The Chicago Marathon is one of the most respected long-distance races in America and the world. It is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, attracting thousands of competitors from all over the globe each year. Prepare for race day by learning more about the Chicago Marathon course, the schedule of events, and more! Get ready for the 2026 race and find out how to apply for the 2027 Chicago Marathon.
History and Significance of the Chicago Marathon
Chicago had been holding marathons, inspired by the 1896 Olympics, in the city since 1905. The first modern Chicago Marathon took place in 1977 under the original name, the Mayor Daley Marathon. The original modern course faced local political dispute, but city leaders eventually secured approval, establishing an iconic route.
runners who participated
Its success increased public and sports interest in big-city marathon routes. With support from elite athletes, the Chicago Marathon gained international recognition and became one of the “big four.” Known for flat streets, strong organization, and cheering fans, it grew quickly in popularity.
The flat, fast course has produced world records, high participation, major charity funding, and lasting civic pride, earning a World Athletics Heritage Plaque in 2024.
Learn more about another iconic U.S. marathon, the New York City Marathon.
Chicago Marathon 2026 Details
Planning ahead is a must, especially for events like major marathons. Whether you’re local or traveling from far away, it’s important to understand how the race works before and after your registration and arrival. Here, we’ll discuss more about how you can still get into the 2026 marathon and details about the event. You’ll also discover how you can enter the lottery for the 2027 Chicago Marathon!
Date and Schedule
The Chicago Marathon is always held on the second Sunday in October. The fall generally provides moderate temperatures and weather, making it a perfect time for athletes.
The few days leading up to the event, runners will be required to attend the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo for packet pickup, including bib numbers and timing devices.
The 2026 Chicago Marathon is on October 11, 2026.
Here’s a breakdown of the schedule on the days leading up to race day, as well as the timings for Sunday:
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 8-10, 2026
Runners must go to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo in person, with photo ID, at one of these times:
- 10 AM to 6 PM on Thursday
- 9 AM to 6 PM on Friday or Saturday
Runners will obtain their vital items needed for race day and will check in with the race authorities. Athletes who miss the expo will not be able to participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
For 2026, the entry fee was $250 for U.S. residents and $260 for non-U.S. residents.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Runners will assemble at Grant Park and get sorted into their corrals early in the morning. Prepare for the timetable:
- 5:30 AM - Gear check and corrals open
- 7:20 AM - Men’s professional wheelchair start
- 7:21 AM - Women’s professional wheelchair start
- 7:23 AM - Handcycle start
- 7:30 AM - Men’s and Women’s professional start
- 7:32 AM - High Performance Program start
- 7:35 AM - Wave 1
- 8:00 AM - Wave 2
- 8:35 AM - Wave 3
- 3:05 PM - Race officially ends
Spectators will be allowed to enter Grant Park and cheer the athletes on beginning at 9:30 AM. At the same time, the 27th Mile Post-Race Party starts.
After the race, gear check closes and the Post-Race Party ends at 4 PM.
Runners must finish the race within 6 hours and 30 minutes after crossing the starting line, else they will be considered non-finishers and may be asked to leave the course.
Learn more about the Tokyo Marathon and how to sign up.
Registration Process
Before you can plan your race day schedule, you need to secure entry into the marathon. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has several entry pathways for athletes to choose from. Runners can attempt registration through the non-guaranteed entry lottery option or pursue a guaranteed entry. Here’s what you need to know about each entry type.
Most major marathons require runners to be at least 18 years old on race day, but Chicago allows registrants as young as 16, provided their parents or guardians provide official permission.
Drawing (Lottery)
The Chicago Marathon lottery is a non-guaranteed entry pathway. Like most other major marathons, participants are invited to send applications to the drawing for random selection. Entry into the lottery is free; athletes will only pay the entry fee if they are selected.
Find out how to enter the Berlin Marathon lottery.
Time Qualifier
Runners who meet specific qualifying times can register for guaranteed entry into the marathon. The times must adhere to these requirements:
- Results must be from a marathon-length race certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics, or equivalent association for events held in other countries.
- The results must be from a race held on or after a certain time period (for the 2026 Marathon, it was January 1, 2024).
For the 2026 marathon, the qualifying times were:
| Age group | Men | Women | Non-binary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 – 34 | 2:50:00 | 3:20:00 | 3:20:00 |
| 35 – 39 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 40 – 44 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 45 – 49 | 3:10:00 | 3:40:00 | 3:40:00 |
| 50 – 54 | 3:15:00 | 3:50:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55 – 59 | 3:25:00 | 3:55:00 | 3:55:00 |
| 60 – 64 | 3:40:00 | 4:15:00 | 4:15:00 |
| 65 – 69 | 3:55:00 | 4:30:00 | 4:30:00 |
| 70 – 74 | 4:15:00 | 4:45:00 | 4:45:00 |
| 75 – 79 | 4:30:00 | 5:00:00 | 5:00:00 |
| 80 and over | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 | 5:20:00 |
Legacy Finisher
Runners who have finished the Chicago Marathon five or more times in the past 10 years can guarantee their entry via this pathway.
