1. Chicago Marathon
#1 Sports Event
Sponsored by Bank of America, 1.7 million spectators watch about 45,000 elite runners from 50 states and more than 100 countries around the world. Participants tour Chicago as the route takes them through 29 vibrant neighborhoods. Last year, the event’s economic impact was estimated at a record $338 million. In 2018, a partnership with the Shedd Aquarium focused on reducing plastic use for everyone from marathon participants to hotel and restaurant partners. Next: Fall 2019
Sponsored by Bank of America, 1.7 million spectators watch about 45,000 elite runners from 50 states and more than 100 countries around the world. Participants tour Chicago as the route takes them through 29 vibrant neighborhoods. Last year, the event’s economic impact was estimated at a record $338 million. In 2018, a partnership with the Shedd Aquarium focused on reducing plastic use for everyone from marathon participants to hotel and restaurant partners. Next: Fall 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Marathon
2. Arlington Million
#2 Sports Event
Introduced in 1981, this thoroughbred horse race is unique in that it offers a million-dollar purse. The Grade 1 Flat Horse Race, held in Arlington Heights, typically hosts more than 30,000 fans from around the world. The 2018 winner was Robert Bruce and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. This year, guests enjoyed a free concert by country music star Eric Paslay. Next: August 2019
Introduced in 1981, this thoroughbred horse race is unique in that it offers a million-dollar purse. The Grade 1 Flat Horse Race, held in Arlington Heights, typically hosts more than 30,000 fans from around the world. The 2018 winner was Robert Bruce and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. This year, guests enjoyed a free concert by country music star Eric Paslay. Next: August 2019
Photo: Horsephotos/Getty Images
3. Shamrock Shuffle
#3 Sports Event
Sponsored by Bank of America, the 39th annual 8K race brought out thousands of runners. Known as the annual rite of spring, the celebratory run kicks off St. Patrick’s Day and the outdoor running season. The event gives viewers a tour of the city and starts and ends in Chicago’s Grant Park. Next: March 24, 2019
Sponsored by Bank of America, the 39th annual 8K race brought out thousands of runners. Known as the annual rite of spring, the celebratory run kicks off St. Patrick’s Day and the outdoor running season. The event gives viewers a tour of the city and starts and ends in Chicago’s Grant Park. Next: March 24, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Shamrock Shuffle
4. Bike the Drive
#4 Sports Event
MB Financial Bank is the title sponsor, rebranding the event as “MB Bike the Drive.” The event saw record attendance in 2018 with more than 22,000 riders supporting Active Transportation Alliance, which advocates for better biking in Chicago. The 30-Mile Challenge was added this year, in which riders could strive to complete the ultimate car-free course. Next: May 26, 2019
MB Financial Bank is the title sponsor, rebranding the event as “MB Bike the Drive.” The event saw record attendance in 2018 with more than 22,000 riders supporting Active Transportation Alliance, which advocates for better biking in Chicago. The 30-Mile Challenge was added this year, in which riders could strive to complete the ultimate car-free course. Next: May 26, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Bike the Drive
5. Chicago Polar Plunge
#5 Sports Event
This year’s plunge saw more than 5,000 participants jump into a frigid 37-degree Lake Michigan. Attendees dressed in costumes like a South Side Irish Parade Queen, a group of Nintendo characters, and as “dibs” cones, raising $1.6 million for the Special Olympics. The event included former Bears player Otis Wilson; previous celebrity plungers have included Lady Gaga, Jimmy Fallon, and Dax Shepard. Next: March 2019
This year’s plunge saw more than 5,000 participants jump into a frigid 37-degree Lake Michigan. Attendees dressed in costumes like a South Side Irish Parade Queen, a group of Nintendo characters, and as “dibs” cones, raising $1.6 million for the Special Olympics. The event included former Bears player Otis Wilson; previous celebrity plungers have included Lady Gaga, Jimmy Fallon, and Dax Shepard. Next: March 2019
Photo: Jason Brown
6. Susan G. Komen's Mother's Day Race for the Cure
#6 Sports Event
This year’s race at Montrose Harbor welcomed actress Bonnie Hunt as honorary race chair for the 21st annual Race for the Cure, raising nearly $400,000. The 5K run/walk held on Mother’s Day drew more than 3,000 attendees. Next: Spring 2019
This year’s race at Montrose Harbor welcomed actress Bonnie Hunt as honorary race chair for the 21st annual Race for the Cure, raising nearly $400,000. The 5K run/walk held on Mother’s Day drew more than 3,000 attendees. Next: Spring 2019
Photo: Dan Brinnehl
7. Chicago Triathlon
#7 Sports Event
For the 36th year, the event that features swimming, biking, and running has remained one of the largest triathlons in the world, bringing in some 10,000 athletes. New in 2018 was a completely traffic-free bike course. Next: August 24-25, 2019
For the 36th year, the event that features swimming, biking, and running has remained one of the largest triathlons in the world, bringing in some 10,000 athletes. New in 2018 was a completely traffic-free bike course. Next: August 24-25, 2019
Photo: Ali Engin
8. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
#8 Sports Event
The race starts and finishes at Soldier Field, home of the N.F.L.’s Chicago Bears, and offers a 5K walk, 5K run, and 10K run. The event attracts more than 2,500 participants annually and raised more than $400,000 in 2018. Next: Fall 2019
The race starts and finishes at Soldier Field, home of the N.F.L.’s Chicago Bears, and offers a 5K walk, 5K run, and 10K run. The event attracts more than 2,500 participants annually and raised more than $400,000 in 2018. Next: Fall 2019
Photo: John Gress
9. PAWS 5K Walk/Run
#9 Sports Event (up from #10)
The 5K walk/run that benefits homeless animals enjoyed a record-breaking 18th anniversary in 2018. Some 6,000 people and 2,800 canines attended the event that supports PAWS Chicago’s “no kill city” mission. Next: Spring 2019
The 5K walk/run that benefits homeless animals enjoyed a record-breaking 18th anniversary in 2018. Some 6,000 people and 2,800 canines attended the event that supports PAWS Chicago’s “no kill city” mission. Next: Spring 2019
Photo: Rene Flores
10. Race to Mackinac
#10 Sports Event
The 110th race from the Chicago Yacht Club had 288 teams racing 333 miles from Chicago to Mackinac Island against competition from America and around the world. Known as “the Mac” to insiders, the race kicks off at Navy Pier and is sponsored by Wintrust. Tragically, a crew member aboard the TP52 sailboat “Imedi” died during the race after going overboard. Since the tragedy, measures for the auto-inflate personal flotation device are being investigated and issues are being examined for future safety. Next: July 13, 2019
The 110th race from the Chicago Yacht Club had 288 teams racing 333 miles from Chicago to Mackinac Island against competition from America and around the world. Known as “the Mac” to insiders, the race kicks off at Navy Pier and is sponsored by Wintrust. Tragically, a crew member aboard the TP52 sailboat “Imedi” died during the race after going overboard. Since the tragedy, measures for the auto-inflate personal flotation device are being investigated and issues are being examined for future safety. Next: July 13, 2019
Photo: Matt Knighton
