Chicago Marathon 2026 Draws Record Applications as Lottery Results Announced
Unprecedented Interest in the 2026 Chicago Marathon
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has captured the imagination of runners worldwide, with more than 200,000 people applying for a chance to participate in the 2026 event. This extraordinary level of interest underscores the marathon’s status as one of the world’s premier running events, drawing both elite athletes and everyday runners seeking personal achievement.
Runners looking to race in the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon were notified of their status as the lottery drawing was held, with those waiting for the results set to be notified of their acceptance status via email. The drawing took place on December 12, 2025, marking a crucial moment for thousands of hopeful participants.
Race Details and Entry Options
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on October 11, 2026. With a third of the 55,000-person participant field expected to run and fundraise on behalf of an official charity, the event continues to blend athletic achievement with charitable giving.
For those who missed out on the lottery, opportunities remain available. Charity and tour operator entries are still available for the 2026 event but are filling quickly. Participants are required to raise no less than $2,200 (USD) when securing entry through the charity programme.
Building on Record-Breaking Fundraising
The 2026 marathon builds on remarkable momentum from the previous year. In 2025, participants raised a record $47.1 million for local, national and global nonprofits, smashing last year’s highest fundraising total by $11 million. This achievement demonstrates the marathon’s significant impact beyond athletics, creating meaningful change for communities through charitable contributions.
As runners prepare for October, the Chicago Marathon continues to represent the pinnacle of achievement in distance running whilst serving as a powerful vehicle for philanthropy and community engagement.