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Chicago Marathon 2027: Everything You Need To Know
Updated: 23 hours ago
The Chicago Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and one of the world’s most popular races for runners chasing a personal best. Its flat course starts and finishes in Grant Park and takes runners through 29 neighbourhoods, with huge crowds providing support along the way.
The 2027 race takes place on Sunday 10 October. Whether you are hoping for a place through the drawing, considering a charity entry or planning another Major, it is worth understanding the entry process well before you book your trip. Here is everything you need to know about running the Chicago Marathon in 2027.
The Destination
Chicago sits on the shore of Lake Michigan and offers far more than a fast marathon course. Its skyline, architecture, museums and neighbourhoods make it a destination worth exploring before or after race day.
Downtown sights include Millennium Park and Cloud Gate, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago River. An architecture boat tour is a popular way to see the city without spending hours on your feet before the marathon, while runners with more time can explore neighbourhoods beyond the centre.
Grant Park’s central location makes staying downtown attractive, particularly if you want to walk to the start. Hotels close to the park may be expensive during race weekend, so compare the convenience of a shorter race morning journey with the cost of accommodation farther away.
History Of The Chicago Marathon
The modern Chicago Marathon began in 1977 and has grown into one of the world’s largest marathons. It now attracts runners from across the United States and around the world, from first time marathoners to some of the fastest athletes in the sport.
The race has become particularly associated with record breaking performances. In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum ran 2:00:35 in Chicago to set a men’s marathon world record, underlining the potential of its flat course in favourable conditions.
Chicago’s history is about more than elite times, though. The race’s route through the city and the scale of its spectator support have made it an experience that appeals just as much to runners whose goal is simply to reach the finish.
Who Organises The Chicago Marathon?
The event is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, with Bank of America as its title sponsor. Runners should use the official Chicago Marathon website for applications, race instructions and the final details of the 2027 event.
When Is The Chicago Marathon 2027?
The 49th Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday 10 October 2027. The event is traditionally held on the second Sunday in October, making it an autumn goal for runners whose main training block falls during the summer.
Applications for the drawing and most guaranteed entry routes open at 8am US Central Time on Thursday 8 October 2026 and close at 2pm US Central Time on Thursday 29 October 2026. Drawing applicants are due to receive their results on Tuesday 8 December 2026.
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
All marathon runners must collect their own race packet at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. You will need government-issued photo identification that matches the name used for your registration, so packet collection is something to include in your travel plans rather than leaving to somebody else.
The expo has previously been held at McCormick Place over three days and includes running brands, event merchandise and other race weekend activities. Check the final 2027 venue and opening hours before booking flights or arranging your arrival, as those details have not yet been confirmed for this edition.
Allow enough time to collect your packet without turning the day before the marathon into a long sightseeing trip. Once the administration is done, you can concentrate on preparing for the start.
Race Morning
The Chicago Marathon starts in Grant Park, with runners assigned to start areas and corrals according to the event’s arrangements. Although the start and finish are in the same park, it is important to check the entrance specified in your final race instructions rather than assuming you can approach from any direction.
Plan your route from your accommodation in advance and allow time for security, toilets and finding your corral. The excitement of a Major can make race morning feel busy even when you are well prepared, so completing those decisions beforehand will make the start more relaxed.
The final 2027 participant guide will confirm the start times, entrances and other arrangements. Use that guide as your authority when planning the morning itself.
Chicago Marathon Course
The Chicago Marathon starts and finishes in Grant Park and takes runners on a loop through 29 neighbourhoods. Its predominantly flat profile is one of the main reasons runners choose Chicago when aiming for a personal best.
The organiser notes that the course map can change, so the final 2027 map should take priority when planning spectator locations or studying particular streets. The established route still gives runners a useful picture of how the race unfolds.
The Start And Opening Miles
The Chicago Marathon starts on Columbus Drive in Grant Park before immediately taking runners into the centre of the city. The opening miles weave through downtown Chicago, crossing the Chicago River and passing between some of the city's distinctive skyscrapers before the course begins its longer journey north. This is an exciting start to the marathon, with tall buildings, large crowds and plenty happening around you. GPS reception can be unreliable among the downtown buildings, so do not be surprised if the instantaneous pace or distance on your watch looks different from the official markers. Settle into your planned effort rather than trying to correct every early split. After the initial downtown section, runners head north on LaSalle Street before moving towards Lincoln Park. By around miles five and six, the skyscrapers are beginning to give way to a different side of Chicago.
