The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, first held in 1977, is celebrated for its fast course, which has been the stage for historic performances, including Kelvin Kiptum’s men’s world record of 2:00:35 in 2023 and Ruth Chepngetich’s women’s world record of 2:09:56 in 2024.

The race continues to grow, with around 50,000 finishers each year, making it one of the largest marathons in the world. On Sunday, October 11, 2026, runners from across the globe will once again take over Chicago’s streets, weaving through 29 diverse neighborhoods and creating an atmosphere unlike any other.

It’s set to be another unforgettable chapter in marathon history, and we can’t wait to be there!

Runna is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

We’re beyond excited to bring you the ultimate Runna marathon lead-up first-hand on the streets of Chicago! We have some exciting activations happening over race weekend and we would love to see you all there.

Join us at Eleven City Diner, 1112 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605 across race weekend:

Packing for race day is crucial. Not only is it important to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything vital, but also to get that pre-race buzz going. Here are some things to consider:

Wear your race-day outfit before you set off for the race in the morning. Chicago in mid-October brings cool autumn weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 7°C to 18°C (45°F to 65°F).

Conditions can be unpredictable, sometimes windy, occasionally rainy, so pack options that will keep you comfortable whatever the day brings.

Top Tip: pin your race number onto your kit the night before, to save any last-minute stress in the morning.

Pack any gels, chews, or snacks you’ve used in training. There are gels and hydration on the course too, but bring your own so you know you’re prepared. Remember: nothing new on race day!

It’s a good idea to bring an old jumper and maybe even a waterproof to the start line to keep warm and dry. Chicago mornings in October can be chilly, even if the forecast looks brighter later in the day.

Layer up wisely and discard warm clothing at the start line, knowing those items are collected by volunteers and donated.

Pack a warm top, spare socks, blister plasters, and a recovery snack for after the race. Use the clear plastic event bag provided for gear check, keep valuables like your wallet, phone, and jewelry out of it, and remember to collect your bag by 4:00 p.m. on race day (or later from the Hilton Chicago).

Charge your phone, watch, and headphones the night before. Download any necessary playlists which will get you through those tougher moments.

📍 Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, McCormick Place, North Building, Level 3 – Hall B1, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616

⏰ Thursday, October 8 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), Friday, October 9 (9 a.m.–6 p.m.), and Saturday, October 10 (9 a.m.–6 p.m.) 2026

The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is where all participants must collect their race bib and packet. There is no race-day pickup. Bring your Packet Pick-up Ticket email and a photo ID, and note that pickup is in person only, with no proxy collection allowed.

All attendees pass through a security screening on entry.

The expo features more than 160 exhibitors showcasing the latest in running gear, nutrition, and technology, making it the perfect place to get inspired and grab any last-minute essentials. Friday and Saturday are typically much busier, so plan your visit accordingly and allow plenty of time.

Please see more information from the official race organizers here.

During the week leading up to your race, keep it simple with familiar, high-carb foods like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes to keep energy up and your stomach happy. Carb-loading can help you feel fuelled without overdoing it.

Spread your carbs throughout the day and stick with foods you’ve enjoyed in training. Avoid anything too fatty, spicy, or new, it’s not the time for surprises! Stay well-hydrated and skip alcohol for a good night’s sleep. Rest, hydrate, and feel ready to hit the ground running.

We've got some more information on race week nutrition here.

Some runners find a short, easy run the day before helps shake out the legs and calm the nerves. If this has worked for you in the past, go for it! If not, consider some light foam rolling or stretching instead. Maybe a walk to keep those legs fresh could also be an option.

If you’d like company, join our Runna Shakeout Session on Saturday, October 10 (details at the top of this guide). It’s an easy 5K through the city to loosen up for the big day ahead.

Once you're packed, fuelled, and hydrated, consider adding a light mobility session to your bedtime routine. Stretching can help release any tension and prepare you for a restful sleep before race day.

Your start corral and wave are shown on your race materials and in communications from the organizers, so check these before race morning (see the start-line section below for wave times).

Make sure to get that alarm set, and we recommend finishing any preparation the night before. The morning will be for fuelling, traveling, and managing that excited and nervous energy.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon starts in Grant Park, along Columbus Drive near Buckingham Fountain. Grant Park opens to runners at 5:30 a.m., when gear check and the corrals also open.

The CTA trains and buses are your best bet. It’s fast, reliable, and scales up service on race day, with the Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines all stopping near the park.

