Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the world’s most prestigious road races and a flagship event in the city’s sporting calendar. Established in 1977, the marathon attracts elite athletes and tens of thousands of runners from around the globe each year.

The Chicago Marathon course is internationally recognised for its speed, flat profile, and iconic urban scenery. Starting in Grant Park, the route takes runners through 29 diverse Chicago neighbourhoods, passing major landmarks including the Chicago River and Lincoln Park. The minimal elevation change makes the course ideal for fast times, personal bests, and record-breaking performances, contributing to Chicago’s status as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.

The final miles return runners to downtown Chicago, where crowd support builds toward a dramatic finish in Grant Park, near Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. This scenic and emotionally charged finish line delivers a powerful conclusion for participants, framed by Chicago’s skyline and a festival-like atmosphere that defines the race-day experience.

As part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon holds a key position among the world’s leading marathons, alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Tokyo, New York City, and Sydney. The race draws worldwide attention from professional athletes and amateur runners chasing qualification times and the coveted Six Star Medal. Through its association with the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon reinforces its connection between Chicago and the global marathon community.

Fundraising through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon helps Get Kids Going! provide disabled children and young people with life-changing sports equipment and support, using the power of a world-class marathon to create lasting impact far beyond race day.

Get Kids Going! is a national charity which gives disabled children and young people, up to the age of 26 years, the wonderful opportunity of participating in sport. We provide them with specially built sports wheelchairs so they can do: athletics, marathons, tennis, skiing, rugby, sailing, basketball, snowboarding and many other sports.

Get Kids Going! inspires young people to compete in sporting events, from start to paralympic level, by also giving them annual sports grants to help with their; training, travel, competition fees and the development of sports’ equipment. With your help many of these amazing youngsters can become world record holders and paralympic champions!

Please only click the above box if you have your own entry place from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Ballot or an official international travel partner.