We may have just wrapped up the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, but it’s never too early to start thinking about your next race—something I’m sure a passionate distance runner would say. For those already counting the days until next year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon, we have some good news: Registration for the 2026 iteration of the run—set to take place on October 11, 2026—is open now.
Before we delve into the details, here is a reminder that those interested in the Distance Series—a three-race challenge that requires participants to finish the runs in the span of one year and, therefore, automatically qualify for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon—should sign up for the program early, before spots fill up. Read more about that here.
How to register for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon:
The application window for next year’s race is open from now until 2pm CST on Tuesday, November 18. Keep in mind that registration is open for both a non-guaranteed entry drawing and guaranteed entry applications (i.e. time qualifiers, charity runners, etc.).
The cost of entry for United States runners is $250. That price increases to $260 for runners who live outside of the country.
How to qualify for a guaranteed entry into the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon:
- Time qualifiers who have met the event’s age-graded qualifying standards or qualify for the event’s High Performance Program
- Legacy finishers who have completed the Chicago Marathon five or more times within the last 10 years
- Registered participants who canceled their 2025 entry
- Charity participants who are fundraising for an official charity as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program
- Runners interested in traveling and running with a tour operator
- Runners who completed the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series by finishing the 2025 Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon
How to sign up for a non-guaranteed entry into the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon:
- Sign up right here
- Officials will draw names from the pool of applicants and notify selected runners by December 11, 2025.