🏃 Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026 – 48th Edition

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and is widely recognized as the world's fastest marathon course. The 2026 edition marks the 48th running of this iconic event.

🏃 The World's Fastest Course

The course winds through 29 Chicago neighborhoods on an extremely flat and fast urban route:

• 🚀 Start: Grant Park – Chicago Loop
• 🏘️ Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, Old Town, Pilsen, Chinatown, Bronzeville
• 🏁 Finish: Grant Park (same location as start)
• 📏 Elevation: Minimal (≈ 140m gain)
• 🏆 Records: Multiple world and national records set on this course

📋 How to Enter

🎲 Lottery (Non-Guaranteed Entry Drawing)

• Application period: October 21 – November 18, 2025
• Results: December 11, 2025
• Fees:
  • U.S. residents: $250 USD
  • International: $260 USD
• Ages: Minimum 16 years (parental permission required for 16-17)

✅ Guaranteed Entry

🏃 Time Qualifier

• Official times in certified races
• Standards by age and gender
• Verification required

🏅 Legacy Finisher

• For runners who completed multiple previous editions
• Points system based on history

🎽 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series

• Complete races in the official series during the year

🎗️ Charity Entry

• Guaranteed entry with fundraising
• Typical amount: $1,750 – $2,000 USD

🌍 Tour Operators

• International packages with guaranteed entry
• Includes hotel + services (~$1,000–3,000 USD)

🏆 Statistics

• 45,000 – 50,000 finishers annually
• 120+ countries represented
• World-class elite + runners of all levels
• Time limit: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Typical weather: 10–15°C (ideal conditions for performance)

🎯 Technical Details

• Distance: 42.195 km (26.2 mi)
• Elevation gain: ~140m (extremely flat)
• Surface: Urban asphalt
• Aid stations: Frequent (water + sports drink)
• Timing: Official chip timing
• Official pacers: Available for various time goals

🌟 Why It's Special

• Abbott World Marathon Majors – one of the six most prestigious marathons worldwide
• Fastest course – ideal for personal records (PR) and Boston qualification (BQ)
• Spectacular crowd support – millions of spectators along the course
• Massive expo – Abbott Health & Fitness Expo of grand scale
• World-class organization – gold standard quality

📅 Important Dates

• Oct 21 – Nov 18, 2025: Lottery application period
• December 11, 2025: Lottery results
• October 8–10, 2026: Abbott Health & Fitness Expo + packet pick-up
• October 10, 2026: Abbott Chicago 5K
• October 11, 2026: Race day

🎪 Race Weekend Events

Abbott Health & Fitness Expo

• Location: McCormick Place
• Dates: October 8–10, 2026
• Mandatory packet pick-up
• Photo ID required

Abbott Chicago 5K

• Date: October 10, 2026 (Saturday)
• Time: 7:30 AM
• Downtown Chicago course

27th Mile Post-Race Party

• Location: Butler Field, Grant Park
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Live music, food, beverages
• Free beer for 21+ (ID required)

🏃 Race Day Services

• ✅ Frequent aid stations (water + sports drink)
• ✅ Official pacers for various times
• ✅ Official timing (chip timing)
• ✅ Gear check
• ✅ Enhanced public transportation
• ✅ Live TV coverage (NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo)
• ✅ Radio coverage (670 The Score)
• ✅ Race day lactation spaces
• ✅ Lost & Found
• ✅ Runner Reunite (alphabetical towers)

📺 Broadcast

• TV: NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, TeleXitos (7 AM – 11 AM CT)
• Streaming: nbcchicago.com / telemundochicago.com (7 AM – 3 PM CT)
• Radio: 670 The Score Sports Radio (7 AM – 11 AM CT)

🔗 Official Information

Visit www.chicagomarathon.com for complete information on registration, training, and race day.