Metra (day pass $7, weekend pass $10), the South Shore Line from Indiana, and a free Divvy bike valet at Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard are also good options. If you're staying downtown, walking directly to Grant Park is often the smoothest option of all.

Ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, and local taxis are available, but expect road closures and congestion. Drop-offs should be west of Michigan Avenue and south of Ida B. Wells Drive. Driving is not recommended, as parking is extremely limited. If you must drive, there is discounted parking at McCormick Place and the Millennium Garages, so book early.

Spectators cannot access the start or finish areas in Grant Park. Those zones are reserved for participants, staff, and credentialed guests. Instead, use the CTA and plan to meet your runner at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party.

To stay calm and collected, arrive early, leaving ample time for security screening, finding your corral, and enjoying the pre-race buzz.

👉 Please see more information from the official race organizers here.

The marathon starts in three waves, with staggered start times. Your assigned wave and corral are printed on your race materials, so check them in advance. Corrals close 15 minutes before each wave start, so give yourself time to get into position.

Professional and wheelchair athletes set off earlier in the morning, ahead of Wave 1.

There is a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes, which works out to a 15-minute-mile pace, timed from when the final wave starts. Runners who fall behind this pace may be asked to move to the sidewalks as the streets reopen to traffic.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of the city itself, carried by roaring crowds and powered by a course built for big performances.

Your adventure begins in Grant Park, where excitement fills the cool October air.

From there, you’ll head north through tree-lined Lincoln Park and the vibrant streets of Old Town, cheered on by spectators packed along every corner. Crossing over the Chicago River, the course takes you into the heart of downtown, where the skyscrapers of the Loop rise around you and the energy is electric.

The journey continues west through the buzzing neighborhoods of Greektown and Little Italy, before turning south toward the colorful celebrations of Pilsen and the dragon gates of Chinatown. Each community brings its own unique flavor of support, making all 29 neighborhoods an unforgettable part of your race.

As you push into the final miles, the roar of more than 1.7 million spectators builds, pulling you back toward Grant Park. And then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for, turning onto Columbus Drive, the finish line ahead, Buckingham Fountain behind you, and the realization that you’ve conquered 26.2 miles through one of the greatest running cities on Earth.

Along the way you’ll pass 20 aid stations, roughly one to two miles apart, with water, Gatorade Endurance Formula, and restrooms. Maurten gels are handed out around miles 12.4 and 18.1, bananas feature in the later stations, and Culligan water refill stations let you top up personal hydration gear.

This is Chicago. This is your marathon. Get ready for an experience like no other.

Check out the organizer’s website here for more information about the course, including a mapped route as well as details on toilets and aid stations.

You’ll have the opportunity to fully utilise the race day workout provided by Runna. Expect pacing alerts and audio cues similar to those during your training runs, helping you stay on track. Pacing can be tricky with the excitement of the start line.

To avoid going out too fast, practice your race-day routine during your shakeout run. Download your playlists, set up Runna for pace or RPE cues, and ensure your devices are fully charged.

With a flat course, we suggest starting off at a comfortable pace with the aim of a negative split if possible once you've hit that halfway mark. The support along the route is incredible, and you'll truly enjoy the experience! Try not to worry about what other runners are doing, focus on your race, and listen to the crowds who will be rooting for you the whole way round.

Here are a few more tips on marathon pacing for you!

With so many runners, GPS signals can sometimes be spotty. Stick to your usual method of recording your runs on Runna, and be prepared for a possible delay in uploading your race data. If you encounter issues, save your activity and refresh your app when you have a stronger signal or Wi-Fi.

With the tall buildings in Chicago, as well as the sheer volume of your fellow runners with their devices, you'll perhaps find potential issues with your GPS. Don't panic, trust your innate pacing from your experiences in training and let things settle during your run!

Check out more tips on how to troubleshoot common GPS issues here too!

After the Chicago Marathon, you can meet your friends and family at the 27th Mile Post-Race Party in Grant Park, located at Butler Field, which opens to spectators at 9:30 a.m.

This area is set up specifically to help runners reconnect with their loved ones and celebrate their achievements. You’ll also find live entertainment, food, and drinks, making it a lively spot to relax, recover, and soak in the post-race atmosphere.

You did it! You ran one of the world's most iconic marathons through the streets of Chicago. Now it’s time to celebrate, recover, and relive every moment with the community that’s been with you every step of the way.

Best of luck with your 2026 Chicago Marathon, and most importantly, have fun! You've got this!

Take in the sights and have the best time - we will be with you every step of the way.

Check out the video below for more of our coaches' top tips for race day!