Bank of America Chicago Marathon

In real life  Sunday, October 11, 2026

One of the World Marathon Majors, run on a flat, fast loop through the city with tens of thousands of runners and huge crowds.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is held on the second Sunday of October every year, and the 2026 race is on Sunday, October 11. It is one of the World Marathon Majors, and it starts and finishes in Grant Park after passing through 29 Chicago neighborhoods.

The organizers report around 1.7 million spectators and 10,000 volunteers. For people who aren't running, it is a free, citywide street event: pick a spot on the course, follow a runner with the app, and meet them at the post-race party.

ℹ️ Held on the second Sunday of October; the 2027 race is Sunday, October 10, 2027.

What to expect

• Tens of thousands of runners on a loop through 29 neighborhoods, starting and finishing in Grant Park
• Cheer zones, including Bank of America zones at Mile 13 and Mile 26 and a Charity Block Party near Mile 15
• Community cheer zones set up by local organizations along the course
• The 27th Mile Post-Race Party and Runner Reunite area in Grant Park, open to spectators from 9:30am
• Live TV and radio coverage from 7 to 11am

Tips for going

• Use the CTA 'L' trains to move between viewing spots; streets on the course are closed.
• Download the free official app to track a runner and work out when they'll pass your spot.
• Organizers ask spectators not to hand food or drinks to runners, not to litter, and to use cowbells or clapping instead of confetti cannons.
• Spectators can't enter the start and finish areas, so plan to meet runners at the Runner Reunite area.

Questions people ask

Does it cost anything to watch?

No. Watching from the course is free.

Where does it start and finish?

Grant Park, downtown Chicago.

How do I get around on race day?

The organizers recommend the CTA rail system to follow runners along the course.

About Chicago

Chicago's Loop is the city's downtown, ringed by the 'L' tracks. Willis Tower dominates the skyline, and Cloud Gate, 'the Bean', reflects it all in Millennium Park.

Getting there: The 'L' circles the Loop. Quincy station (Brown, Orange, Pink and Purple lines) is a block from Willis Tower, and Washington/Wabash is closest to Millennium Park and the Bean.

More about Chicago and its 3D version →

Also in Chicago

Sources: www.chicagomarathon.com · www.chicagomarathon.com. Organizers change plans, so confirm before you go.