Chicago Marathon 2026 — How to Get a Race Bib Through the Lottery
Registration for the 48th edition of the Chicago Marathon will open on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. U.S. Central Time. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.. The race will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Lottery — non-guaranteed registration
Runners who do not qualify for a guaranteed entry can apply through the lottery. Simply fill out the application form during the registration window — on the official Chicago Marathon website. After the window closes, organizers will randomly select entries from all applications.
- Duplicate applications are removed — submitting more than once does not increase your chances.
- Lottery results will be sent via email on December 11, 2025.
- Selected applicants will be automatically charged the entry fee.
- Those not selected may still register through official charities or tour operators.
Guaranteed entry — available paths
The Chicago Marathon offers several ways to secure a guaranteed race bib. All require submitting an application during the same registration period.
Time qualification
You can secure a guaranteed spot by submitting a marathon result completed after January 1, 2024 that meets the qualifying time standards. The result must come from a race certified by USATF, World Athletics, or a similar governing body.
- Only full marathons are accepted.
- The result must match the division (men, women, non-binary).
- Age is calculated as of race day — October 11, 2026.
Check the qualifying times on WorldMarathoner.com
Legacy finishers
Runners who have completed the Chicago Marathon at least five times between 2015 and 2025 may use this path. The virtual edition from 2020 is not counted. Incomplete races are also excluded.
Deferral from 2025
If you canceled your 2025 entry according to the official policy, you may apply for a spot in 2026. A new application and payment are required.
Entry Fee
The entry fee helps cover the costs of organizing the event and supporting all participants. In 2026, two entry fee levels were introduced:
- U.S. residents (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories): $250 USD
- Non-U.S. residents: $260 USD
Applicants must provide valid credit card details during registration. The fee is charged automatically once the application is approved or selected via the lottery.
Please ensure your card’s expiration date is December 2025 or later.
Related posts about the Chicago Marathon
If you want to see how results looked last year, check out our post with the full time tables and category breakdown:
If you’re interested in course details, you’ll find them here:
Chicago Marathon 2025 – Course Guide
Summary
Registration for the Chicago Marathon 2026 runs from October 21 to November 18, 2025. You can apply through the lottery or use one of the guaranteed entry paths. All applications are reviewed, and decisions are sent via email. Be sure to note the dates and prepare your documents in advance.
Source: Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
