Shokz returns to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with co-branded limited edition OpenRun Pro 2 and expanded Race Week experiences. Sep 23, 2026, 08:59 ET 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(TM) 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 27th 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. SOURCE SHOKZ

Fleet Feet and Altra join as founding partners of new podcast for women runners. July 31, 2026. "Still Running: 10 Years Apart" brings expert-backed commentary for women figuring out hormones, ambition, training and motherhood. MISSOULA, Mont., CARRBORO, N.C., and DENVER, Colo. (July 31, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ - Fleet Feet, the nation's largest franchisor of locally owned and operated running specialty stores, and Altra, a leading innovator in performance running footwear, have joined as founding partners of "Still Running: 10 Years Apart," a new podcast helping women navigate the realities of running through every stage of life. Hosted by runners and moms Ashley Arnold and Rebecca "Trax" Trachsel, the show explores what it means to keep pursuing ambitious goals as bodies and lives evolve. The podcast explores topics ranging from hormones and recovery to pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause. Through expert interviews and candid conversations, it offers practical, evidence-based guidance while creating a space where women runners can feel understood and supported. "Running has always been about more than miles; it's about having people in your corner," said Tiffany Lee, senior director of performance marketing and partnerships. "This podcast brings important conversations to more women, and our locally owned and operated stores give runners a place to continue them. Whether someone is looking for the right footwear, training for a new goal or simply looking for a community to run with, we're proud to help women feel supported through every stage of their running journey." About the Hosts Arnold is an ultra-trail runner, podcast host and brand marketing leader who previously led brand marketing at Fleet Feet. She is currently returning to running postpartum while training for mountain races. An empty-nester with ten years on Arnold, Trachsel is a road marathoner and content creator with over 29,000 Instagram followers, navigating a perimenopausal stage of high-performance running. The two met during overlapping work with a running club in 2025 and discovered they share many of the same questions about running. "'Still Running' exists because women runners deserve better conversations about their bodies, their goals and the seasons of life that shape both," said Arnold and Trachsel. "Women runners are constantly adapting, questioning, pushing and trying to understand what our bodies are telling us. We're here to make those conversations honest, funny, useful and backed by people who actually know what they're talking about." Episode Content New hour-plus long episodes will publish twice monthly and feature host conversations, expert interviews and listener "phone-a-friend" segments covering topics including fueling, injury prevention, training through hormone changes and returning to running after time away. Fleet Feet and Altra's partnership will support the podcast's launch, production and community events. "There is a lot of positive conversation right now about women maintaining strength and vitality as they move through different life stages, and it's a conversation that Altra fully supports," said Reyna Alishio, head of global marketing at Altra. "We're so excited to be playing a role in bringing this podcast and topic to life, and to women runners specifically." The first episode is now available wherever podcasts are streamed and at stillrunningpod.com. Follow @stillrunningpod on Instagram for future episodes and community updates. About Fleet Feet Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With more than 285 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that Running Changes Everything(R) and has been recognized in Fast Company's Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek's list of America's Best Retailers and America's Best Online Shops, and PRWeek's Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet. About Altra Altra isn't just a shoe. It's a promise. It all started when we hacked the typical running shoe, challenging industry convention by opening the toe box so your feet could splay naturally. Born from a passion for innovation and natural running, Altra designs footwear in Colorado that helps runners move more naturally. The Altra Fit allows toes to spread for enhanced comfort, balance and strength, so you can Stay Out There(TM) for more miles and more years. #altrarunning #stayoutthere Media Contact: Company info. Contact info. Editor's picks. July 30, 2026. July 29, 2026.