Chicago Marathon 2026: Course, Hotels & Race Guide
Bank of America Chicago Marathon · Chicago
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, bringing the largest field in race history to one of the fastest major-marathon courses in the world.
More than 55,000 runners are expected for the 48th Chicago Marathon, racing 26.2 miles through 29 neighborhoods before finishing back in Grant Park.
For runners traveling to Chicago, the race is unusually convenient because the start and finish are both in Grant Park. That makes hotel location much easier than at point-to-point Majors such as Tokyo or Boston.
This guide covers:
- Chicago Marathon 2026 date and start times
- the Grant Park start and finish
- where to stay for race weekend
- Chicago Marathon Expo and packet pickup
- the course and time limit
- current entry options
- race-day transportation
- spectator logistics
- what to eat before the marathon
- what to do before and after the race
- Chicago's place in the World Marathon Majors
Chicago Marathon 2026 quick facts
| Detail | Chicago Marathon 2026 |
|---|---|
| Race date | Sunday, October 11, 2026 |
| Edition | 48th |
| Distance | 26.2 miles / 42.195 km |
| Expected field | More than 55,000 runners |
| Start | Grant Park |
| Finish | Grant Park |
| Professional start | 7:30 a.m. |
| Participant waves | 7:35 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. |
| Course time limit | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Neighborhoods | 29 |
| Aid stations | 20 |
| Expo | October 8-10, 2026 |
| Packet pickup | McCormick Place |
| Race-day packet pickup | No |
The Chicago Marathon is known for its flat, fast course and enormous spectator support. The race organization estimates approximately 1.7 million spectators line the course.
When is the Chicago Marathon 2026?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
It is the 48th running of the race.
Chicago traditionally holds its marathon on the second Sunday in October.
The race organization has also published anticipated future dates:
- 2027: Sunday, October 10
- 2028: Sunday, October 8
- 2029: Sunday, October 7
Those future dates are subject to change, so confirm them before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
Where does the Chicago Marathon start?
The Chicago Marathon starts in Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
The official start line is near the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Drive.
That location is one of Chicago's biggest logistical advantages as a destination marathon.
Many downtown hotels are within walking distance of Grant Park, allowing runners to avoid trains, buses or rideshares entirely on race morning.
Where does the Chicago Marathon finish?
The finish line is also inside Grant Park, on Columbus Drive south of Balbo Drive.
That means runners staying near the park can potentially walk back to their hotel after finishing.
At a marathon, that convenience matters more than it may sound.
After 26.2 miles, a 10-minute walk to a hotel can feel dramatically easier than navigating crowded transit across the city.
What time does the Chicago Marathon start?
Chicago uses multiple start waves.
The current 2026 schedule includes:
- 7:20 a.m. - men's wheelchair start
- 7:21 a.m. - women's wheelchair start
- 7:23 a.m. - handcycle start
- 7:30 a.m. - professional runners
- 7:32 a.m. - High Performance Program
- 7:35 a.m. - Wave 1
- 8:00 a.m. - Wave 2
- 8:35 a.m. - Wave 3
Your assigned corral determines which wave you enter.
Race morning begins much earlier.
Gear check and start corrals open at 5:30 a.m., so runners should plan their hotel departure around their assigned corral rather than simply working backward from the first start.
Where to stay for the Chicago Marathon
Because the race starts and finishes in Grant Park, the best Chicago Marathon hotels are concentrated around downtown.
1. The Loop - best overall race logistics
For most runners, the Loop is the best place to stay.
It puts you close to Grant Park while also giving you access to CTA trains, restaurants, Millennium Park and downtown attractions.
Depending on the hotel, you may be able to walk to your race entrance.
Advantages:
- closest concentration of hotels to Grant Park
- potentially walkable race morning
- walkable after the finish
- easy access to the Blue and Red Lines
- close to Millennium Park
- convenient for spectators
If your main priority is eliminating race-morning stress, start here.
2. South Loop - closest to parts of Grant Park
The South Loop is another excellent runner location.
It is particularly useful for runners who want easy access to Grant Park while remaining closer to McCormick Place, where packet pickup takes place.
Advantages:
- close to Grant Park
- closer to McCormick Place
- easy CTA access
- often quieter than the heart of the Loop
- straightforward post-race return
3. River North - best balance of race and nightlife
River North gives you easy downtown access while placing you closer to restaurants and nightlife.
