Getting the Chicago Marathon to the Finish Line
CLIENT
Drawing over 53,000 runners and more than 1.7 million spectators each year, the Chicago Marathon starts and ends in Grant Park and runs 26.2 miles through 29 Chicago neighborhoods.
A successful race day is the result of detailed strategic preparation that begins months before the starting gun goes off. The event requires disciplined planning, execution, and the ability to operate across a dense urban environment without disrupting the city’s regular routine.
THE CHALLENGE
Executing citywide logistics for a major marathon
To support the Chicago Marathon each year, our team manages staging, transportation, and delivery of 40 fully operational aid stations, including water, signage, medical supplies, barriers, audiovisual equipment, and thousands of pre-race runner packets.
All materials are organized and stored months in advance and ultimately staged throughout the course in a tight setup window. Given the number of teams working together to ensure the success of the race, there is no room for delays or disruption.
THE SOLUTION
A coordinated fleet and on-site event logistics team
Our team executes delivery using air-ride trailers equipped with GPS tracking and load-control systems, supported by personnel trained specifically for urban event operations. On-site teams work directly with marathon project managers and technical crews to coordinate delivery timing, station sequencing, and placement during both setup and strike.
By combining our dedicated fleet with a trusted network of specialized event carriers, the operation maintains flexibility to meet the ever-evolving conditions without impacting the overall race schedule.
THE RESULTS
Race-day readiness delivered on schedule
All materials are delivered and set up on time, within a two-day set up window. Each aid station is fully prepared ahead of race day, supporting a smooth experience for runners, staff, and spectators.
With consistent performance over multiple years, our team has become a trusted logistics partner for the Chicago Marathon and other large-scale sporting events requiring reliable execution in complex urban settings.
Delivered, set up, and returned each year for the Chicago Marathon to help get 50,000 runners across the finish line
The length of our partnership supporting and delivering equipment for the Chicago Marathon
More dispatches from the field
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96°59'21.1"W
Coppell,Texas
