Event Details

When: October 12, 2026

Season: Fall

Travel Difficulty: Easy – Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is a major hub, and the city is very walkable.​​​

Event website: https://www.chicagomarathon.com/

Considerations: Chicago is known for its lively crowd support and scenic urban course. Prepare for variable weather, from chilly winds to unseasonal warmth.

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Race Profile

Distance: 42.195 km / 26.2 miles.

Elevation gain: Super flat—the Chicago Marathon course has earned these superlatives thanks to its minimal elevation change. The gain is 243 feet with a loss of 242 feet.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Flat course but weather can be unpredictable.

Participants: Around 45,000 runners.

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Registration & Lottery Information

• Current registration status: Closed.

• Ballot Odds: High – one of the best chances of acceptance among the Majors.

• Ballot Sign-Up: Opens in late October and closes in November of the preceding year.

• Charity Entry: Readily available.​​​