Famous for its bold architecture and for the Chicago Bulls era with Michael Jordan, Chicago is also home to a truly legendary race. The Chicago Marathon is one of the 6 World Marathon Majors alongside Tokyo, London, Berlin, Boston, and New York. Known as one of the flattest and fastest marathons in the world, with an electric, welcoming vibe, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is packed with stories, surprises, and big performance moments. Every year, more than 45,000 runners toe the line.
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Discovering the Chicago Marathon
A bit of history
The first edition of the Chicago Marathon took place in 1905, with 15 runners on the starting line and only 7 making it to the finish. The race was held annually until 1920, when it was discontinued. It was not until 1977 that the marathon was revived. That first modern edition was called the Mayor Daley Marathon, in honor of former Chicago mayor Richard Daley.
As sponsors came on board, the Chicago Marathon started to grow, especially in prize money. In 1984, total prizes hit $250,000, which was $50,000 more than the New York City Marathon. Little by little, the event evolved from a regional road race into a top-tier international marathon.
A marathon made for record-breaking
The Chicago Marathon has a reputation as one of the fastest marathons on the planet. Its flat course is perfect for running a big PR and chasing an aggressive finish time.
Over the years, countless records have been set at the Chicago Marathon. The course has produced 4 world records, including the 2019 mark still held by Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei in 2:14:04. Many national records have also fallen on this iconic marathon route.
It’s also why so many runners come here to take a shot at their personal best. It’s the perfect reason to show up well-prepared and go after yours.
A spectacular course
After the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city rose from the ashes and became a cradle of modern architecture. Its forward-thinking buildings, cultural mix, and legendary landmarks are still incredible to see.
The Chicago Marathon taps into that diversity, crossing 29 different neighborhoods and passing dozens of historic sites. The race starts in the heart of Grant Park and takes you along the shores of the world-famous Lake Michigan.
A warm, high-energy atmosphere
The vibe at the Chicago Marathon is incredibly warm and welcoming. Chicagoans are known for their hospitality, and you feel it in the energy they bring to race day.
Along the course, more than a million spectators line the streets to cheer you on. Bands and DJs set up on stages throughout the route add a festive edge that keeps your motivation high and your pacing on track.
What really makes the Chicago Marathon special, though, is the sense of camaraderie between runners. Participants come from every background, age group, and country, but everyone shares the same goal, to reach the finish line. Runners encourage each other, swap stories, and share training tips, creating a true endurance community around the event.
In the final stretch and beyond, volunteers welcome you in, helping you recover, refuel, and relax after the effort. The atmosphere feels like one big celebration, where athletes honor their commitment and their mental toughness, no matter the finish time.
How to register for the Chicago Marathon
Getting into the Chicago Marathon is a challenge in itself. To register, you need to plan months, sometimes even years ahead if you have to go through the lottery.
Registration is done directly on the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon website.
If you want to secure a guaranteed entry, you need a qualifying time at a strong regional level, 3:05 for men or 3:35 for women under 35. A half marathon time is not accepted.
If you do not meet these standards, or if you have fewer than 5 Chicago Marathon finishes, you will enter the main lottery for a chance to be selected.
If you really want to run, there are also charity entries, where you earn a bib by raising $1,500 for a nonprofit.
But the most reliable option if you do not have the required qualifying time is to book through a Chicago Marathon-authorized travel agency. We recommend the Contrastes Running travel agency, a France-based agency and official reseller for the Chicago Marathon. It’s ideal if you want to run Chicago for a special occasion, like a birthday, or to complete your World Marathon Majors journey. The package includes your Chicago Marathon bib, flights, and accommodation.
If you want to train smart for this extraordinary event or qualify directly for this marathon, the RunMotion Coach Running digital coach is here for you!
