Sports
Chicago Marathon Weekend Is Here. Here’s Some of What Runners and Spectators Can Expect
(Kevin Morris / Bank of America Chicago Marathon)
The 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon kicks off Sunday and organizers say they’re expecting more than 55,000 participants — the largest field in the race’s history.
Here are some details for runners, and non-runners, taking part in the 26.2-mile race.
What Makes the Chicago Marathon Unique?
The race is one of the eight Abbott World Marathon Majors and one of the three U.S.-based courses.
Known as a “flat and fast” course, the Chicago Marathon is welcoming runners from more than 100 countries and all 50 states this year, some of whom are chasing personal records or world records (more on that later).
Unlike some of the other world major marathons, the Chicago course begins and ends in the same spot, Grant Park.
The race is also one of the few to offer runners ages 21 and older a can of beer (Goose Island 312) at the finish line.
Storylines to Follow
Since winning the 2025 Chicago Marathon at 2:02:23, Ugandan long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo has gone on to finish third (2:00:28) in the 2026 London Marathon — known for its world-record performance by Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe, who became the first-ever marathoner to break two hours in the distance at 1:59:30.
With a flat and fast course, could Kiplimo set a new record at this year’s Chicago Marathon?
Fans of the sport might also be excited to see professional runner Sharon Lokedi take on the Chicago Marathon for the first time. The Kenyan athlete is a two-time Boston Marathon champ and the 2022 New York City Marathon winner — two world majors known for their hilly courses.
Over the summer, American professional runner Clayton Young said he plans to chase after the American men’s record (2:04:43), which was set at the 2025 Chicago Marathon by his training partner Conner Mantz.
But since announcing his goals, Clayton revealed he’s been battling a hamstring tear. Despite the setback, Clayton told the Citius Mag podcast that he still plans to break the record.
Other professional runners vying for top American include Charles Hicks, who finished second in the 2026 Boston Marathon at 2:04:35, and Vinny Mauri, who had a 2:05:54 marathon debut at the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, Ohio, in April.
As for the non-pros, Cubs fans can keep their eyes peeled for former Cubbies Jake Arrieta and Anthony Rizzo, who’s running for his namesake charity foundation.
And while there’s no evidence Harry Styles is running the Chicago Marathon, some have speculated he’s working his way down the list of world majors after running the Tokyo Marathon in March 2025 and the Berlin Marathon in September 2025 — though chances the British pop star is running a marathon a day after a performance in New York City seems unlikely.
Participating? Tips to Keep In Mind
Whether runners are tackling the course for their first or 20th time, it can’t hurt to review how to make the most of race day.
Here are some tips from a WTTW News producer who ran the Chicago Marathon in 2022 and race veterans’ words of wisdom for first-timers.
What’s New This Year
On top of classic course amenities like water, Gatorade and fuel, organizers announced last month the addition of four water refill stations, located at miles 5.7, 10.1, 15.7 and 20.3.
“Sustainability has been one of our core focus areas for more than a decade, and the introduction of on-course refill stations represents an important next step,” Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski said in a statement.
Spectating
For those cheering on family, friends and co-workers, the Chicago Marathon offers live tracking through a free mobile app you can download from the App Store or Google Play.
As for best cheering spots, crowds pile up in the first and last few miles of the course, so we recommend the stretch between miles 17 and 23. That area tends to attract fewer spectators, right at the point where runners need encouragement the most. If you want to go the extra mile for participants, head to UIC/Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown and Bronzeville.
Interested? Here’s How to Participate Next Year
The three-week period to submit an application for the non-guaranteed entry drawing (colloquially referred to as “the lottery”) begins at 8 a.m. Thursday — earlier than years past. Those interested can submit an application on the race’s website until 2 p.m. Oct. 29.
Here are other ways you can sign up.
