2026 Chicago Marathon

The 2026 Chicago Marathon stands as one of the world’s most prestigious road races, a cornerstone event in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, and New York City. This high-profile event transforms the city of Chicago into a global running stage, drawing an electrifying field of elite athletes and tens of thousands of participants from over 100 countries. Renowned for its famously flat and fast course, the marathon is not only a thrilling showcase for the world’s top marathoners but also a premier event for runners seeking to achieve a personal best on a course that is both challenging and inspiring.

When and Where is the 2026 Chicago Marathon?

The 48th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. All race events, including the start and finish lines, are located in Grant Park.

Race Format and Course Details of the 2026 Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is a single, 26.2-mile road race. Its course is celebrated for its flat terrain and minimal turns, making it ideal for fast times. The route winds through 29 of Chicago’s unique neighborhoods, including a tour of the city’s downtown area. Key landmarks along the course include the Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, and a run through the Chinatown neighborhood, offering a vibrant and diverse experience for runners and spectators alike.

How to Participate in the 2026 Chicago Marathon

Entry into the Chicago Marathon is highly competitive and offered through several paths. The general application for both guaranteed and non-guaranteed entries for the 2026 event is expected to open in late October 2025 and close in mid-November 2025. You can learn more about the application process and remaining entry opportunities through the official application page.

• Non-Guaranteed Entry (The Lottery): This is the most common path for general runners. The drawing for the 2026 event will likely take place in December 2025.
• Guaranteed Entry: There are several ways to gain a guaranteed spot:
  • Charity Program: This is a popular and effective way to secure a spot. Runners commit to fundraising a minimum amount for one of the event’s official charities.
  • Legacy Finishers: Runners who have completed the Chicago Marathon five or more times in the last ten years are eligible.
  • Time Qualifiers: Athletes who have met specific time standards in a certified marathon since January 1, 2024, can apply.
  • International Tour Program: Runners outside the U.S. can secure an entry through an official international tour partner.

Spectating the 2026 Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is free to watch, with spectator access along most of the course. Spectators are not allowed in the secured start and finish areas within Grant Park. The best way to watch is to navigate the course using Chicago’s CTA “L” train system, which has numerous stations along the route. Popular viewing spots and their nearby CTA stations include:

• Miles 1, 3, and 12.5: Grand CTA Red Line Station
• Mile 8.5: Addison CTA Red Line Station (near Wrigleyville)
• Mile 21.5: Cermak-Chinatown CTA Red Line Station
• Finish Line: Roosevelt CTA Red, Green, or Orange Line Station

Getting to the 2026 Chicago Marathon

Chicago is easily accessible by air, train, and bus.

• By Air: The city is served by two major airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
  • From O’Hare (ORD): The CTA Blue Line runs directly from the airport to downtown Chicago, taking approximately 45 minutes. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available.
  • From Midway (MDW): The CTA Orange Line provides direct service to the downtown area in about 25 minutes.
• By Train: Chicago is a major hub for Amtrak, with Union Station serving routes from across the country.
• By Public Transit: Once in the city, the CTA train and bus systems are the most efficient way to get to and from Grant Park and the course.

Where to stay for the 2026 Chicago Marathon

Chicago offers a vast selection of hotels, from luxury high-rises to budget-friendly guesthouses. Since the start and finish lines are in the same location, staying near Grant Park is ideal. Popular hotels close to the race include the Hilton Chicago, Congress Plaza Hotel, and Palmer House. Booking your accommodation well in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.

Booking Tips:

• Book Early: The city gets very busy during the event, so book your accommodation as early as possible.
• Check Transport Links: Ensure your hotel is well-connected to public transport for easy travel to and from the race course.
• Read Reviews: Before booking, check reviews on reputable booking sites like TripAdvisor.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the 2026 Chicago Marathon

• Official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Website
• Choose Chicago (Official Tourism Website)
• Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)