2026 Chicago Marathon Schedule, Start-Times, Date, Route Map, TV Channel, How to Watch Live Streams, Prize money.
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is just weeks away and will once again bring tens of thousands of runners to the city’s streets for the annual fall classic.
Here’s everything runners, spectators and city residents need to know about the 48th running of the event.
When is the 2026 Chicago Marathon?
The 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026. The race steps off just after 7 a.m.
Where does the Chicago Marathon start and finish?
GRANT PARK: The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world's most magnificent cities.
The course has produced four world records, several national records and countless personal bests.
Runners enjoy the support of 1.7 million spectators as they run through 29 neighborhoods.
Where is the route of the 2026 Chicago Marathon race course?
The race both starts and ends in Grant Park, taking runners through streets of Chicago's downtown between. See the full route below:
How many runners are expected to race in Chicago?
Marathon organizers said they are prepared for more than 50,000+ participants in this year's event in 2026.
Is there a time limit to finish the Chicago Marathon race?
YES: The Chicago marathon requires participants to complete the course time limit of 26.2 mile race distance in at least six hours and 30 minutes.
Those who finish outside of the time limit will not be recorded as official finishers and may not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel.
What is the schedule for 2025 Chicago Marathon weekend, start-times?
Thursday, October 8
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet pick-up
McCormick Place
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, October 9
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet pick-up
McCormick Place
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 10
Abbott Chicago 5K
Grant Park
7:30 a.m.
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo; Packet pick-up
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
What is the Chicago Marathon Race Day Schedule, Start-times?
Sunday, October 11
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Grant Park
Marathon Wheelchair Start (men): 7:20 a.m.
Marathon Wheelchair Start (women): 7:21 a.m.
Marathon Handcycle Start: 7:23 a.m.
Wave 1 Start (red): 7:30 a.m.
Wave 2 Start (blue): 8 a.m.
Wave 3 Start (orange): 8:35 a.m.
27th Mile Post-Race Party
Grant Park, Butler Field
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Runner Reunite
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
How can I watch the 2026 Chicago Marathon race live ON TV Channel?
NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will offer complete live TV coverage and live streaming of the 2026 Chicago Marathon in both English and Spanish.
The live television broadcasts will air from 7 – 11 a.m. CT and the live stream will be available at nbcchicago.com and telemundochicago.com.
Live broadcasts will also be available on the NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago apps, and on the stations’ Roku and Apple TV channels from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT.
A live finish line camera will stream from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the websites and apps.
How Much Prize Money do the Chicago Marathon Winners Take Home?
Overall, the top five finishers in the open division and the top ten finishers in the wheelchair money come away with prize money.
With a total of $560,000 in prize money for the open division ($280,000 for men and $280,000 for women), the breakdown is as follows:
Men’s and women’s elite races
1st: $100,000
2nd: $75,000
3rd: $50,000
4th: $30,000
5th: $25,000
Total: $560,000 ($280,000 for men and $280,000 for women)
Bonuses
Course record bonuses
Open division men course record - 2:00:35: $50,000
Open division women course record - 2:09:56: $50,000
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