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World Marathon Major · Chicago, United States

Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is a flat, fast loop through Chicago's neighbourhoods, run every October from and back to Grant Park. Places come from a lottery, or you can earn a guaranteed place with a time standard or its local race series.

The Chicago Marathon course in Chicago, from the start to the finish.
The course route, simplified. Check the official course map before race day.
Where and when
Chicago, United States · October
First run
1977
Field size
about 52,000 to 54,000
Average finish
about 4:03
How to get in
Lottery, or a guaranteed place with a time standard or its local Distance Series
Official site
chicagomarathon.com

Dates, fees and rules change every year, so confirm on the official site before you plan.

About the Chicago Marathon

First run in 1977, Chicago is known for its enormous, loud crowds, its flat course and its cool autumn weather. It is often named the best first major marathon.

Watch the Chicago Marathon run again

This is what a RaceTale story does with a race day: it replays the whole course with your time, the route and every photo and cheer your family and friends added from any phone, in one private link.

Get the RaceTale app

How do you get a place in the Chicago Marathon?

A public random lottery, or guaranteed entry with a qualifying time or through the local Distance Series.

  • When entry opens: A three-week application window, roughly 8 to 29 October, for the following year's race.
  • Cost: About $250 USD for US residents and $260 USD for international runners.

What is the Chicago Marathon course like, and what is the cut-off?

A flat loop starting and ending in Grant Park, through about 29 neighbourhoods. The only rise is a short overpass nicknamed "Mount Roosevelt" near the end.

Cut-off: Six hours 30 minutes from the start of the final wave, with an event vehicle holding about 15 minutes per mile. Aid stations pack up on schedule.

Where should spectators watch the Chicago Marathon?

  • Pilsen, mile 19A street party with mariachi bands and street art.
    Getting there: The CTA Pink Line to 18th Street.
  • Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road, mile 26The last small climb before the finish in Grant Park.
    Getting there: The CTA Red, Green or Orange lines to Roosevelt.

Work out when your runner reaches each spot with the spectator timing planner, set to this race's usual start time. Tracking and signal can fail in a crowd, so agree a meeting place and a time before race day. See how to get around a marathon as a spectator.

What are the weather, start times and tracking like?

  • Weather: Usually clear and cool, about 6 to 15°C (43 to 59°F), with a lake breeze. Rare years bring frost or heat near 26°C.
  • Start times: Wheelchairs 7:20, Wave 1 (fastest corrals) 7:30, Wave 2 at 8:00, Wave 3 at 8:35 am.
  • Tracking: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon app tracks runners at 5K points and maps spectator spots.

Is the Chicago Marathon a good first marathon?

The best first major (ranked 1 of 8 for a first-timer). Flat, fast, a fair time limit and crowds the whole way. Getting in is the main hurdle, through the lottery. See the full ranking of the eight majors.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get into the Chicago Marathon?

Enter the lottery in the October window, or earn a guaranteed place with a time standard or the local Distance Series. Charity places also exist.

Is the course flat?

Almost entirely. The only rise is a short overpass near the end, nicknamed Mount Roosevelt.

What is the time limit?

Six hours 30 minutes from the start of the final wave, with an event vehicle at about 15 minutes per mile.

Is Chicago a good first marathon?

Many people think it is the best first major: flat, well supported and with a fair time limit.

Where can I see my runner twice?

Pilsen around mile 19 and the Roosevelt area at mile 26 are both on the CTA. The spectator planner can time them.

Plan your race day

The other majors