It is farther from the start than many Loop hotels but still practical.
Advantages:
- large hotel inventory
- strong restaurant selection
- easy access to downtown
- convenient for non-running travel companions
- lively after the race
4. Magnificent Mile / Streeterville - good for families
The areas around Michigan Avenue and Streeterville are especially convenient if family or friends are traveling with you.
You remain close to downtown while gaining access to shopping, Navy Pier and restaurants.
Race morning may require a longer walk than a Loop hotel, but the logistics remain manageable.
5. West Loop - best for food
Chicago's West Loop is one of the city's best restaurant neighborhoods.
It works particularly well if the post-race celebration is an important part of your trip.
The trade-off is that you are farther from Grant Park and should plan race-morning transportation carefully.
Chicago Marathon hotel strategy
Book your hotel early.
With more than 55,000 runners plus spectators, volunteers, media and race staff coming into the city, marathon weekend creates enormous hotel demand.
When comparing hotels, pay attention to:
- walking distance to Grant Park
- which side of Grant Park your race entrance is on
- access to CTA stations
- breakfast availability
- late checkout options
- distance from McCormick Place
- cancellation policy
- post-race walk back to the hotel
A hotel that costs slightly more but eliminates a complicated race-morning commute can be worth it.
Where to eat before the Chicago Marathon
Chicago has one of America's best restaurant scenes.
That does not mean Saturday night before the marathon is the time to explore all of it.
Night before the race
Keep dinner familiar and carbohydrate-heavy.
Good options include:
- pasta
- rice
- bread
- potatoes
- simple pizza if you tolerate it well
- familiar lean protein
Try to eat earlier than you normally would.
Restaurants around downtown fill quickly on marathon weekend, so make reservations rather than assuming you can walk into a popular Italian restaurant Saturday night.
Race morning
Your start wave may require arriving in Grant Park well before normal hotel breakfast hours.
Buy your normal pre-race food the day before if necessary.
Do not rely on finding breakfast after you leave your hotel.
After the race
Now Chicago's food scene becomes part of the trip.
Post-marathon options include:
- deep-dish pizza
- Chicago-style tavern pizza
- Italian beef
- steak
- West Loop restaurants
- River North restaurants
This is the time to eat the meal you avoided before the race.
Chicago Marathon Expo and packet pickup
Every participant must attend the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo before race day.
For 2026, the Expo is held at McCormick Place Convention Center.
Chicago Marathon Expo hours
Thursday, October 8
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 9
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 10
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Times are subject to change.
Can someone else pick up my Chicago Marathon bib?
No.
Participants must collect their own race packet.
You must present a government-issued photo ID matching the name used to register.
Your packet includes your bib number and timing device.
Can you pick up your Chicago Marathon bib on race day?
No.
There is no race-day packet pickup.
That means runners flying into Chicago must arrive early enough to reach McCormick Place before the Expo closes Saturday.
For most travelers, arriving Friday at the latest is much safer than depending on a Saturday flight.
A delay that causes you to miss packet pickup can jeopardize the entire race weekend.
How to get to the Chicago Marathon Expo
McCormick Place is south of downtown and separate from the Grant Park race area.
Public transit is usually easier than driving.
The race organization encourages Expo attendees to consider the Metra Electric Line, which connects downtown with McCormick Place.
CTA trains and buses can also work depending on your hotel.
Give yourself enough time to walk through the Expo without turning Saturday into an exhausting sightseeing day.
Chicago Marathon course
Chicago is famous for being a flat and fast marathon.
The course starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through 29 Chicago neighborhoods.
The race has hosted multiple world-record performances and is a popular goal race for runners pursuing personal bests.
Major areas along the route include parts of:
- downtown
- Lincoln Park
- Lakeview
- Wrigleyville
- Old Town
- West Loop
- Greektown
- Little Italy
- Pilsen
- Chinatown
- Bronzeville
- South Loop
One reason Chicago feels fast is the combination of flat terrain, broad roads and huge spectator support.
The Roosevelt Road hill
Ask Chicago Marathon veterans about the course and someone will eventually mention Roosevelt Road.
Near the end of the race, runners make a short climb before turning toward the finish on Columbus Drive.
Objectively, it is not a major hill.
At approximately Mile 26, it can feel like one.
Do not build your race strategy around it, but know it is coming.
Chicago Marathon course time limit
The official course time limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes.