Lincoln Park, Lake View And The Northern Turn
The northern section provides a noticeable change from downtown Chicago. Runners travel through Lincoln Park before continuing towards Lake View and the northernmost part of the course. This part of the marathon is known for enthusiastic support. The area around Wrigleyville comes at roughly eight miles, while the surrounding neighbourhoods provide a lively backdrop as runners approach the northern turn. After reaching the top of the course, the route begins heading south again. You are still well inside the first half of the marathon here, so resist the temptation to increase your effort simply because the field has opened up and running feels easier.
Back Towards Downtown And Halfway
The route returns south through Chicago's North Side before approaching the centre of the city again. This creates one of the interesting features of the course: runners encounter downtown Chicago more than once rather than simply leaving the centre and returning for the finish. The halfway point arrives as the course begins transitioning towards the western half of the race. Chicago is famous for being flat and fast, but that does not mean it is an uninterrupted straight course. There are numerous turns, changes of direction and river crossings, so running efficiently rather than weaving unnecessarily can still make a difference over 26.2 miles.
Greektown, The West Side And Little Italy
After halfway, the marathon heads west towards Greektown and the Near West Side. Greektown arrives at around mile 14 before runners continue deeper into the western section of the course.
The route then travels through areas including the Illinois Medical District, University Village and Little Italy before beginning to turn south. This section covers some important middle miles of the marathon, when maintaining your planned pacing and fuelling becomes increasingly important. It can be a deceptive stage of the race. You have passed halfway and may still feel strong, but there is a considerable distance remaining. Chicago rewards runners who remain patient here rather than treating halfway as the signal to start pushing.
Pilsen And The Approach To Chinatown
Pilsen arrives at around mile 19 and is one of the most memorable sections of the Chicago Marathon. Strong local support and a very different streetscape provide a lift just as runners approach the point where the marathon often begins to feel considerably harder.
From Pilsen, the course continues east towards Chinatown. Runners reach the Chinatown area at approximately mile 21.5, passing through another neighbourhood closely associated with the race. The crowds can be particularly valuable here because you are beyond 20 miles but still have several miles remaining. Breaking the remaining distance into individual mile markers can make this section feel much more manageable.
Chinatown, Bronzeville And The Southern Turn
After Chinatown, runners continue south along Wentworth Avenue before the route reaches 26th Street and heads towards Michigan Avenue. The course then continues south into the Bronzeville area, with runners reaching the vicinity of 35th Street at around miles 23 to 23.5.
This can be one of the psychologically toughest parts of Chicago. You have already run more than 20 miles but are still travelling south, temporarily away from Grant Park. Knowing the shape of the course beforehand can help because the final major change of direction is getting close. After the southern turn, runners begin the long journey north towards the centre of Chicago and the finish.
Michigan Avenue And The Final Miles
Much of the closing section is run north along Michigan Avenue. After the frequent changes of direction earlier in the race, this long final run towards downtown gives you a much clearer sense that the finish is getting closer.
At 26 miles comes one of the course's most famous features. Runners turn onto Roosevelt Road and encounter a short rise before making the final turn onto Columbus Drive. On a course renowned for being flat, that small climb can feel considerably larger after almost an entire marathon. Once you turn onto Columbus Drive, the finish in Grant Park is close. Keep running through the final stretch before crossing the line and entering the designated runner area. If you are meeting friends or family afterwards, agree on a meeting point in advance. With tens of thousands of runners and spectators around Grant Park, expecting to find each other immediately outside the finish can make the end of race day unnecessarily difficult.
How Difficult Is The Chicago Marathon Course?
Chicago is relatively approachable from an elevation perspective. There are no long climbs to prepare for, and the largely flat roads make it easier to aim for a steady effort than on a hilly marathon course.
That does not make running a marathon easy. The distance, possible wind or warmer than expected weather, and the temptation to start too quickly can all make the later miles demanding. A good result still depends on appropriate training, pacing and a nutrition plan you have practised.
The organiser states a course time limit of six hours and 30 minutes, equivalent to approximately 15 minutes per mile. Roads reopen on a rolling basis, so runners who fall behind that pace may no longer receive full course support.
What Makes The Chicago Marathon Special?
