Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Chicago runs flat and fast through 29 neighborhoods, drawing world-record chasers and first-timers alike to its wide boulevards and roaring crowds. It is one of the biggest and most competitive marathon fields anywhere, and the course gives you every chance to run your best.
Race Overview
The Course
Race-Day Weather
October in Chicago usually means a cool morning and a mild afternoon, which is about as good as marathon weather gets. You'll likely want a throwaway layer at the start, but you'll be glad to ditch it by mile 3. The back half of the race can warm up meaningfully, so don't treat the cool gun temperature as a free pass to go out hard. Hydrate steadily from the beginning. Most years the conditions favor a solid effort, but Chicago's weather has a history of surprises, so check the forecast in the final few days and have a plan B.
Entry
Entry is via a ~4-week drawing application (non-guaranteed lottery) held each October–November after the previous year's race, with drawing results announced in December. Guaranteed spots are available for time qualifiers, legacy finishers (5+ finishes in last 10 years), Chicago Distance Series completers, and charity runners (minimum ~$2,200 fundraising commitment); charity entry remains available year-round.
Register on race siteLogistics
Most travelling runners fly into MDW, about 9 miles from the start, right on the doorstep by rideshare or transit, roughly a 14-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Chicago, IL so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.