Arts & Entertainment
Feeling Inspired After Sunday’s Chicago Marathon? Here’s How to Participate Next Year, Plus Other 2025 Races
The start of the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12, 2025. ( Bank of America Chicago Marathon / Kevin Morris
With more than 54,000 runners taking part Sunday, the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon set a new participation record in the event’s 47-year history.
Chances are you came across the marathon as a spectator cheering on runners, a frustrated driver battling road closures or as a witness to a co-worker’s finisher medal in the office.
If any of those encounters piqued your interest in running next year’s 26.2-mile race on Oct. 11, 2026, here’s how you can sign up:
Entry Drawing Application: Colloquially referred to as “the lottery,” people can submit a non-guaranteed application on the event’s website between Oct. 21-Nov. 18. Applicants will be notified via email Dec. 11 whether or not they were accepted into next year’s race. According to the event’s website, submitting multiple applications will not increase chances of being accepted into the race.
Time-Qualifier: For guaranteed race entry, runners can submit documentation of a time-qualifying marathon they’ve completed on or after Jan. 1, 2024, to the event’s website. Qualifying time standards are based on age and gender. Online submissions are accepted between Oct. 22-Nov.18.
Charity: Another way to guarantee a spot in next year’s race is by fundraising for a charity. Each program has its own fundraising requirements, but participants should expect to raise no less than $2,200. Visit the event’s Charity Index for a list of participating organizations offering marathon entries, which are available on a first-come first-served basis until Sept. 15, 2026 or when the charity has reached its capacity.
Bank of America Chicago Distance Series: And for those who like to plan ahead, participants can earn a guaranteed spot in the 2027 Chicago Marathon by running Bank of America’s three Chicago-area races in 2026: the Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, the Chicago 13.1 and, of course, the Chicago Marathon.
Other methods: The event’s website details other ways to guarantee a spot in future races, including becoming a legacy finisher (completing the Chicago Marathon five or more times since 2015), travelling and running with a tour operator or by volunteering for Bank of America’s Chicago races.
Other Chicago races taking place in 2025: Whether or not a marathon is on the horizon for Chicago-area runners, there are plenty of race events happening across the state and region to support your goals or just have a good time. Here are some Chicago races happening in 2025 to help keep the post-Chicago Marathon spirit and energy running high.
Rosehill Cemetery ‘Crypt’ 5K Run & Walk 2025: Back for its 12th year, the 5K run and walk event dares participants to run in the dark inside Chicago’s largest cemetery. The event’s website said runners should expect to run past some of Rosehill’s eternal residents, including 10 Chicago mayors, Oscar Mayer, John G. Shedd and legendary Cubs announcer Jack Brickhouse. | Oct. 18, Rosehill Cemetery
Polish Independence 10K/5K Run/Walk: The annual race celebrates the country’s return as an independent country on Nov. 11, 1918. The course takes participants along the lakefront for picturesque views of the city. Expect a party with Polish music at the race’s start and finish area with a sampling of Polish food and vodka. Race registration includes a medal, T-shirt and sandwich. | Oct. 26, Montrose Harbor
UNO’s La Carrera de los Muertos/Race of the Dead: As the name suggests, this 5K racing event takes place on the first day of the holiday known as Day of the Dead, when friends and family honor deceased loved ones. Expect costumes, entertainment and food, all while taking in the colorful murals adorning Pilsen’s buildings. The event’s website said proceeds will help support programs like GirlsMpowered and RunHer. | Nov. 1, Pilsen
2025 Jingle Bell Run: For runners looking to celebrate the holiday season, this 5K race encourages participants to come dressed in costumes or ugly Christmas sweaters. The event is put on by the Arthritis Foundation and all proceeds support the charity. | Dec. 13, Chicago History Museum
New Year’s Eve 5K: This annual race takes place Dec. 31 along the lakefront to inspire runners to continue the sport into the New Year. Expect a daytime pre-party to those night-time celebrations, as all runners receive a complimentary drink and champagne toast upon crossing the finish line. | Dec. 31, Theater On The Lake (2401 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive)
