Chicago Marathon 2025 – Qualification Standards for Start Corrals

Date of publication: August 2, 2025

Chicago Marathon 2025 – Qualification Standards for Start Corrals

The Chicago Marathon enjoys tremendous popularity among both the world’s elite and amateur runners. One of the key aspects of this event is the careful organization of start waves and the division into so-called corrals (starting zones). This helps improve running comfort, minimize congestion on the course, and give everyone the chance to achieve their best possible result and enjoy an unforgettable marathon experience.

In 2025, the organizers have published detailed qualification rules for each corral. The time standards apply to both the marathon and the half marathon distances – giving more people the opportunity to qualify for a better corral, even if they haven’t yet completed the full 42.195 km.

Below, you’ll find detailed tables with the minimum times used to assign start waves and corrals. Remember – the listed time is the maximum allowed result that must be achieved in an approved race to receive the corresponding corral.

2025 START CORRAL QUALIFYING STANDARDS – Chicago Marathon

Wave 1 & 2 – Based on official race results
Corral	Marathon (hh:mm:ss)	Half Marathon (hh:mm:ss)
Corral A	< 2:45:01	< 1:18:01
Corral B	2:45:01 – 2:53:00	1:18:01 – 1:23:00
Corral C	2:53:01 – 3:08:00	1:23:01 – 1:30:00
Corral D	3:08:01 – 3:20:00	1:30:01 – 1:35:00
Corral E	3:20:01 – 3:25:00	1:35:01 – 1:38:00
Corral F	3:25:01 – 3:40:00	1:38:01 – 1:45:00
Corral G	3:40:01 – 3:50:00	1:45:01 – 1:50:00
Corral H	3:50:01 – 4:00:00	1:50:01 – 1:55:00
Corral J	4:00:01 – 4:10:00	1:55:01 – 2:00:00
Wave 3 – Based on estimated pace per mile
Corral	Estimated Pace per Mile
Corral K	9:33 – 10:30
Corral L	10:30 – 11:04
Corral M	11:04 – 11:50
Corral N	11:50 – 14:53

How are start corrals assigned?

The final assignment to a corral depends on the results you submit from other official marathons or half marathons completed within the specific time frame provided by the 2025 Chicago Marathon organizers. The faster your time, the closer you will be placed to the start line, which significantly improves comfort and your chances of achieving your goal time. Remember, for the first two waves (Wave 1 and Wave 2), you must verify your result from an official race.

For runners who do not have the required certified time or anticipate a longer finish time, Wave 3—corrals K through N—has been prepared. Here, placement is based on your predicted finish time and declared pace.

Why is it worth aiming for a better start corral?

Starting closer to the elite allows you to avoid congestion, constant overtaking, and unnecessary weaving.
A better corral means greater mental comfort, less stress, and the chance to maintain the perfect pace right from the start.
Faster runners create inspiring pacemakers, making it easier to control your own pace.
Less time lost and better conditions to set your personal record!

Looking for more information and tips about the Chicago Marathon?

Check out the main Chicago Marathon category – there is everything you need to know about running in the Windy City! There you’ll find course analyses, practical preparation tips, and reports from previous editions. Join the WorldMarathoner community and plan your race to maximize your chances in Chicago!