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Races

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

A marathon in Chicago, Illinois. Most runners enter through a lottery.

For The Reps · Updated

Marathon runner taking a cup of water at an aid station
Marathon runner taking a cup of water at an aid station. AI-generated image.
Type
Marathon
Where
Chicago, Illinois
Level
Intermediate to experienced

Race dates

2026: Sunday, October 11, 2026

Dates change, so check the official site before you enter or book travel. Last checked June 3, 2026.

About the race

The course is flat and loops through the city's neighbourhoods in early October.

Best if you already have a few races behind you.

Training for it

Give yourself 16 to 20 weeks, starting from being able to run 10K comfortably.

  • Build the long run gradually, to around 30 to 32 km at its peak.
  • Practise your race-day fuelling on long runs.
  • Taper for the last two to three weeks.