Chicago Marathon 2026 Medal

The 48th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The start line is located in Grant Park at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Drive, right in the heart of the city, where runners begin their journey through Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Course Time Limit

The course time limit for the Chicago Marathon is 6 hours and 30 minutes. After this time, streets gradually reopen to traffic, and runners finishing beyond the limit may not appear in the official results and may not receive full on-course support.

Chicago Distance Series

The Bank of America Chicago Distance Series brings together three major Chicago races: the Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1, and the Chicago Marathon. Athletes who complete all three events in 2026 earn an exclusive series medal and a guaranteed entry into the 2027 Chicago Marathon.

Chicago Marathon 2026 Medal

The front of the medal features the Chicago skyline with its distinctive high-rise silhouette and a star inspired by the city flag. The design is completed with the race name, date, and a reference to the 29 neighborhoods that make up the full marathon course.

The reverse side lists all 29 Chicago neighborhoods along the route, including Streeterville, Magnificent Mile, The Loop, Lincoln Park, Bridgeport, Bronzeville, and many more. This makes the medal a symbolic map of the city, highlighting the diversity of areas runners pass on their way to the finish line. The ribbon, featuring red accents, complements the event’s visual identity.