Guaranteed race entry for the 2026 Big Shoulders Race in Chicago and stay at the Marriott Marquis Chicago Hotel for one-night. The date for the 2026 Big Shoulders race is September 12, 2026. 

This race historically sells out in mere hours of registration being opened. Offering both a 5k and 2.5k Open Water Swim option competitors will swim in Lake Michigan in one of the premier open-water races in the United States. 

About Big Shoulders:
Founded in 1991 by the late Bill Mulliken, 1960 Olympic Gold Medal winner, this race is a test of guts, determination and fortitude. Bill saw the City of Chiago as an ideal spot for an open water swimming race and was fond of saying "Big Shoulders is the world's most architecturally significant race". In 1998 Chris Sheean took over the vision and race to propel it to the event it is today! Under his leadership it has grown from 80 to 1200 entries and even added the 2.5k distance in 1999 to be able to meet the needs of more swimmers. "Fresh-water, long distance swimming: an event in a hostile environment at which humans are not supposed to excel, and yet excel they do. While most of Chicago and the sane world sleeps on the first Saturday after Labor Day each year, tough competitors take on Lake Michigan's currents, turbulence and temperature inversions, just for the sake of saying they have "big shoulders". Every swimmer that comes to the Lake that morning, starting with a jittery stomach and swimming with guts, finishes with a personal version of the title "champion". Thing you are made of that kind of stuff? Come join us for the Big Shoulders event: swim, cheer or volunteer -- we just want to see you here!" 

About the Marriott Marquis: 
The Marriott Marquis Chicago Hotel is delighted to offer a complementary One-night stay in a Classic Suite with MClub Access for Two (2). 
Enjoy the Marriott Marquis Chicago located in downtown Chicago. Located on the city's South Side and located minutes from popular destinations, including Grant Park and Solider Field.