That corresponds to approximately 15 minutes per mile.
The course reopening process follows the final starters, so runners need to maintain approximately that pace to receive full race support.
Participants finishing outside the official window may not appear as official finishers and may lose access to full aid-station and traffic-control support.
Chicago Marathon aid stations
There are 20 aid stations around the course.
They are generally positioned approximately one to two miles apart.
Official aid-station amenities include:
- medical support
- portable toilets
- Gatorade Endurance Formula
- water
The marathon also uses an Event Alert System to communicate changing weather and race conditions.
Chicago Marathon weather
Chicago in October can be excellent marathon weather.
It can also be unpredictable.
Possible conditions include:
- cool temperatures
- wind
- rain
- unexpectedly warm weather
- large temperature changes during race morning
Do not finalize your clothing plan based on historical averages.
Check the forecast during race week and pay attention to the official Event Alert System.
Bring inexpensive throwaway layers if the morning forecast is cold.
How to enter the Chicago Marathon
Chicago uses both non-guaranteed drawing entry and several guaranteed-entry routes.
The standard 2026 application window is now closed.
Entry routes used by the race include:
Non-guaranteed drawing
Runners who do not qualify for a guaranteed entry can apply to the drawing during the application period.
There is no fee simply to submit a drawing application.
Time qualification
Chicago offers guaranteed entry standards based on age and division.
For example, the 2026 standards for runners ages 16-34 were:
- Men: 2:50
- Women: 3:20
- Non-binary: 3:20
Standards become progressively slower with older age groups.
Charity entry
Official charity partners receive guaranteed entries.
Charity fundraising minimums vary, but the official program requires participating charities to set fundraising commitments of at least $2,200 for applicable guaranteed-entry runners.
Legacy finisher
Runners who meet Chicago's legacy requirements can receive guaranteed entry.
For the 2026 race, runners who had finished Chicago at least five times within the previous ten years could qualify through this path.
Tour operators
The marathon also works with approved international tour operators that may receive guaranteed race entries packaged with travel.
Only use operators listed by the official race.
Is registration still open for Chicago Marathon 2026?
The main 2026 application window is closed.
The official marathon website currently directs runners looking for remaining opportunities toward limited official program options.
Availability changes, so anyone still trying to enter should check Chicago Marathon's official entry pages directly rather than purchasing an entry from an unofficial third party.
Marathon entries are not something you should buy from random resellers.
Is Chicago a World Marathon Major?
Yes.
Chicago is one of the original Abbott World Marathon Majors and is required for the Six Star Medal.
The Six Star races are:
- Tokyo
- Boston
- London
- Berlin
- Chicago
- New York
If Chicago is part of a larger goal, see our World Marathon Majors medal guide.
Chicago Marathon race-morning logistics
Walk if possible
One of the strongest reasons to stay downtown is the ability to walk to Grant Park.
Road closures and thousands of arriving runners make rideshares far less predictable than they are on a normal Sunday.
If your hotel is within reasonable walking distance, walking is usually the lowest-stress option.
Leave earlier than you think
Grant Park is enormous.
Getting to the park is not the same thing as getting to your assigned race entrance, security checkpoint, gear check and corral.
Build in extra time.
Know your entrance
Race organizers assign access based on bib and corral information.
Review your participant materials before Sunday instead of simply walking toward the nearest Grant Park entrance.
Expect security
Only registered runners can access participant-only start and finish areas.
Spectators cannot accompany runners into the start corrals.
Chicago Marathon spectator strategy
Chicago is one of the best Majors for spectators because the course passes through a dense transit network.
A spectator can potentially see a runner at several locations by using CTA trains instead of trying to drive.
Useful transit-accessible viewing areas include:
- downtown
- Lakeview
- Greektown
- Pilsen
- Chinatown
- Bronzeville
- the final miles near Grant Park
The race publishes detailed spectator transit guidance each year.
One important rule:
Spectators cannot simply wait directly at the normal finish line area without appropriate access.
The secure start and finish areas are restricted.
Plan a post-race meeting location instead.
Where to meet after the Chicago Marathon
The marathon provides a Runner Reunite area in Grant Park.
Agree on a meeting point with friends and family before the race.
Mobile networks can become congested during major events, so relying exclusively on texting after the finish is risky.
The race organization notes that moving through the finish area, collecting gear and reaching the post-race area can take 30 minutes or longer.
Build that delay into your plan.
