2026 Reference
These are the 2026 race day details. Start times, corral close times, and expo hours for 2027 haven't been announced yet, and I'll update this page when they are.
Get in for 2027: see every way to registerAn independent, unofficial guide. Not affiliated with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Last updated September 24, 2026. Official info: chicagomarathon.com
Short linkwww.chi.run/raceday
Key Times
| Wave | Corrals | Corral closes | Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | A, B, C, D, E | 7:20 a.m. | 7:35 a.m. |
| Wave 2 | F, G, H, J | 7:45 a.m. | 8:00 a.m. |
| Wave 3 | K, L, M, N | 8:10 a.m. | 8:35 a.m. |
- Miss your corral close and you start at the back of your assigned wave.
- It takes about 20 to 25 minutes for each full wave to cross the start line.
- Crosswalks inside Grant Park close at 7:30, 7:40, and 8:10 a.m.. Check the map for the one you need.
- Grant Park opens to spectators at 9:30 a.m.. The Post-Race Party area opens at 10:30 a.m..
- Course time limit: 6:30:59.
📱 Screenshot this. Cell service in Grant Park is rough on race morning.
Race Week
- Packet Pick-up tickets arrive by email on Wednesday, September 30. Check that your name, age, and gender are right. Fixes go to office@chicagomarathon.com.
- Expo: McCormick Place, North Building, Level 3, Hall B1.
- Thursday, Oct. 8: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 9: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 10: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Bring your ticket (phone or printed) and a photo ID. You have to pick up your own packet. Nobody can grab it for you.
- Deadline: 6 p.m. Saturday, October 10. No race day pickup and nothing gets mailed.
Race Morning Checklist
- Bib pinned to the front of your outer layer with 4 pins
- Don't fold, cut, or cover your bib, and don't pin it over a fuel belt or pack. The timing chip is on the back.
- Gear check tag on your clear bag (only the clear bag from the expo gets through security)
- Throwaway layers for the corral
- Your fuel, and a plan for the aid stations
- Your meet-up letter at Runner Reunite, agreed on before you leave
Grant Park Map
Map: Bank of America Chicago Marathon, 2026 site map dated 9/22/26. Subject to change.
- Enter through the gate printed on your bib.
- Gear check has three areas: Red, Blue, and Orange. Your tag tells you which one.
- Restrooms are north and south of Ida B. Wells Drive, north of Buckingham Fountain, and near the Wave 1 corrals. Urinal-only banks are near the Wave 1 corrals.
- You can leave your corral for the restroom as long as you're back before it closes.
On the Course
- 20 aid stations, about every 1 to 2 miles.
- Each one goes in this order: medical tent, restrooms, Gatorade Endurance (lemon-lime), PA announcer, then water.
- Water is last. If you want both, don't grab the first cup you see.
Official Links
Street closures and the official app are posted on chicagomarathon.com during race week.