Running News Daily

Applications for the 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon are officially open, giving runners from around the world an opportunity to secure a place in one of the most prestigious races on the global road-running calendar. However, aspiring participants will have less than three weeks to enter the general lottery before applications close on October 29.

The 49th edition of the celebrated marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 10, 2027, when thousands of athletes will take to the streets of Chicago for one of the sport’s biggest annual running events.

For the majority of runners, the non-guaranteed entry lottery remains the primary route to securing a coveted race bib. Applicants will have to wait until December 8, when the results are scheduled to be communicated by email. Those fortunate enough to be selected will then need to complete their payments within the designated mid-December deadline to confirm their participation.

The entry fee is set at $250 for United States residents and $260 for international applicants, with an additional processing fee. Importantly, runners who enter through the lottery will only be charged if they are successful in securing a place.

Beyond the general lottery, Chicago offers alternative pathways for runners who meet specific eligibility requirements. Athletes who achieve the designated age-group qualifying standards may apply for guaranteed entry, provided their qualifying performances were recorded on certified courses between January 1, 2025, and October 29, 2026.

Another opportunity is available through the Chicago Distance Series. Runners who successfully complete all three designated races in the 2027 series will earn guaranteed entry into the 2028 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, offering an alternative for those planning their marathon journey beyond next year’s event.

As one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, Chicago continues to attract elite competitors, recreational runners and marathon enthusiasts seeking the experience of racing on one of the world’s most recognised marathon stages. Its reputation, fast course and electric atmosphere make securing entry a priority for thousands of hopeful participants each year.

With the application deadline approaching, runners hoping to be part of the 2027 edition should ensure they submit their lottery applications before October 29. Those pursuing guaranteed entry should also carefully review the official eligibility requirements and qualifying standards before applying.

For many, the journey to Chicago begins long before race day. With the lottery window now open, the first step towards the starting line is making sure the application is submitted on time.

The 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is set to become an even bigger stage for American distance running, with the race selected to host the 2027 USATF Marathon Championships on October 10, 2027.

The national championships will be contested directly within the Abbott World Marathon Major, giving American athletes the opportunity to fight for national titles while competing alongside one of the deepest international fields in marathon racing.

A dedicated championship field will feature 20 American men and 20 American women, creating two highly competitive national title races on the streets of Chicago. Chicago Event Management will serve as the local organizing committee, while USATF will announce the selection criteria and championship entry procedures at a later date.

The decision adds another major layer to what is already one of the world's most prestigious marathons.

More Spotlight For American Marathoners

One of the most significant elements of the announcement is the planned television coverage.

The Chicago Marathon will provide dedicated coverage of the USATF Championship races within the main broadcast, including additional cameras focused on the American men and women. This should give U.S. athletes considerably more visibility throughout the race, particularly when the international leaders begin to separate from the field.

The broadcast will be available on NBC in Chicago and Peacock nationally, bringing the championship battle to a much wider audience.

The national championship will also carry a prize purse of nearly $110,000, with prize money extending through 10th place in both the men's and women's competitions.

Chicago Expands High Performance Program

The 2027 event will also see Chicago expand its High Performance Program to 300 athletes, creating more opportunities for elite and sub-elite American marathoners to compete in a world-class environment while pursuing qualifying performances for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon.

For the wider marathon community, applications for the 2027 Chicago Marathon open at 8:00 a.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 8, 2026, and close at 2:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

With a World Marathon Major, a national championship, a substantial prize purse and a growing pathway toward the 2028 Olympic Trials all converging on the same 26.2-mile course, Chicago 2027 is shaping up to be a major date on the American marathon calendar.