Greensboro Half Marathon

The Chicago Marathon begins and ends in Grant Park, sending a large field through the city on the second Sunday in October. This 26.2-mile road race is one of the World Marathon Majors. Approximately 50,000 runners participate, with a 6 1/2-hour limit for official results. The course is largely flat and fast, attracting both record seekers and runners aiming for personal bests. It crosses the North Side, West Side, and South Side before returning to the Loop. The contemporary event originated as the Mayor Daley Marathon with 4,200 participants, following earlier Chicago marathons in the early 20th century. Entry is via time qualification or lottery, with reserved spots for elites, legacy finishers, and charity runners.