Flat from start to finish
No real climbs, no late surprise hill at mile 20. You still have to respect the distance, but Chicago is about as straightforward as a marathon course gets.
Is Chicago a Boston Qualifier?
Short answer: yes. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a USATF certified, Boston qualifying course.
If you hit your Boston standard in Chicago, that time is eligible to use when you register for the Boston Marathon, as long as it falls inside Boston's qualifying window.
Big picture
Chicago is flat, fast, and crowded in a good way. It is one of the most popular places on the planet to chase a BQ, right alongside Berlin, CIM, and Houston.
Flat profileCool October startLarge BQ focused fieldCertified course
If you are new to Chicago and want a feel for the course itself, start with the course overview and weather history pages.
Why Chicago works for BQ attempts
Usually good BQ weather
Early October in Chicago often brings cool morning temps that sit in the BQ friendly range. You still need a little luck. Some years are warm or windy. Check the weather history if you want to see the range.
Crowds in all 29 neighborhoods
If you run better with people around you, Chicago is ideal. From the Loop to Pilsen to Chinatown, you are rarely alone. That makes it easier to hold pace once the race starts to bite.
Wide late race sections
The back half of the course uses wider streets, so you are not fighting through a narrow path in the last 10K. If you have the legs, the course lets you use them.
Deep pacing groups
There are plenty of runners targeting common BQ times. Even if you do not latch onto an official pace group, you will find pockets of runners on your goal pace.
Course knowledge is an edge
Knowing where GPS struggles, where the wind usually matters, and how the turns stack up lets you stay calm and keep your focus on the clock. That is the whole point of chi.run.
If you are specifically building a BQ plan around Chicago, pair this page with the sections on wind direction and GPS and pacing.
How Boston qualifying works with a Chicago result
A Chicago Marathon result counts as a Boston qualifier if you check three boxes.
The three rules
- Timing window
Your Chicago race has to fall inside Boston's official qualifying window for the year you want to run Boston. The window usually opens more than a year before race day and closes right before registration. - Hit your standard
Your official result has to meet or beat the Boston qualifying standard for your age group and gender as of Boston race day. - Register during the BAA window
When Boston registration opens, you submit your Chicago time as your qualifying race. Boston verifies it against the official Chicago results.
About the cutoff
There is often a gap between the posted standards and the times that actually get in. Boston may receive more qualifiers than spots, so they set a cutoff. That cutoff is how far under the standard you needed to be.
Some years the cutoff is basically zero. Other years you need to be several minutes under. If your goal is Boston, it is wise to aim to beat your standard by a comfortable margin, not just squeak under it.
Example timeline
Sample year, not official
For a spring Boston:
- Qualifying window opens sometime the previous year
- Chicago in October sits comfortably inside that window
- Boston registration usually opens in early September
- Cutoff and accepted times are announced after registration closes
Always double check dates and current rules on baa.org.
Boston qualifying standards
Boston sets qualifying times by age group and gender. Hitting these times in Chicago means you are eligible to apply. It does not guarantee entry, because of the possible cutoff mentioned above.
| Age Group | Men | Women / Non-Binary |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 35-39 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 40-44 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 45-49 | 3:15:00 | 3:45:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55-59 | 3:30:00 | 4:00:00 |
| 60-64 | 3:50:00 | 4:20:00 |
| 65-69 | 4:05:00 | 4:35:00 |
| 70-74 | 4:20:00 | 4:50:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:35:00 | 5:05:00 |
| 80+ | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
These numbers are an example set of standards. Boston can adjust them for future years. Always confirm the current chart on the official Boston Athletic Association site.
How to use a Chicago result to register for Boston
When registration opens, Boston's process is mostly plug and play if you already have your Chicago finish.
- Run and finish Chicago
Your time has to come from the official in person Chicago Marathon on the certified course. - Set up your BAA account
Create or log into your account at baa.org. - Enter your Chicago result
During registration you will select Chicago as your qualifying race and enter your bib and official finish time. - BAA verifies your time
Boston checks your submitted time against the official Chicago results. You do not need to upload screenshots or photos. - Wait for the cutoff and confirmation
After the registration window closes, Boston announces the cutoff and emails runners who got in.
Small detail that matters
Make sure your name and birthdate are consistent between your Chicago registration and your Boston account. If something does not match, it can slow down verification.
FAQ: Chicago and Boston qualifying
Does running Chicago automatically get me into Boston?
No. Chicago is a qualifier, not a golden ticket. You still have to meet the Boston standard for your age and gender, and you still have to survive the cutoff.
Are Chicago corral times the same as Boston standards?
No. Chicago uses its own corral system to seed you on race morning. Boston uses its own time chart to decide who is eligible to apply. Treat them as completely separate things.
Can I qualify using a Chicago virtual race?
No. Boston only counts in person races on certified courses. Virtual runs and time trials do not qualify.
How much under my standard should I aim for?
There is no magic number, but many BQ focused runners aim to be several minutes under their standard to protect against a tough cutoff year. If Boston is your A goal, build your pacing plan around that, not just squeaking by.
What if race day is too hot or windy for a real BQ shot?
Boston does not adjust standards based on weather. If Chicago sets up as a rough BQ day, you can still race smart, learn the course, and then pick a backup marathon later in the qualifying window to take another swing.
Official resources
Details change year to year. These pages are where the final word lives.
- Chicago Marathon: chicagomarathon.com
- Boston Marathon home page: baa.org
- Boston qualifying standards: Boston qualify info
Chicago first, Boston second. Get to the start line healthy, respect the course, and let the clock take care of itself.
Always confirm current Boston Marathon qualifying standards and registration rules at baa.org.