Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The Lowdown
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a world-class running event attracting elite athletes and everyday runners, known for its fast course and vibrant crowd support.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Grant Park
The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, a large lakeside park that hosts the start/finish village and offers views of Lake Michigan
Buckingham Fountain
Iconic Beaux-Arts fountain in Grant Park that runners pass near at the race start/finish area
The Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue)
A signature stretch of downtown lined with shops and skyscrapers where runners enjoy city crowds and landmarks
Willis Tower
Runners pass close to the Loop and the area dominated by the Willis Tower, a defining feature of Chicago’s skyline
Lincoln Park
A scenic northern section of the course that runs along tree-lined streets adjacent to one of the city’s largest parks
Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium)
The course skirts the Museum Campus offering views of Chicago’s lakefront cultural institutions
Chinatown
A vibrant neighborhood on the South Side where runners pass colorful gateways, restaurants, and enthusiastic local supporters
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Chicago, Illinois, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Minimum age requirement
- Qualifying times for elite corrals
Required Documents
- Government-issued ID
- Medical Certificate
Entry Methods
- Online registration
- Charity entries
- International tour operators
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Bib transfers or resale of entries are not permitted
Deferrals to the following year are permitted subject to application and approval (medical deferments considered)
Deferral requests must be submitted by the race organizer’s published deadline and may require supporting documentation and a deferral fee
If the race is canceled by organizers, registrants will be offered options (deferral, automatic entry into a future year, or refund) according to the organizer’s official cancellation policy
The course is famously flat and fast, running point-to-point through 29 vibrant neighborhoods and finishing in Grant Park with views of the skyline and Lake Michigan.
The course records include Kelvin Kiptum's 2:00:35 (men, 2023) and Brigid Kosgei's 2:14:04 (women, 2019), both historic performances on this course.
Race weekend includes a large Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place, a Bank of America Kids Run, and official pre-race events and sponsor activations; many runners also attend organized pasta dinners hosted by local running clubs.
All finishers receive a custom finisher medal and technical shirt, and the post-race festival in Grant Park provides food, medical/recovery services, and beverage options for participants.
Plan to use Chicago Transit Authority trains/buses to reach the start and leave your car at your hotel or remote parking—roads close early, and aid stations are well spaced (roughly every 1.5–2 miles) with water, sports drink, and medical support throughout the course.
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.