Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon stands as a premier event in global road racing, recognized as one of the seven World Marathon Majors and consistently ranking among the largest marathons by number of finishers. The race attracts 50,000 runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators, offering a flat, fast course that winds through 29 diverse Chicago neighborhoods. The low elevation profile and highly organized logistics make it an ideal setting for athletes targeting personal bests or even world records. The course starts and finishes in Grant Park, passing iconic city landmarks such as the Loop, Chinatown, and Lincoln Park, with views of professional stadiums and the city skyline providing a dynamic backdrop. Honored with a World Athletics Heritage Plaque, the Chicago Marathon boasts a legacy that stretches from its 1905 beginnings to today’s elite competition fields and significant charity fundraising efforts.