When Is The Chicago Marathon? – The Bank of America Chicago Marathon returns to the streets of Chicago on Sunday, October 11, 2026. As one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, this iconic 26.2-mile race draws tens of thousands of runners and spectators from across the United States and around the world each year. Whether you’re planning to run, cheer, or visit Chicago for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about the date, how to participate, race weekend logistics, and more.
Official 2026 Chicago Marathon Date
The 48th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The event consistently follows a predictable schedule that makes planning easy for runners and visitors alike.
The Chicago Marathon is held annually on the second Sunday in October. This timing helps provide consistency for the city, residents along the course, and participants. Official future dates are published well in advance on the event website.
Chicago Marathon Future Dates
Here are the confirmed and anticipated dates for upcoming Chicago Marathons (subject to change):
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 11 | Sunday |
| 2027 | October 10 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 8 | Sunday |
| 2029 | October 7 | Sunday |
| 2030 | October 13 | Sunday |
View the full list of future dates on the official site.
How to Register or Secure Entry for the Chicago Marathon?
For the 2026 edition, the general application window (including the non-guaranteed entry drawing) has closed. However, runners still have two primary guaranteed entry paths available:
- Charity Program: Fundraise for one of the official event charities. This is first-come, first-served and remains open until capacity is reached or Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Minimum fundraising commitment is typically $2,200.
- Tour Operator Program: Book a package through an approved tour operator that includes entry, travel, and often lodging. Applications for many operators remain open into mid-August 2026.
Key eligibility requirements include being at least 16 years old on race day (with parental consent for minors), finishing within the 6-hour 30-minute course time limit, and picking up your own bib and timing chip at the expo with valid photo ID.
Entry fees for U.S. residents are typically $250 plus processing fees (non-U.S. residents pay slightly more). All fees are non-refundable.
Helpful Registration Resources
- Official Apply & Entry Information
- Official Charity Program Details
- Bank of America Chicago Marathon Homepage
- 2026 FAQs (Registration & Eligibility)
Race Weekend Schedule and Key Events
The Chicago Marathon is more than just race day. Here’s what to expect during race weekend:
- Thursday, October 8, 2026: Abbott Health & Fitness Expo & Packet Pickup opens (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) at McCormick Place North Building.
- Friday, October 9, 2026: Expo & Packet Pickup continues (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
- Saturday, October 10, 2026: Final day of Expo & Packet Pickup (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) + Abbott Chicago 5K in Grant Park (starts 7:30 a.m.).
- Sunday, October 11, 2026 (Race Day):
- Gear check and start corrals open around 5:30 a.m.
- Professional wheelchair and handcycle starts begin ~7:20 a.m.
- Professional runners start ~7:30 a.m.
- Wave starts for general field: approximately 7:35 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 8:35 a.m.
- Course time limit: 6 hours 30 minutes.
All participants must pick up their own packet in person at the expo — no race-day pickup is available.
Official Expo & Packet Pickup Information
The Iconic Chicago Marathon Course
The race starts and finishes in historic Grant Park and winds through 29 of Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods. The course is famously flat and fast, which has helped produce multiple world records in recent years (including the current men’s and women’s course records).
Runners pass through iconic areas including the Loop, Lincoln Park, Pilsen, Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Northalsted (Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood). The flat terrain and enthusiastic crowds make it a favorite for both first-time marathoners and elites chasing personal bests or Boston Qualifying times.
Official Course & Amenities Information (includes course map PDF)
Spectator Guide: Best Places to Watch the Chicago Marathon
Watching the Chicago Marathon is a fantastic way to experience the city. The course is very spectator-friendly thanks to excellent public transit.
Top viewing recommendations:
- Early miles: Grand Avenue between Columbus Drive and State Street (near Mile 1) or along State Street.
- Mid-race energy: Northalsted (around Miles 7–9) for the block-party atmosphere.
- Cultural highlights: Pilsen (around Mile 19) with mariachi bands or Chinatown (near Mile 21) with lion dancers.
- Final push: Bank of America Cheer Zone at Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road, or near Mile 23 in Bronzeville/Sox-35th area.
Transportation tip: Use the CTA ‘L’ trains (Red, Green, Orange, and Pink Lines have convenient stops along the course). Road closures make driving and parking near the route very difficult on race day.
Choose Chicago Official Spectator Guide
Training and Preparation Tips for the Chicago Marathon
With a generous 6:30 time limit and a flat course, Chicago is an excellent choice for first-time marathoners and those chasing a Boston Qualifying time. Focus on consistent long runs, strength training, and recovery in the final months.
Weather considerations: October in Chicago typically brings highs in the mid-60s°F and lows in the upper 40s°F. Race-day conditions can vary significantly — plan for layers and check the forecast in the final week. Many runners experience a 15–20°F temperature rise during the race.
Official training plans and resources are available closer to race day on the event website. Many runners also follow proven programs from coaches or apps tailored to the flat Chicago course profile.
Traveling to Chicago for the Marathon
Chicago is highly accessible for U.S. visitors:
- Airports: Fly into O’Hare International (ORD) or Midway (MDW). Both have good public transit connections via CTA trains.
- Accommodations: Book early near Grant Park, the Loop, or South Loop for easy access to the start/finish and expo at McCormick Place. Popular options include hotels along Michigan Avenue or in the South Loop.
- Getting around: The CTA ‘L’ system is reliable and inexpensive. Download the Ventra app for easy fares.
Many runners combine the marathon with a Chicago weekend getaway — the city offers world-class museums, architecture tours, deep-dish pizza, and lakefront views.
Choose Chicago – Official Tourism Site
History and Significance of the Chicago Marathon
The modern Chicago Marathon began in 1977 as the Mayor Daley Marathon. It has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world, joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. The event has produced numerous world records and is known for its fast course and electric atmosphere.
Over the decades, the race has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for charity and contributes significantly to Chicago’s economy through tourism.
Chicago Marathon – Wikipedia (History & Records)
Why the Chicago Marathon Is a Must-Do Event?
Whether you’re running your first marathon or your 10th, Chicago offers an unforgettable experience: a fast course, incredible crowd support through diverse neighborhoods, and the prestige of a World Marathon Major. For spectators, it’s one of the best urban marathons to watch because of the accessible course and vibrant city energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time limit for the Chicago Marathon?
The course reopens to traffic on a rolling basis. Runners must finish within 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Can I still get into the 2026 Chicago Marathon?
Yes — through official charity fundraising or approved tour operator packages. General lottery entries are closed.
Where does the race start and finish?
Both the start and finish are in Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
Is there a 5K or other events during race weekend?
Yes — the Abbott Chicago 5K takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Grant Park.
Essential Resources and Official Links
- Official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Website
- Future Event Dates
- How to Apply / Entry Options
- Expo & Packet Pickup Details
- Spectator & Visitor Guide (Choose Chicago)
- Course Map & Amenities
- History, Records & Background
Mark your calendar for October 11, 2026 and start planning your Chicago Marathon experience today. Whether you’re running or cheering, it’s an unforgettable weekend in one of America’s greatest cities.