Tabla de contenido
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit, will celebrate its 48th edition on Sunday, October 12, 2026.
The application to participate will open on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Central Time) and will remain active until Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
The Chicago Marathon is one of the most important events on the world calendar, with more than 40,000 participants each year. In addition to its sporting significance, the race raises millions of dollars for charitable causes and generates an estimated economic impact of more than $547 million in the city of Chicago.
What types of requests can be made?
Guaranteed entry
Individuals can qualify for a spot in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon through several guaranteed entry opportunities:
- Runners with brands that meet the standards for their age or high-performance division.
- Legacy finishers with five or more Chicago Marathons completed in the past ten years.
- Runners registered in 2025 who have canceled their participation.
- Participants running through the Chicago Marathon Charity Program, raising funds for an official charity.
- Those who register through an official tour operator.
- 2025 Chicago Distance Series Finalists (completing Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago 13.1, and the Chicago Marathon).
Entry not guaranteed
If you want to participate in Chicago 2026, you should know that you have the option of requesting registration through a lottery (this is what is called a non-guaranteed entry ).
The results will be announced on Thursday, December 11, 2025 .
This application to enter the drawing can be made by runners who do not meet the requirements for guaranteed entry.
At the end of the application period, names will be selected from all applications by random draw. It’s important to note that submitting multiple applications will not increase your chances of receiving a registration. Before the drawing, the event will eliminate all duplicate applications.
The organization will notify applicants of the status of their participation application by email. If an applicant receives a ticket through the lottery, the entry fee will be processed automatically.
Those who apply but do not receive an entry through the lottery may choose to run representing certain official charities or tourism groups.
What other requirements should I keep in mind to register for the Chicago Marathon?
Minimum age: Runners must be 16 years old on race day. Those under 18 must have parental or guardian permission upon registration.
Time limit: Participants must complete the distance in a maximum of 6 hours and 30 minutes (6:30:59) . After this time, the streets reopen to traffic, and event services are withdrawn.
Prohibitions: Transferring or reselling race numbers is prohibited. All registration fees and additional purchases are nonrefundable.
Click here to apply for the Chicago Marathon lottery.
What is the qualifying time for Chicago?
If you meet the marathon qualification rules described below, you can guarantee your spot in the Chicago Marathon as a time qualifier. As you’ll see, these are demanding times.
New qualifying times for the 2025 Chicago Marathon
| Age | Men | Women | Non-binary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 – 34 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 35 – 39 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 40 – 44 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 45 – 49 | 3:15:00 | 3:45:00 | 3:45:00 |
| 50 – 54 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55 – 59 | 3:30:00 | 4:00:00 | 4:00:00 |
| 60 – 64 | 3:45:00 | 4:15:00 | 4:15:00 |
| 65 – 69 | 4:00:00 | 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 |
If you want to apply for a spot this way, here’s what you need to do:
- Submit the results records from a marathon completed during the qualification period. Results documentation must include a final time completed within the qualification time standards and division (male, female, or non-binary).
- Documentation submitted outside the classification standards will not be considered.
- Finish times will not be counted for race distances other than a marathon, such as a half-marathon or 50K, for example.
- A verifiable time is one run on a certified course, certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics, or a similar association; non-certified races, weather, or course conditions will not be taken into account.
- The standards introduced for non-binary applicants include the qualifying times for the two previously existing divisions.
What is the registration cost?
For non-US residents, the race costs $260 (dollars).
For U.S. residents (those living in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories), the cost is $250 (USD).
As a result of the race’s national and international appeal, the Chicago Marathon helps raise millions of dollars for various charitable causes and generates an annual economic impact of more than $547 million in the host city.
How to register through a Tour Operator?
If you are interested in traveling and running with a tour operator, you can guarantee your spot in the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
- Each tour operator manages its own travel package.
- Operators typically offer participants a package that includes registration fees, airfare, hotel, and other services, and these vary from operator to operator.
- Only tour operators who are part of the official Chicago Marathon Tour Operator Program have access to guaranteed entries.
- Not all countries have approved tour operators for the Chicago Marathon.
- If you are interested in joining a tour, please contact your preferred operator.
- More information about this registration option will be available soon.
Please note that this application will remain open until Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Want to train for the Chicago Marathon?
Prepare with the best by designing a personalized plan and unleash your full potential to run like the best.
Looking for a plan that trains with you, not against you?
At running.COACH, we don’t just build a schedule. We create a smart, living plan that evolves with you. It understands your level, your race goals and your real life. Whether you sync your GPS watch or train straight from our iOS or Android app, your plan adjusts automatically as you improve.
From day one, you’ll feel the difference:
- A fully personalized, dynamic plan designed for you.
- Automatic sync and effortless workout tracking.
- Real-time updates when life happens, including missed sessions, new races or schedule changes.
- Simple, science-backed guidance to train smarter and recover faster.
🎁 Start today and enjoy your first 30 days free.
Because the best training plan isn’t one you follow. It’s one that follows you.app.
0 Comments