For the 2026 Marathon, those who were registered in the 2020 Marathon will be considered finishers and can use that year as one of their 5 finishes. For all other years (2015-2019, 2021-2025), runners will need to have actually run and completed the Chicago Marathon.
Bank of America Chicago Distance Series
Eager athletes who have completed all three Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events in 2025 (Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon) can secure guaranteed entry into the 2026 marathon. These individuals should receive an email with registration instructions. The program runs each year, so if you want to use this method for the 2027 Chicago Marathon, it’s best to start planning now!
High Performance Program
More competitive than the Time Qualifier pathway, the HPP is for elite athletes.
Only 150 participants can register with this pathway, and the program is first-come, first-served. The registration window was intended to be open until September 1, 2026, but it has already filled up, so no more applications can be submitted.
The HPP requires applicants to have times recorded at official events with the same stipulations as those outlined for the Time Qualifier pathway. These applicants will pay a reduced entry fee.
For 2026, the HPP qualifying times were:
| Category | HPP Qualifying Time |
|---|---|
| Men | < 2:25:00 |
| Women | < 2:45:00 |
| Non-binary | < 2:45:00 |
| Masters – Men | < 2:35:00 |
| Masters – Women | < 2:50:00 |
| Masters – Non-binary | < 2:50:00 |
Note that Masters are athletes over age 40. To qualify for the Masters HPP, athletes must have completed the qualifying standard after age 40.
The Boston Marathon also requires runners to meet a qualifying time.
2025 Canceled Entry & Pregnancy and Postpartum Policy
Those who canceled their accepted entry into the 2025 marathon through official channels can submit a new application for 2026 for automatic acceptance. They will need to pay the entry fee again.
The same option is available for those who canceled in 2025 through official channels under the Pregnancy & Postpartum Policy. They will not need to pay the entry fee again.
Registration via lottery and guaranteed entry pathways (aside from charity and tours) for the 2026 Chicago Marathon closed on November 18, 2025.
Charity
One of two entry options still available for the 2026 marathon, athletes who want to participate can sign up with a partnered charity for a guaranteed entry. The minimum amount a runner must raise is $2,200, but each charity has its own requirements, so be sure to check their specific website for more information!
Charity registration is open until September 15, 2026, but each charity only has a certain number of spaces available and may reach capacity sooner.
Tour Operators
Through official tour companies, you can buy a guaranteed entry spot and secure your lodging all at once. Some tour operators also include airfare, entry fees, and other aspects in their prices. This tends to be the most expensive pathway into the marathon, with prices per person starting at generally $1,900.
Athletes can join a tour group until August 16, 2026, or until there are no places left with the operators.
2026 Chicago Marathon!
October 11, 2026 7:30 am
Race day!
2027 Chicago Marathon Application Timeline
If you missed your chance to get into the Chicago Marathon through methods other than charity or a tour group and want to try for a spot next year, the best time to start planning is now.
Marathon runners often arrange their marathon schedule a year or more in advance. This gives you enough time to secure a place and funds, make travel and accommodation arrangements, and develop a training program. Many runners work with personal trainers at least 5-6 months before the marathon to execute an effective, sustainable training and nutrition regimen.
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To ensure the best chance of getting into the 2027 Chicago Marathon, keep these key dates in mind:
January 1, 2025
Earliest Date for a Qualifying Time Event
For those who want to enter via the Time Qualifier or High Performance Program, official marathons with qualifying times must be run after this date.
March 22, 2026
Distance Series: Shamrock Shuffle 8K
The first event in the Bank of America Distance Series. Complete all 3 events to secure a place in the 2027 Marathon.
June 7, 2026
Distance Series: Chicago 13.1
The half-marathon entry in the BofA Distance Series.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Distance Series: Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026
The final piece in the Distance Series, runners will need to complete the race if they want to qualify for the Distance Series entry in 2027.
Late October, 2026
Application Window Opens
Applications for these pathways open: Drawing (Lottery), Time Qualifier, Legacy Finisher, High Performance Program, Distance Series, Cancelled Entry, Pregnancy & Postpartum Policy Entry
Mid-November 2026
Application Window for Most Entry Pathways Closes
Applications for these pathways close: Drawing (Lottery), Time Qualifier, Legacy Finisher, Distance Series, Cancelled Entry, Pregnancy & Postpartum Policy Entry
Mid-December, 2026
Drawing Results Announced
Applicants will be notified of their selection or non-selection for the 2027 marathon.
Mid-May, 2027
Begin Training Program
Start your marathon training program at least 20 weeks before the marathon date.
Mid-August, 2027
Tour Group Entry Closes
The tour operator entry pathway closes either when all spaces are claimed or on this date.
Mid-August, 2027
Last Day to Make Changes on Participant Account
Runners can upload proof of qualifying finish times to be placed in corrals that match their pace at any time after being accepted into the race. If you run a faster time before this date, you can submit the faster time to request a faster corral placement.
