Entry Fees

All entry fees are included in the cost of your Marathon package.

Qualifying Times

There are no qualifying times for this event, but you MUST be at least 18 years old to compete.

Start Time

Wave 1 Start: 7:35 a.m.
Wave 2 Start: 8:00 a.m.
Wave 3 Start: 8:35 a.m.

Cut-Off Times

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. After this time, the course will re-open to vehicular traffic.

Participants must maintain a 15-minute per mile pace (approximately) or faster, completing the full marathon distance—start line to finish line—within the event time requirement.

Those who finish outside of the time limit may not be recorded as official finishers and will not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel.

Pace Setters

The Pace Team is comprised of marathon veterans who help others achieve their performance goals. The Pace Team will pace groups of runners according to the following finish times: 2:55, 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:40, 4:50, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45 and 6:00. 

Race Timing

Timing checkpoints are positioned at the start line, at each 5K, at the halfway point (13.1 miles) and at the finish line. Your MYLAPS ThinTag timing device will register split times at each of these checkpoints.

Digital clocks are positioned at the start line, every five kilometers the course and at the finish line to provide the elapsed race time. Kilometer markers are positioned at each 5K to assist you in locating the clocks. Signage will note each mile and kilometer marker on the course.

Digital clocks at the finish line will display the elapsed race time of each wave, with the elapsed race time beginning at the start of each wave. Your individual race time may differ depending on when you cross the official start line.

Your race results will be available after that start of the race here.

Race Packets

All participants are required to pick up their own participant packet (bib number and timing device) at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during the scheduled hours of operation.

All participants are required to show a government-issued photo ID that reflects the name they used to register upon picking up their own participant packet.

Bag Drop-Off Option

Do not store, hide or leave any personal items, backpacks, packages or clothes along or near the race course, including the start and finish line areas in Grant Park. Use designated Gear Check areas to check your personal belongings, or leave your personal items with a friend or family member.

Gear check opens at 5:30 a.m. if you choose to use this service. However, our hotel is close to the start and finish line, so most Adventure Time Travel runners don’t use this service.