Chicago Marathon
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Bank of America Chicago Marathon - 2026 application and entry information
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled for October 11, 2026 as the 48th running of the event. The event is organized as a full marathon covering the 26.2-mile distance and offers multiple application and entry pathways for participants.
Guaranteed entry options included time qualification based on age and division, legacy finisher status for athletes with five or more Chicago Marathon finishes within the last ten years, completion of the 2025 Chicago Distance Series, cancelled-entry transfer from 2025, and a High Performance Program with specific performance standards and a capacity limit of 150 participants. Time and High Performance qualifiers must submit verifiable marathon results from January 1, 2024 or later on certified courses; standards are based on an athlete’s age on race day. The High Performance Program reached capacity and is closed.
Limited entries remained available through the official Charity Program and through approved tour operators. Charity program participants were required to raise no less than $2,200 (USD) and charities managed their own team requirements.
The published entry fee was $250 (USD) for U.S. residents and $260 (USD) for non U.S. residents; a processing fee also applied. Event requirements included a minimum age of 16 on race day, parental permission for 16 and 17 year olds, a course completion limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes, mandatory packet pick up at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo with government issued photo ID, and a strict no sale or transfer policy for entries. The event also provided a Para Athletics Program. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