September 1, 2027
HPP Entry Closes
The High Performance Program entry pathway closes either when all spaces are claimed (first-come, first-served) or on this date.
Mid-September, 2027
Charity Entries Close
The charity places pathway closes either when all spaces are claimed or on this date.
Sunday, October 10, 2027
Tentative Date: 2027 Chicago Marathon
It’s finally race day!
Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for the Course
Your preparation depends on understanding the Chicago Marathon course.
Thankfully, the route is known for its even elevation, so you don’t need to worry about too many hills.
The race is also well known for having adequate hydration stations, medical tents, and portable bathrooms throughout the course.
Route Description
The Chicago Marathon route is a loop that passes through many major parts of the city. It begins and ends in Grant Park near Lake Michigan.
In the early miles, runners travel through downtown streets surrounded by tall buildings. Later on, the course winds through residential neighborhoods before returning to the city.
The flat course offers both boons and challenges: many runners accidentally go too fast in the early miles, compromising their endurance. But if runners stick to their marathon plan, they can set a personal best.
There are 20 aid stations located throughout the course, as well as digital clocks every 5 kms so you can easily track your pace.
There are a few major things to note on the course:
- Carpeted Bridges: The grated bridges are covered in carpet, which can be slippery when wet. Even in dry weather, make sure you anticipate the change in texture.
- Sharp Turns: There are many sharp turns in the course. The Canalport Ave to Cermak Rd turn after Mile 20 is especially notorious.
- Long, Straight Stretches: Conversely, much of the marathon is run in very long, straight sections, which can dampen a runner’s resolve.
- Michigan Ave: When you first run down this stretch, you’ll see runners far ahead of you on the other side of the street’s divider, which can be disheartening or inspiring. When you make the U-turn yourself and head up Michigan Ave, you’ll then see runners behind you going the opposite direction, which can be disorienting.
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Key Landmarks
There are several major city landmarks runners will tread on and pass by while on their run. Here are some of the top Chicago cornerstones to look forward to as an athlete in the marathon:
- Columbus Drive Bridge: The first of six crossings over the Chicago River.
- Magnificent Mile neighborhood: The renowned shopping district is full of glamorous shops, hotels, and tourist attractions. Here, you’ll see the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and more.
- State Street Bridge: View the iconic Marina City Towers.
- Lincoln Park: Runners can enjoy the nature and greenery from miles 4 to 7.
- Boys Town: This section is filled with enthusiastic spectators.
- Wells Street Bridge: The sound of cheering and footbeats echoes in the steel-enclosed pedestrian level of this two-level bridge. At times, the L train passes by overhead, adding to the thunderous excitement.
- Greek Town, University Village, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown: Runners pass through a wide variety of environmental experiences.
- Mount Roosevelt: A small hill on an average day, this incline at the very end of the marathon feels like a mountain.
Remarkable Races Throughout History
A long and storied event, the Chicago Marathon naturally contains many incredible performances in its history. Since the modern iteration, several records have been set by amazing athletes, gaining international renown. The course is one of the most famous, even among the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
2002: Paula Radcliffe Earns the First “World’s Best”
In 2002, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF, now known as World Athletics) recognized Radcliffe’s sensational run time as a world record (2:17:18). While they had been tracking performance times for many years prior, they hadn’t created an official category or achievement for people who set new time records. The first "best" record being set on the Chicago course brought even more fame and popularity to the race.
2023: Kelvin Kiptum Sets the Reigning World Record for Men
The IAAF first began recording official marathon records in 1908, at the London Olympics. The first record holder, Johnny Hayes, set the original time to beat: 2:55:18.
Since then, runners have been gradually pushing the limits of the human body, completing marathons faster and faster. In 2023, Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum set the current world record for fastest marathon with a time of 2:00:35.
2024: Ruth Chepng’etich Sets the Current World Record for Women
Like Kiptum, Chepng’etich is the latest in the long line of female runners who have worked hard to perform faster and faster.
Chepng’etich achieved the record time of 2:09:56 at the historic 2024 race, setting a new precedent for female athletes.
Discover all the Major World Marathons so you can start planning your marathon year!
Athletes getting ready for marathons typically need months of training. Deciding what your marathon year will look like as far in advance as possible is the best way to ensure success. Whether you’re on track for the 2026 marathon this October or are looking forward to 2027, you’re all the better prepared now that you know more about the Chicago Marathon!
References
- Bank of America Chicago Marathon. (n.d.). In Bank of America Chicago Marathon. https://www.chicagomarathon.com
- chi.run. (n.d.). chi.run - Your Guide to Running the Chicago Marathon. In www.chi.run. https://www.chi.run
- Dredge, M. (2025). The Ultimate Guide To Running The 2025 Chicago Marathon. In The Running Channel. https://therunningchannel.com/ultimate-guide-to-the-chicago-marathon
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