FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (LIST)

• 2025 EVENT FAQs

  

  When is the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  The 47th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. 

  What are my options if I sign up and can’t participate?
  Registered participants will have the opportunity to cancel their entry and access a guaranteed entry for the next event. All event fees (entry, ancillary products, etc.) are non-refundable and will not be applied to future participation. Participants who select this option must complete the 2026 application process and pay the 2026 entry fee to redeem their guaranteed entry. Please note, this opportunity will not be available to participants who received a guaranteed entry through the charity or tour group applications, nor will it be available to those who cancelled their 2024 registration to 2025. 

  Individuals will also have the option to purchase refundable booking during the application process.  

  Learn more about the options available to registered participants if they choose not to participate.  

  Are participants required to pick-up their race materials in person?
  Yes. 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 registered under upon picking up their own participant packet. 

  Does the Bank of America Chicago Marathon have a recommended training plan? 
  Yes. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon offers an official 18-week training program developed by Nike coaches. The program is made to be adaptive and customized to fit in with your daily schedule and needs. For more information and to download the program, please visit the Training & nutrition page. 

  Does the event offer race day hospitality?
  The event offers a variety of race day hospitality options, including the Skyline Hospitality Tent, Pre-Race Participant Fast Track and the East Side Viewing Area. Hospitality products will be available for purchase in the Marathon Store starting on December 12, 2024. 

  When will future runnings of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon take place? 
  To create consistency and predictability for community members impacted by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the Chicago Marathon takes place on the second Sunday of October. View anticipated dates for future runnings of the Chicago Marathon. Please note that these dates are subject to change. 

• GENERAL APPLICATION FAQs

  

  What is the difference between a guaranteed entry and a non-guaranteed entry?
  A guaranteed entry ensures you a spot in the field for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, provided that you agree to the terms of that entry (Charity Program, International Tour Program) or that you qualify for that entry (Chicago Marathon Legacy Finisher, Time Qualifier, Bank of America Chicago Distance Series Finisher, 2024 Cancelled entry, High Performance Program or Para Athletics Program). 

  A non-guaranteed entry is subject to a selection through a drawing. 

  What are the application deadlines? 

  • Tuesday, October 22 at 10 a.m. (U.S. Central Time): Applications for the guaranteed and non-guaranteed entry paths open.  
  • Thursday, November 21 at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time): Guaranteed and non-guaranteed entry applications close. 
  • Thursday, December 12: Non-guaranteed entry applicants notified via email of their entry status throughout the day.  

  Learn more about the different application paths. 

  What is the entry fee for the 2025 race?
  The entry fee* reflects the cost and the resources required to stage a world-class marathon. Every dollar that is collected through registration is invested back into the event to help cover these expenses and to enhance the overall participant experience.  

  • U.S. residents (those who live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories): $245 (USD) 
  • Non-U.S. residents: $255 (USD) 

  Applicants must provide credit card information as a part of the application process. The entry fee is processed automatically when an application is approved or selected through the drawing. When completing the application please use a credit card that has an expiration date of December 2024 or later.

  *A processing fee is applied to all entry fees.  

  Why is a processing fee applied to the entry fee at the point of registration?
  The processing fee included at the point of registration is charged by the registration service for providing its software and services. This processing fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. 

  I identify as non-binary. Will I be able to select non-binary as a gender option when registering?
  Yes. The event introduced the opportunity for applicants to register as a non-binary participant during the 2022 application process. Discussions are ongoing with non-binary athletes to ensure we’re creating an inclusive event experience. We invite you to share your feedback with our team at office@chicagomarathon.com.  

  I’m hesitant to sign up just under a year before the 2025 event. Will there be opportunities to sign up closer to the event date?
  Individuals who are interested in signing up closer to the event may do so by running and fundraising on behalf of a charity. Each charity manages its own unique charity team, participant benefits and fundraising requirements. While fundraising requirements may vary from charity to charity, participants are required to raise no less than $1,500 (USD) if the entry is claimed during the application window (Tuesday, October 22 to Thursday, November 21) and $2,100 (USD) if the entry is claimed following the application window (Friday, November 22 to Monday, September 15, 2025). Charity program entries are available on a first-come first-served basis until Monday, September 15, 2025 or when the charity has reached its capacity, whichever comes first.  

  What happens if my friend or family member gets selected and I don’t?
  The person who did not receive an entry through the drawing has the opportunity to access a guaranteed entry by running with a charity in the event’s official Charity or International Tour Programs. 

• CHARITY AND TOUR APPLICATION FAQs

  

  What are the requirements of running for charity at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  Each charity manages its own unique charity team, participant benefits and fundraising requirements. While fundraising requirements may vary from charity to charity, participants are required to raise no less than $1,500 (USD) if the entry is claimed during the application window (Tuesday, October 22 to Thursday, November 21) and $2,100 (USD) if the entry is claimed following the application window (Friday, November 22 to Monday, September 15, 2025). Charity program entries are available on a first-come first-served basis until Monday, September 15, 2025 or when the charity has reached its capacity, whichever comes first. Those interested in participating for charity should directly contact the charity of their choice with any questions. 

  Note: Only charities that are part of the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program have access to guaranteed entries. Visit the Charity IndexOpens a Dialog for a complete list of official charity partners. 

  What are the requirements of joining an international tour group at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
  Each tour partner manages its own unique tour and requirements, such as cost of entry, air travel, hotel, etc. Please note, only tour operators that are part of the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon International Tour Program (ITP) have access to guaranteed entries and not all countries have approved Chicago Marathon tour partners. Those interested in joining an international tour group should directly contact the tour partner of their choice with any questions. More information on this application will be available soon. Please note, this application will remain open through Sunday, August 10, 2025. 

  I completed the charity or tour group application/registration and no longer want to run with a charity or tour group. What do I do? 
  Please contact your charity team or tour group coordinator directly for additional information.  

  I want to run for a charity but I don’t see them listed on the website?
  Only charities that are a part of our official Charity Program have access to guaranteed entries. Individuals selected through the drawing or those utilizing a guaranteed entry are welcome to run on behalf of any organization or cause. 

  I would like my charity or tour group to be a part of one of the event’s official programs. How can I get more information?
  For more information on the official Charity Program and International Tour Program email eventpartnerrelations@cemevent.com.