Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon begins and ends in Grant Park, sending a large October field on a 26.2-mile loop through Chicago. It is one of the seven World Marathon Majors, with approximately 53,000 runners annually and participants from all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries. The route is flat and fast, contributing to its history of record-setting races; the course records are 2:00:35 for men and 2:13:44 for women. Runners pass through 29 neighborhoods, including Lakeview, Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown, and Bronzeville, while an estimated 1.7 million spectators line the course. The race began with 4,200 local participants and now also functions as a significant charity event, with $36 million raised.