering online giveaways with different prizes during the marathon campaign. -
Chicago Marathon Limited-Edition OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz has released a Bank of America Chicago Marathon limited-edition OpenRun Pro 2, featuring marathon-specific design details while keeping the core OpenRun Pro 2 platform. -
Shokz Four-Star Challenge
Take part in the Shokz Four-Star Challenge and collect four stars for a chance to win giveaways.
Tip: The final star can be earned by taking part in a designated in-person group running activity during marathon race week.
In-Person Events in Chicago
For those in Chicago during race week, Shokz has several in-person activities, including pop-up events, the marathon expo, a Cheerzone, the post-race party, and designated group runs.
Shokz Race Week Activities
|
Date |
Event |
Time |
Location |
|
Oct. 8 |
Expo |
10:00 AM–6:00 PM |
McCormick Place |
|
Social Run |
6:30 PM |
Goose Island Taproom |
|
|
City Bus |
2:00–5:00 PM |
Lincoln Park |
|
|
Oct. 9 |
Expo |
9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
McCormick Place |
|
Meet Dakotah |
4:00 PM |
Expo Main Stage |
|
|
City Bus |
2:00–5:00 PM |
Harrison Park |
|
|
Oct. 10 |
Expo |
9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
McCormick Place |
|
Shakeout Run |
7:00 AM |
Goose Island Taproom |
|
|
Shakeout Run |
9:00–11:00 AM |
Garfield Park Field House |
|
|
Oct. 11 |
Bank of America Chicago Marathon |
— |
Grant Park |
|
Cheer Zone |
8:00 AM–1:40 PM |
Mile 22, intersection of Wentworth Ave & 26th St. |
|
|
Post-Race Party |
9:00 AM–4:00 PM |
Butler Field in Grant Park |
3RUN2 Race Week Running Events
Shokz is also connected with two 3RUN2 Race Week Running Events during marathon week. These group runs provide another way to take part in the Chicago running community and can also be used to complete the final star of the Four-Star Challenge.
|
Activity |
Location |
Time |
|
3RUN2 Race Week Running Event |
Goose Island Taproom, 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago |
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m. |
|
3RUN2 Race Week Running Event |
Goose Island Taproom, 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago |
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8:30 a.m. |
Why OpenRun Pro 2 Is Suitable for Marathon Training
For marathon training, the OpenRun Pro 2 combines an open-ear design, ear-hook and neckband structure, and up to 12 hours of battery life for long training sessions.
Open-Ear Design for Marathon Running
The OpenRun Pro 2 sits outside the ears, leaving the ear canal open while listening. Surrounding sounds may still be audible, which can be relevant when running outdoors or during race-day situations.
Ear-Hook and Neckband Structure
The ear-hook and neckband structure keeps the headphones positioned around the ears and back of the head without requiring an earbud tip inside the ear canal. Standard and Mini sizes are available to accommodate different fits.
Battery Life for Long Training Sessions
The OpenRun Pro 2 provides up to 12 hours of battery life, while a five-minute Quick Charge provides up to 2.5 hours of listening. This can cover extended training runs and multiple sessions between charges.
Audio for Training and Race Week
DualPitch™ Technology combines a bone conduction driver with a dedicated air conduction driver. During marathon training, the headphones can be used for music, podcasts, or other audio, with six EQ presets and two custom settings available in the Shokz app.
Tips: Before using headphones in an organized marathon, check the event’s current rules on personal audio devices, as race policies can vary.
Conclusion
If you are following the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Shokz has several ways to take part, including online giveaways, the Four-Star Challenge, and in-person activities in Chicago during race week. You can check the individual activity pages for participation details, locations, and schedules.
The limited-edition OpenRun Pro 2 adds a Chicago Marathon-inspired colorway to the Shokz open-ear headphones lineup. For marathon training, the OpenRun Pro 2 combines an open-ear design, ear-hook and neckband structure, and up to 12 hours of battery life, making these features worth considering when choosing gear for long training runs and race week.
For more information about Shokz x Bank of America Chicago Marathon, click here to learn more.