27th Mile Post-Race Party
The official 27th Mile Post-Race Party takes place in Grant Park after the marathon.
For 2026 it is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
That gives runners and spectators a convenient first meeting and celebration option without immediately leaving Grant Park.
What to do before the Chicago Marathon
The mistake to avoid is turning Saturday into a 20,000-step sightseeing day.
Chicago makes that surprisingly easy.
Keep pre-race activities short and low-effort.
Chicago Riverwalk
A scenic way to experience downtown without committing to a full sightseeing day.
Millennium Park
Close to the race area and easy to combine with a short downtown walk.
Art Institute of Chicago
Located directly beside Grant Park.
It is one of the most convenient major attractions for marathon travelers because you can spend time indoors instead of walking across the city.
Architecture cruise
An architecture river cruise is also a good pre-race option because much of the sightseeing happens while seated.
What to do after the Chicago Marathon
Save the more ambitious sightseeing for after you finish.
Architecture river cruise
This might be the ideal marathon recovery activity.
You see a large portion of downtown while sitting down.
West Loop lunch
A long lunch in one of Chicago's best food neighborhoods is a very reasonable way to spend Monday.
Millennium Park and the lakefront
Both are close to downtown hotels and easy to explore at whatever pace your legs allow.
Museum day
The Art Institute, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry all provide sightseeing options that do not require walking continuously around the city.
How long should you stay in Chicago?
For domestic travelers, a simple race-weekend schedule could look like:
Thursday: arrive and settle in
Friday: packet pickup and light sightseeing
Saturday: short shakeout, early dinner and race preparation
Sunday: Chicago Marathon
Monday: recovery sightseeing and celebratory meal
Tuesday: depart
International travelers may want additional time before the race to adjust to the time zone.
Chicago Marathon 2026 FAQ
When is the Chicago Marathon 2026?
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
How many runners will run Chicago Marathon 2026?
More than 55,000 runners are expected, making 2026 the largest Chicago Marathon field to date.
Where does the Chicago Marathon start?
The race starts in Grant Park near Columbus Drive and Monroe Drive.
Where does the Chicago Marathon finish?
The finish is on Columbus Drive south of Balbo Drive in Grant Park.
What time does the Chicago Marathon start?
Professional runners begin at 7:30 a.m.
Participant waves are currently scheduled for approximately:
- 7:35 a.m.
- 8:00 a.m.
- 8:35 a.m.
How long do you have to finish the Chicago Marathon?
The official course time limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Is the Chicago Marathon flat?
Yes.
Chicago is known as one of the flattest and fastest major marathon courses in the world.
How many neighborhoods does the Chicago Marathon go through?
The official course travels through 29 Chicago neighborhoods.
How many aid stations are at the Chicago Marathon?
There are 20 aid stations positioned approximately one to two miles apart.
Where is the Chicago Marathon Expo?
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is held at McCormick Place Convention Center.
When is Chicago Marathon packet pickup in 2026?
Packet pickup is scheduled for:
- October 8: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- October 9: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- October 10: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Can I pick up my Chicago Marathon bib on race day?
No.
There is no race-day packet pickup.
Where is the best place to stay for Chicago Marathon?
For most runners, the Loop or South Loop offers the easiest race logistics because both the start and finish are in Grant Park.
Does Chicago count toward the Six Star Medal?
Yes.
Chicago is one of the original six races required to earn the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal.
When is the Chicago Marathon 2027?
The anticipated date is Sunday, October 10, 2027.
Future event dates are subject to change.
Continue planning your World Marathon Majors
If Chicago is part of a larger marathon-travel goal, continue with:
- World Marathon Majors medal guide
- Tokyo Marathon travel guide
- Best marathons to travel for
- Race weekend trip guide
- Race weekend checklist
Turn your Chicago Marathon entry into a trip
Once your race entry is secured, the marathon is only one piece of the weekend.
Claira can keep your hotel, flights, Expo visit, pre-race dinner, spectator plans, activities and post-race recovery together in one itinerary so the logistics are organized before you reach Grant Park.
Plan your Chicago Marathon trip →
Chicago Marathon dates, start times, field sizes, entry methods, course details, Expo hours, packet-pickup requirements and race logistics can change. This guide was updated August 24, 2026. Always confirm current information with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon before booking travel or making race plans. Claira is an independent travel-planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Bank of America or Abbott World Marathon Majors.