Chicago Marathon: Guide to the Drawing, Qualifying Times and How to Get In
The Chicago Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors and is run every October, starting and finishing in Grant Park. The 2027 edition is on Sunday 10 October, and applications are open from 8 to 29 October 2026. If you want to run it from abroad, this guide covers what the official website says: drawing dates, the fee for non-US residents, qualifying times, tour operators and charity places.
Chicago Marathon 2027 key facts
According to the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon application page:
| Item | 2027 edition |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 10 October 2027 |
| Edition | 49th |
| Start and finish | Grant Park |
| Time limit | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Minimum age | 16 |
| Fee for non-US residents | 260 dollars, plus a processing fee |
| Charity entry fee | 335 dollars for non-US residents |
How to get a place from abroad
The drawing
Non-guaranteed places are allocated by drawing. For 2027:
- Applications: from 8 October at 8:00 to 29 October 2026 at 14:00, Chicago time.
- Results: 8 December 2026, by email.
- Payment: selected runners have until 15 December 2026.
Applying for the drawing is free and there is no advantage in applying early. Duplicate applications are removed.
Qualifying times
Unlike New York, in Chicago a qualifying time guarantees your place if you meet your age group standard. It must be run in a certified marathon between 1 January 2025 and 29 October 2026, and you must apply during the application window.
| Age on 10-10-2027 | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 16-34 | 2:50:00 | 3:20:00 |
| 35-39 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 40-44 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 45-49 | 3:10:00 | 3:40:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:15:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55-59 | 3:25:00 | 3:55:00 |
| 60-64 | 3:40:00 | 4:15:00 |
| 65-69 | 3:55:00 | 4:30:00 |
| 70-74 | 4:15:00 | 4:45:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:30:00 | 5:00:00 |
| 80 and over | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
Half marathons, 50K ultras and near misses are not accepted.
Official tour operators
Guaranteed places are also sold through operators in the official programme, usually in packages with flights and hotel. According to the official tour program page, only operators in the programme can offer guaranteed entry and not every country has one. Check the operator index linked on that page before booking.
Charity places
With an official charity partner you guarantee your place in exchange for raising at least 2,500 dollars. Places are allocated first come, first served until 10 September 2027 or until the charity is full.
Other routes
There is guaranteed entry if you have finished Chicago five or more times in the last ten years, or if you complete all three Chicago Distance Series races in the same year. And with three Majors stars you can enter the circuit’s draws; I explain it in the guide to the World Marathon Majors.
What to know before you travel
- You collect your bib in person at the expo, with photo ID matching the name on your entry. There is no race-day pickup.
- The organisers do not send invitation letters or help with visas: you arrange your own documents to enter the United States.
- Entry is non-refundable and cannot be sold or transferred. You can cancel until 6 October 2027 and keep a guaranteed place for 2028, paying that year’s fee.
- There are 20 aid stations, every one or two miles.
Tips for preparing for the Chicago Marathon
- It is run in October, so much of your preparation falls in summer; there are guidelines in the guide to running in the heat and cold.
- Start calmly and pace yourself; the strategy is in the guide to the negative split.
- Plan your trip early; there are tips in the guide to travelling to a race, and the marathon training plan to prepare.
Conclusion
The 2027 Chicago Marathon is on Sunday 10 October. From abroad you can apply for the drawing until 29 October 2026, get in with a qualifying time from the last two years, go with an official tour operator or take a charity place. Entry for non-US residents costs 260 dollars and the time limit is 6 hours 30 minutes.
FAQ
When is the 2027 Chicago Marathon?
Sunday 10 October 2027.
When do you apply for the Chicago Marathon?
For 2027, from 8 to 29 October 2026. Drawing results are sent on 8 December.
How much does the Chicago Marathon cost from abroad?
260 dollars plus a processing fee for non-US residents. With a charity place, 335 dollars.
What time do I need to get into Chicago?
For men aged 16 to 34, 2:50; for women of that age, 3:20. Standards are relaxed with age.
Can I cancel my place?
Yes, until 6 October 2027, but the fee is not refunded. In exchange you get a guaranteed place for 2028 by paying that year’s fee.
