The 48th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026
Every October, participants from across the country and around the world unite on the streets of Chicago to conquer 26.2 miles and call themselves Bank of America Chicago Marathon finishers.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon welcomes more than 54,000 participants on a 26.2-mile tour of 29 of the city’s unique neighborhoods. With a start and finish in Grant Park, this is a race you won’t want to miss!
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and fast course. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. The course has produced seven world records, many national records and countless personal bests. Runners enjoy the support of 1.7 million spectators as they run through 29 neighborhoods.
Annually, hundreds of thousands of spectators line the streets cheering on 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 $683 million in annual economic impact to its host city. Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for professional athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park.
Registration for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle is Now Open
The Bank of America Chicago Distance Series connects the Chicago Marathon, Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run in a unique challenge that rewards participants who finish all three events in 2026 with an exclusive medal and guaranteed entry to the 2027 Chicago Marathon. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to get their names in early to ensure they can take part in the series.
Guaranteed entry applications
Guaranteed entries for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon are available for:
· Time qualifiers
· Legacy athletes
· Charity runners
· International Tour Operators
· 2025 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series finishers
Access to guaranteed entries is only available during the application window (Tuesday, October 21st to Tuesday, November 18th, 2025).
All applications are reviewed and verified by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Upon completion of this process (which can take up to 10 business days), individuals are notified via email of their approval status. If the application is approved, the entry fee is automatically processed. If the application is not approved, the entry is automatically switched to a non-guaranteed entry application and the applicant is entered in the drawing.
Non-guaranteed entry drawing
Those who do not qualify for a guaranteed entry can apply for the non-guaranteed entry drawing. At the conclusion of the application window, names will be selected from the full pool of non-guaranteed entry applications. Applicants will be notified via email of their entry status on Thursday, December 11th.
Additional details about the 2026 application are available at chicagomarathon.com/apply.
COURSE TIME LIMIT
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes, a 15-minute mile pace. An event vehicle following the last starter will maintain a 15-minute mile pace indicating to event and traffic safety personnel when it is time to re-open the course to vehicular traffic. You must maintain a 15-minute per mile pace (approximately) or faster to receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel.
Participants who finish after 4 p.m. may not be recorded or published as official finishers and will not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel.
Marathon registration is open from October 21, 2025 at 10am CT and closes November 18, 2025 at 2pm CT.
For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicagomarathon.com
