The Bank of America Chicago Distance Series will continue to receive official coverage from NBCUniversal Local Chicago, thanks to a renewed media rights agreement. This multiyear deal ensures that the annual Chicago Marathon will be broadcast on WMAQ, the NBC-owned station, and WSNS, WMAQ’s sister Telemundo station. Digital platforms will also carry coverage through 2028.
The agreement encompasses rights for WMAQ and WSNS to broadcast the Shamrock Shuffle in March and the Chicago 13.1 race in June. These three events constitute the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. According to executive race director Carey Pinkowski, “We’re thrilled to announce our continued partnership with NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago as the official English and Spanish-language broadcasts for our Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events." He added, "The teams at NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago capture the spirit of our events, from the world-class professional races at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, to inspiring human interest stories that come from our local Chicago running community.”
NBC 5 Chicago has been a media partner of the Chicago Marathon for the past 18 years, with Telemundo Chicago joining in 2017. Kevin Cross, president and general manager, NBCUniversal Local Chicago, stated, “We are truly honored to continue our longstanding partnership with the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. For nearly two decades, our collaboration has allowed us to showcase the very best of Chicago — from elite athletic achievement to the powerful personal stories that unite our communities." He continued, "Our teams at NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago are passionate about capturing these moments and sharing them with viewers across our region and beyond. We look forward to bringing even more unforgettable moments in the years to come.”
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, is held annually on the second Sunday in October. The 2026 event will be broadcast on NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. Race day coverage includes play-by-play commentary on the professional race by expert analysts, course updates, and inspiring stories from NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago anchors and reporters situated throughout the course's various neighborhoods.