Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, with the race starting and finishing in Grant Park. Participants can expect typical mid-autumn Chicago weather, which often features cool to mild temperatures and potential wind, making it a prime environment for long-distance running. This 42.2 km (26.2 miles) road marathon takes runners through 29 diverse neighborhoods, supported by an atmosphere of approximately 1.7 million spectators.
What is the format and course profile of the marathon?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a road marathon covering the full distance of 42.2 km (26.2 miles). The course is recognized for being flat and fast, a characteristic that has facilitated seven world records and numerous personal bests. The route begins and ends in Grant Park and traverses 29 different Chicago neighborhoods. A visual reference of the course layout can be found via this Assets-Chicagomarathon-Com ↗ PDF.
What is the schedule for race week activities?
The event includes several scheduled activities leading up to the main race:
Thursday, October 8
- →Abbott Health & Fitness Expo & Packet Pick-up: McCormick Place, North Building, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, October 9
- →Abbott Health & Fitness Expo & Packet Pick-up: McCormick Place, North Building, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 10
- →Abbott Chicago 5K: Grant Park, 7:30 a.m. via Chicago5k ↗
- →Abbott Health & Fitness Expo & Packet Pick-up: McCormick Place, North Building, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 11 (Race Day)
- →Gear check & Start corrals open: 5:30 a.m.
- →Men's Professional Wheelchair Start: 7:20 a.m.
- →Women's Professional Wheelchair Start: 7:21 a.m.
- →Handcycle Start: 7:23 a.m.
- →Men's & Women's Professional Start: 7:30 a.m.
- →High Performance Program Start: 7:32 a.m.
- →Wave 1 Start: 7:35 a.m.
- →Wave 2 Start: 8:00 a.m.
- →Wave 3 Start: 8:35 a.m.
- →Grant Park Spectator Opening & Post-Race Party: 9:30 a.m.
- →Gear check closure & Post-Race Party end: 4:00 p.m.
What are the requirements for packet pick-up?
- →In-person attendance is mandatory for all participants.
- →A government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the registration must be presented.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- →Entry fees are non-refundable.
- →Registered runners who cannot participate may cancel to receive a guaranteed entry for the 2027 event.
- →Participants canceling for the 2027 event must still pay the 2027 entry fee.
Are there any training resources available?
- →An official 18-week training program developed by Nike coaches is available on the Chicagomarathon ↗ Training & Nutrition page.
What amenities and hospitality options are offered?
- →The Bank of America Chicago Marathon App, powered by TCS ↗, provides free information for runners and spectators.
- →Hospitality options including the Skyline Hospitality Tent, Pre-Race Participant Fast Track, and Finish Line Viewing are available for purchase through the Marathon Store.