A next-generation race-day shoe, a citywide marathon celebration and one shared invitation: Chicago, race for the feeling.<\/em><\/p>\n Chicago Marathon weekend has a way of turning ambition into electricity. The city fills with runners comparing training notes, checking the forecast and imagining the moment they will turn onto Columbus Drive. This year, On arrives with a shoe designed for that exact intersection of preparation and possibility: the Cloudboom Strike 2.<\/a><\/p>\n Co-created with elite athletes for marathon and half-marathon racing, the Cloudboom Strike 2 is On\u2019s next generation of race-day speed. It pairs a new CloudTec Sphere\u2122 cushioning geometry with Helion\u2122 HF hyper foam and a curved carbon Speedboard\u00ae to create a light, responsive platform intended to help runners move efficiently when the pace gets serious. The standard model weighs 191 grams and has a 5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop; the LightSpray\u2122 edition trims the listed weight to 158 grams with a seamless, glueless, one-piece upper.<\/p>\n On has earned its place in running by making the feel of the ride central to the experience. Its shoes are recognizable, but the brand\u2019s appeal goes beyond appearance: On continues to combine distinctive cushioning concepts, athlete collaboration and purposeful design for runners with different goals. From everyday miles to the final long run and race morning, the brand speaks to runners who want their gear to feel energetic, thoughtfully engineered and ready for the work ahead.<\/p>\n The Cloudboom Strike 2 is the clearest expression of that performance-first approach. CloudTec Sphere\u2122 uses precisely engineered channels that compress and rebound beneath the foot. A lighter, stiffer curved carbon Speedboard\u00ae sits between dual-density layers of Helion\u2122 HF foam to encourage forward momentum. The result is a race shoe aimed at runners who want cushioning without losing a quick, propulsive sensation.<\/p>\n The Chicago Marathon rewards rhythm. Its famously fast course invites runners to settle into pace early, but the distance still asks hard questions after 20 miles. The Cloudboom Strike 2 is designed with that balance in mind: impact absorption for the repeated pounding of 26.2 miles, rebound for efficiency and a rocker-like geometry that helps transitions feel fluid as fatigue builds.<\/p>\n For a runner chasing a personal best, a Boston qualifier or simply a strong, joyful finish, the value of a super shoe is not magic\u2014it is confidence. The best race-day shoe is the one tested during training, comfortable at goal pace and familiar enough to disappear beneath you when the crowds get loud. Runners considering the Cloudboom Strike 2 should use it in key workouts before race day, confirm the fit and practice the exact sock-and-lacing setup they plan to use in Chicago. The LightSpray\u2122 version offers an exceptionally light, laceless fit, but its close, non-adjustable upper makes advance testing especially important.<\/p>\n Whether the goal is an aggressive negative split or a finish-line celebration months in the making, the Cloudboom Strike 2 is built to support the same idea that brings runners to Chicago: take the preparation seriously, then let race day feel alive.<\/p>\n When I tried the Cloudboom Strike 2, the first thing I noticed was how light it felt on my foot. Once I settled into the run, the shoe felt smooth and responsive rather than overly rigid. The cushioning softened the impact underfoot, while the curved plate and rocker geometry gave each stride a quick transition that made it easier to lock into a purposeful pace.<\/p>\n What stood out most was the balance. I felt protected without feeling weighed down, and the shoe delivered noticeable energy without making me fight the ride. As I picked up the pace, it felt increasingly natural\u2014exactly what I want from a race-day shoe. The secure fit also helped me focus on my rhythm instead of thinking about what was on my feet.<\/p>\n After running in it, I came away believing the Cloudboom Strike 2 could be a great race-day option. It has the lightweight feel and forward momentum I would want when chasing a goal, along with enough cushioning to inspire confidence over the marathon distance. Most importantly, it made faster running feel exciting. For Chicago\u2014where the energy of the crowds can pull you through every neighborhood\u2014that combination feels especially well suited to the day.<\/p>\n On\u2019s Chicago presence extends well beyond the starting line. From October 8\u201312, the brand will create a full marathon-weekend experience at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, On Store Chicago and the On Cheer Zone. Runners and supporters can find exclusive merchandise, pick up race kits, make signs, hear music and preserve the weekend with a post-race portrait. Events are first-come, first-served, so advance registration is encouraged where available.<\/p>\n The weekend\u2019s main activation takes place Saturday, October 10, at 8:30 a.m., when On joins Believe in the Run for a shakeout at Navy Pier, co-hosted with Fleet Feet Chicago. Runners will have the chance to demo LightSpray\u2122 before race day while moving around one of the city\u2019s most recognizable landmarks. Local Chicago band Hollyy will perform, with snacks, drinks and limited-edition On x Believe in the Run hats adding to the celebration. It is designed to be part easy run, part live show and part collective exhale before Sunday\u2019s 26.2 miles.<\/p>\n 10:00 a.m.\u20136:00 p.m. | On Chicago Expo<\/strong> 9:00 a.m.\u20136:00 p.m. | On Chicago Expo<\/strong> 10:00 a.m.\u20132:00 p.m. | Race Kit Pickup<\/strong>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.mychicagoathlete.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Screenshot_6-10-2026_8538_www.on_.com_-300x183.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWhy On Connects With Runners<\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\nBuilt for the Demands of 26.2<\/h2>\n
My Miles in the Cloudboom Strike 2<\/h2>\n
Chicago, Race for the Feeling<\/h2>\n
Saturday Spotlight: Believe in the Run x On at Navy Pier<\/h3>\n
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<\/h2>\nThursday, October 8<\/h3>\n
Shop exclusive merchandise from local artist Sentrock.
McCormick Place, Booth 370<\/p>\nFriday, October 9<\/h3>\n
Shop exclusive merchandise from local artist Sentrock.
McCormick Place, Booth 370<\/p>\n
Grab your kit before race day.
On Store Chicago<\/p>\nSaturday, October 10<\/h3>\n