New Bank of America Chicago Marathon limited edition launches alongside Race Week experiences celebrating the runners, communities and energy of Chicago

CHICAGO, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shokz, a pioneer in open-ear audio technology, today announced the launch of the OpenRun Pro 2 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Co-Branded Edition, available in limited quantities, and an expanded slate of experiences bringing its “Let the Windy City In” platform to runners and communities across Chicago.

Returning as the Official Headphone Partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the third consecutive year, Shokz is celebrating the people, neighborhoods and sounds that make Chicago an integral part of the marathon experience. From athlete and community programming throughout Race Week to the marathon-exclusive OpenRun Pro 2, Shokz is creating more ways for runners to stay connected to the city and the goals they are chasing.

The OpenRun Pro 2 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Co-Branded Edition features a distinctive deep blue and gold colorway, with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon route illustrated on the gift box and case. Designed as both a performance companion and meaningful keepsake, the marathon-exclusive OpenRun Pro 2 celebrates the miles, memories and personal milestones that come with taking on 26.2 miles in Chicago.

Built on the same performance technology as OpenRun Pro 2, Shokz’s flagship bone conduction headphones for running, the Co-Branded Edition features DualPitch™ Technology for premium sound quality, up to 12 hours of listening time and an open-ear design that helps runners stay aware of their surroundings throughout training and race day. A secure, comfortable fit designed for runs and workouts rounds out the experience for runners seeking wireless headphones that balance audio performance with environmental awareness. 

The OpenRun Pro 2 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Co-Branded Edition is available beginning September 23 exclusively at Shokz.com for $199.95 USD / $249.95 CAD, with additional units available at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Expo at Shokz Booth #339 from October 8–10. Both Standard and Mini sizes will be available in limited quantities. 

“Chicago has an incredible way of making the entire city feel like part of the race, and that’s what we wanted to celebrate this year,” said Vincent Xiong, CEO of Shokz North America. “From a limited-edition design created specifically for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to experiences that bring runners closer to the city’s communities and energy, we’re creating more ways for people to take in everything that makes Chicago special while they chase their own goals.”

Let the Windy City In
Shokz’s “Let the Windy City In” platform builds on a simple idea: the Bank of America Chicago Marathon experience is about more than the miles. The crowds, neighborhoods, music and encouragement along the course are part of what makes Race Day memorable, and Shokz’s open-ear design allows runners to stay connected to those moments while listening to their audio.

That idea will extend across Shokz’s Chicago programming. Throughout the training season, Shokz has worked alongside local running partners including 3RUN2 and Fleet Feet Chicago to connect with runners as they prepare for 26.2 miles. During Race Week, Shokz will take that connection into neighborhoods across the city through Shokz Sound Tour, capturing the voices, sounds and stories that help define Chicago’s running community.

Shokz will also welcome runners and fans at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo race weekend, Shokz Booth #339, where visitors can experience Shokz open-ear headphones, purchase the marathon-exclusive co-branded edition and personalize eligible headphones with custom engraving. Shokz will continue to celebrate the race and the energy of Chicago at the 27^th Mile Post-Race Party, followed by a Post-Race Party for runners and the Chicago running community. 

“The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is shaped by the communities that runners experience across 26.2 miles and the people who support them along the way. We’re excited to have Shokz return as a partner and create new ways for participants to connect with that energy throughout their marathon experience,” said Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director. 

This year’s Chicago program builds on Shokz’s global Chasing Stars initiative, which supports runners as they pursue personal goals and share their journeys with the broader running community. Shokz is the Official Headphone Partner of six of the most prestigious marathons in the world and works with elite athletes and everyday runners across the global running community.

Dakotah Popehn Takes on Chicago
Shokz athlete and elite marathoner Dakotah Popehn will compete in the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and participate in Shokz programming throughout Race Week.

On October 9, Popehn is scheduled to appear on the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo Main Stage for a conversation with Laura Green about chasing the breakthrough star with Shokz, including her preparation for Chicago, the role community plays in the marathon experience and what she is chasing this season. 

“There’s so much that goes into preparing for a marathon, but when you get to Race Day, the people around you become a huge part of the experience,” said Popehn. “Chicago has incredible energy and being able to take in the crowds and the city while staying focused on your own race is part of what makes the day so special. I’m excited to be back with Shokz and see what we can chase together in Chicago.” 

Runners and fans can learn more about Shokz’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon programming and purchase the OpenRun Pro 2 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Co-Branded Edition at Shokz.com.

About Shokz
Shokz, recognized as the World’s No. 1 Open-Ear Headphones Brand by Omdia, is dedicated to advancing open-ear audio technology and inspiring users to #beopen. With a focus on innovation, quality, and user experience, Shokz continues to lead the market by providing cutting-edge solutions for everyday audio. Learn more about the brand at www.Shokz.com.

About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 48th year, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will welcome thousands of participants from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including a world-class professional athlete field, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners and charity participants. The race’s iconic course takes participants through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. Annually, more than a million spectators line the streets cheering on tens of thousands of participants from the start line to the final stretch down Columbus Drive. As a result of the race’s national and international draw, the Chicago Marathon assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating over $755.9 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, will start and finish in Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. In advance of the race, a three-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Thursday, October 8, Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicagomarathon.com.

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