Chicago Marathon: the fastest marathon in the world

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is more than a race: it's an experience. Every year, more than 50,000 runners wander the streets of the famous American metropolis to experience a mythical event in the heart of Illinois. If you dream of a flat, fast and vibrant marathon, the Chicago one clearly deserves a place on your list.

How are legends born? This is what we are going to see right away with the famous Chicago Marathon. 

The Chicago Marathon was founded in 1905. That year, the event had 15 participants and 7 finishers. It continued until 1920 before disappearing. It was only in 1977 that this famous marathon was reborn from its ashes and acquired a global dimension thanks to the support of sponsors, notably Bank of America, which gives it its current name. 

Its flat course and unique atmosphere quickly made the Bank of America Chicago Marathon a ground for records and historic performances. It still attracts elites as well as amateurs who come to beat their personal record or simply to live a timeless experience. 

The Chicago Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors. In 2025, approximately 53,000 participants took their place on the starting line, coming from over 100 countries. But the most spectacular aspect is the number of spectators who came to cheer the runners. It's said that more than 1.5 million supporters gathered in the city streets, voices raised and lively hands ready to raise the decibels. Thrills guaranteed! 

Furthermore, throughout the 42.195 kilometers (26,22 miles) of the course, the runners traverse no fewer than 29 neighborhoods of what is nicknamed the “Windy City” 💨. Which gives a comprehensive overview of the charms of Chicago! 

All of this perhaps partly explains why, since its inception, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has seen two best global performances, a European record, a national record for the United States and… five world records. 

🍒 The icing on the cake? It's on its course that the current world records were set, both for men and women. 

Here is a summary table of the various records broken during this unique event: 

The Chicago Marathon is nothing short of a myth. You have to be able to tame it. For that, there are some infos to know. 

The start and finish take place in Grant Park, in the heart of downtown, an iconic setting dominated by skyscrapers and the shores of Lake Michigan. These same shores will accompany you for a good part of the course. 

With a nearly flat elevation, the Chicago Marathon passes through various particularly diverse ethnic neighborhoods: China Town, Greek Town, Pilsen (Mexican neighborhood), and the Italian neighborhood of Taylor Street. You'll never have time to get bored. The fueling stations, placed every 2 to 3 kilometers, will allow you to stay hydrated and even recover something to eat (⚠️ provided you've tested the offered products during training).

💡 Ravaged by a gigantic fire in 1871, Chicago is a plural city that had to rebuild and reinvent itself almost entirely. It still boasts a varied architecture today. Avant-garde buildings coexist with historical monuments, immersing those who take the time to contemplate in a unique atmosphere.  

Returning to the marathon, it is the ideal playground if you want to beat your personal record or, why not, aim for a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. Provided you're well prepared, and for that, Campus has thought of you! 

Like all marathons, the official distance of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is 42.195 kilometers (26,22 miles). 

 The time limit to cross the finish line is 6 hours and 30 minutes after the departure of the last start gate. This represents an average pace of approximately 9 minutes and 15 seconds per kilometer. 

Do you want to take the plunge and run the Chicago Marathon in 2026? Wonderful idea! However, registration is not so simple and for good reason: the enthusiasm around this event is such that bibs are being snatched up. 🤯 We'll explain how to get yourself to the start of the next edition. 

To obtain your bib, you must first know which category you fall into. Certain runners receive guaranteed entry while others will have to rely on chance. 

Regardless of the registration pathway, the period remains the same for everyone. For the 2026 edition — which will take place on October 11 —  registrations opened on October 21, 2025 and will close on November 18, 2025, four weeks later. 

It's the famous lottery. You can try your luck by filling out a form within the given deadlines. 

You will then be informed by email of your registration status on Thursday, December 11. We're not going to lie: there are many applicants for few spots, but everyone who has won their bib has tried their luck, so why not you? 

Certain criteria may allow you to obtain your bib for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon without going through the lottery. 

This is the most well-known way to be certain of participating in the Chicago Marathon. For the 2026 edition, you must have achieved a qualifying time since January 1, 2024 (your previous times will not be taken into account). 

Here is the summary of qualifying times: 

⚠️ Only times achieved in certified marathons, featuring a course certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics, or a similar governing association, are taken into account. If you are concerned, you can fill out a request via a dedicated form.

This criterion is a bit special: it concerns runners who have been finishers of the Chicago Marathon five times over the last 10 years. You can consider this as a reward for their loyalty. 

🏁 Only finishers are eligible for this provision, which thus excludes registered individuals who have not completed the course. 

To combine sporting achievement and solidarity, you can opt for a charitable plan. We find this system in France under the name “solidarity bib”. Concretely, you will have to collect funds for a charitable organization that is part of the official charity plan of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. 

Each association sets the participation terms for the members of its team, but the minimum amount to be raised per participant is $2,200. 

To register, the rule is simple: first come, first served until Tuesday, September 15, 2026, or until the organization has reached its maximum capacity. 

By going through a Tour Operator — in other words, a travel agency — dedicated to the event, you guarantee obtaining a bib for the Chicago Marathon. 

⚠️ Attention : only travel organizations that are part of the official plan of the Chicago Marathon have access to guaranteed registrations. Make sure that the agency you choose is part of it. You have until August 16, 2026 to book your stay. 

The Bank of America Chicago Distance Series are a set of races organized by the same partner as the Chicago Marathon. They include three events: 

By finishing one of these races, you can obtain a bib for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The concerned runners receive an email confirming their eligibility. 

The criteria for canceling your participation in the Chicago Marathon are very strict. However, if you have met them, you can benefit from a registration deferral to participate in the next edition. However, this is only valid for the following year and you will have to pay the registration fees again. 

Registered participants who become pregnant or have given birth since their registration for the event can cancel and defer their registration to a future edition of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon within three years.

This time, no need to pay the registration fees again. All the information and forms to fill out are available here. 

By achieving target times, you can hope to qualify through the high-performance plan. 

Needless to say, the bar is set high! 

Registration fees for 2026 are as follows: 

The bib includes your access to the race, an official tee-shirt, the fueling stations along the course and at the finish, as well as the legendary finisher medal.

Do you want to make the most of your trip? Here is some information that may be useful to you. 

The October climate in Chicago is ideal for running:

🌤️ Average temperatures between 45°F and 59°F

💧  Low humidity and limited risk of rain

🌬️ Some gusts of wind around Lake Michigan

It's cool weather, perfect for long distances.

Make sure to dress in light layers, with a breathable technical top and thin gloves for the start, often chilly.

Going to Chicago also means discovering a fascinating city conducive to exploration.

🎉 During the race: enjoy the popular excitement, each neighborhood has its own musical atmosphere.

🍕 After the race: savor a Deep Dish Pizza, the local specialty, while admiring your medal! Next, you can opt for a visit to Millennium Park, stroll along the lakefront, or explore the architecture of the Loop.

For accommodation, prefer a hotel in the downtown area or near Grant Park to avoid transportation on race morning.

What if the American dream finally became reality? The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is certainly well-earned, but the experience is worthwhile. Whether you are a seasoned runner or lucky in the drawing, you have won your ticket for an adventure you won't soon forget.