Chicago combines the scale and excitement of a World Marathon Major with a course that gives runners a genuine opportunity to run well. The journey through 29 neighbourhoods means the race feels like an exploration of the city rather than a simple tour of downtown landmarks.
The start and finish in Grant Park are another attraction, especially for runners planning where to stay and supporters deciding where to meet afterwards. Add the enormous crowds, and Chicago offers an atmosphere that extends across the full 26.2 miles.
Is The Chicago Marathon A Fast Course?
Yes. Chicago is widely regarded as a fast marathon, and the performances achieved there support that reputation. Its flat profile gives runners the chance to establish a rhythm without repeatedly adjusting their effort for hills.
A fast course is an opportunity rather than a promise of a personal best. Wind, temperature, congestion and an overambitious opening pace can all affect your race, so the best approach is still to prepare thoroughly and run the first half with discipline.
Is The Chicago Marathon Good For First Time Runners?
Chicago can be an excellent first marathon for a runner who has prepared for the distance. The course does not demand extensive hill training, and the crowds provide encouragement long after the excitement of the opening miles has passed.
The size of the event does require more planning than a small local race. First time runners should pay particular attention to expo collection, their assigned start entrance, race morning timing and where they will meet supporters afterwards.
How To Enter The Chicago Marathon 2027
Applications for the 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon open at 8:00am Central Time on Thursday 8 October 2026 and close at 2:00pm Central Time on Thursday 29 October. Runners can apply through either the non-guaranteed drawing or one of the race’s guaranteed entry routes.
There is no charge to enter the drawing and applying early does not improve your chances. Applicants will receive their result by email on Tuesday 8 December. Anyone selected must pay the entry fee and complete their registration by 11:59pm Central Time on Tuesday 15 December or the place will be lost.
Entry costs $250 for US residents and $260 for runners living outside the United States. The organisers do not take payment when a runner submits a drawing application, with the fee becoming payable only after a place has been offered.
Guaranteed entry routes include meeting the age group qualifying standard, completing at least five Chicago Marathons during the previous ten years, qualifying through the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series or entering through an official charity or tour operator. Eligible runners who cancelled a 2026 place may also apply under the race’s cancellation rules.
Qualifying times must come from a certified marathon completed between 1 January 2025 and 29 October 2026. Half marathon and ultramarathon results are not accepted, and every time must be supported by an official result or finisher certificate.
Runners who receive a place but cannot participate may cancel by 6 October 2027 and obtain guaranteed entry for 2028. The original payment will not be refunded or carried forward, and another entry fee will be payable. Entries cannot be transferred or sold, although separate provisions apply during pregnancy and after giving birth.
Run The Chicago Marathon For Charity
Running for an official charity provides guaranteed entry without relying on the drawing. Charity places are offered on a first come, first served basis and can remain available until 10 September 2027, although individual organisations may fill their teams considerably earlier.
Each charity sets its own application process, runner benefits and fundraising target, but the event requires charity runners to raise at least $2,500. Some organisations may therefore set a higher minimum commitment, so runners should check the full conditions before accepting a place.
Only organisations included in the official Chicago Marathon Charity Program can provide guaranteed charity places, and runners should apply directly through their chosen charity.
Runners who secure a place through the drawing or another entry route can still support a charity using their own place. They should contact the organisation directly to ask about joining its team without requiring one of its guaranteed entries.
Where To Stay
Chicago has a huge hotel market, but marathon weekend creates considerable demand. The Loop is particularly convenient for runners who want to stay centrally, while areas such as River North and Streeterville provide plenty of hotels, restaurants and easy access to the city's attractions. Staying downtown can also make it easier to explore Chicago without relying heavily on transport during your visit.
Accommodation close to the heart of the city can become expensive around the marathon, so booking early is worthwhile. If you find better value further out, look for somewhere with straightforward CTA train connections and check your race-morning journey before confirming your hotel.
Our Verdict
Chicago offers a combination that is difficult to match: a major international race, an exceptionally supportive city and a course on which well-prepared runners can pursue ambitious goals. The changing neighbourhoods give the marathon its character, while Grant Park provides a memorable start and finish.
It is a strong choice whether you are chasing a personal best, running your first marathon, raising money for charity or working towards another World Marathon Major finish. The first challenge is securing your place, so pay close attention to the 2027 application window and the conditions attached to your preferred entry route.
Race Website
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