Windy City, meet your Windy City warriors The 2024? Chicago Marathon beckons, its blue line shimmering through fall foliage and cheering throngs. But claiming your place on that iconic asphalt takes more than just fire in your heart.
Fear not, fellow runners! This guide unlocks the secret door to entry, whether you’re a sub-3 rocket or a first-timer fuelled by grit and deep-dish dreams. Gear up, grab your virtual Gatorade, and let’s crack the code – Chicago awaits, one glorious stride at a time.
How To Qualify For Guaranteed Chicago Marathon Entry
- Meet the qualifying time standard for your age group and gender: Standards get stricter each year and are based on previous marathon finishes.
- Run a fast enough half marathon time: Chicago has time standards for half marathons that also grant entry.
- Use a legacy entry: Run the Chicago Marathon at least five times since 2000, and registration opens a week early.
- Volunteer at a previous year’s race: Volunteers who work multiple shifts over race weekend get priority registration access.
- Participate in Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) : CARA members get early entry registration privileges.
- Run for a charity: Fundraising a minimum amount for a partner charity secures you a spot.
- Enter the International Tour Group Program: Running groups earn entries by bringing large contingents of international runners.
- Qualify as an elite athlete – Elite runners with resumes demonstrating the ability to get VIP entries.
- Visit the Chicago Marathon website
- Click on Apply Button
- Select Non-Guaranteed Entry
- Complete application form
- Then submit your payment
Chicago Marathon Non-Guaranteed Entry
- Waitlist: If you are on the waitlist for the Chicago Marathon, your best bet is to be patient and hope spots open up. Check the race website and your email frequently for updates on waitlist spots. However, since the race is famous, the chances of getting off the waitlist could be higher.
- Other options: Sign up for other fall marathons as a backup if you still need to get off the Chicago waitlist. Some possibilities are the Detroit Free Press Marathon, Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Twin Cities Marathon, etc.
- Volunteer: Consider volunteering for the Chicago Marathon. Volunteers get guaranteed entry for the following year’s race. Look into volunteer opportunities and requirements on the race website.
- Run a different race: Since your Chicago entry is non-guaranteed, sign up for another fall marathon or race as your goal race for the season. Then, if you get off the Chicago waitlist, you can run both or choose one. Some other significant marathons are New York City, Berlin, Boston (must qualify), and the Marine Corps Marathon.
Chicago Marathon 2024 locations
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will occur.
- Start Line: The start line is on Columbus Drive in Grant Park. This is the traditional and iconic start location right by Buckingham Fountain.
- Finish Line: The finish line is on Columbus Drive adjacent to Grant Park in downtown Chicago. The finish line area stretches along Columbus from Balbo Drive to Roosevelt Road.
- Course Route: The 26.2-mile course winds through 29 Chicago neighborhoods. Some key areas it passes through include LaSalle Street, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown, McCormick Place, and Bronzeville.
- Aid Stations: Aid stations with water and Gatorade are located approximately every 1-2 miles along the course route. Medical services will also be available at various points.
- Gear Check: There are two gear check locations – one at the start line and one at the finish line. You can check a bag with belongings you need pre or post-race.
- Spectating: Popular spectating spots include Old Town at mile 13, Chinatown along Wentworth Ave, and the finish line area in Grant Park. To ensure a decent view, arrive early.
- Post-Race Party: The 27th Mile Post-Race Party is near the finish line in Grant Park. It includes food, medical services, gear check, and live music.
Here is the start time information for the different waves of runners at the 2024 Chicago Marathon formatted in a table:
| Wave | Start Time |
| Wheelchair | 7:20am |
| Handcycle | 7:21am |
| Elite Men | 7:30am |
| Elite Women | 7:31am |
| Wave 1 | 8:00am |
| Wave 2 | 8:35am |
| Wave 3 | 9:05am |
| Wave 4 | 9:20am |
| Wave 5 | 9:40am |
| Wave 6 | 10:00am |
| Wave 7 | 10:22am |
Chicago Marathon Schedule 2024
Here is the Chicago Marathon 2024 schedule with dates, events, and locations:
| Date | Event | Location |
| Thursday, October 10 | Packet Pickup | McCormick Place |
| Friday, October 11 | Packet Pickup | McCormick Place |
| Friday, October 11 | Abbott Health & Fitness Expo | McCormick Place |
| Saturday, October 12 | Packet Pickup | McCormick Place |
| Saturday, October 12 | Abbott Health & Fitness Expo | McCormick Place |
| Sunday, October 13 | Athlete Village Opens | Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Wheelchair Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Elite Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Wave 1 Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Wave 2 Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Wave 3 Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Wave 4 Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Wave 5 Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Wave 6 Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | Wave 7 Start | Columbus Dr, Grant Park |
| Sunday, October 13 | 27th Mile Post-Race Party | Grant Park |
Chicago Marathon Qualifying Times 2024
Here are the Chicago Marathon 2024 qualifying times organized by age group and gender in a table format:
| Age Group (Men) | Qualifying Time | Age Group (Women) | Qualifying Time |
| 16-19 | 3:05:00 | 16-19 | 3:35:00 |
| 20-29 | 3:10:00 | 20-29 | 3:40:00 |
| 30-39 | 3:20:00 | 30-39 | 3:50:00 |
| 40-49 | 3:35:00 | 40-49 | 4:20:00 |
| 50-59 | 4:00:00 | 50-59 | 5:00:00 |
| 60-69 | 4:30:00 | 60-69 | 5:55:00 |
| 70-79 | 5:25:00 | 70-79 | 6:10:00 |
| 80 & Over | 5:25:00 | 80 + | 6:10:00 |
Chicago Marathon Winners Men’s Winners And Women’s Winners
Men’s Winners
Year |
Winner |
Country |
Time |
| 2011 | Moses Mosop | Kenya | 2:05:37 |
| 2012 | Tsegaye Kebede | Ethiopia | 2:04:38 |
| 2013 | Dennis Kimetto | Kenya | 2:03:45 |
| 2014 | Eliud Kipchoge | Kenya | 2:04:11 |
| 2015 | Dickson Chumba | Kenya | 2:09:25 |
| 2016 | Abel Kirui | Kenya | 2:11:23 |
| 2017 | Galen Rupp | United States | 2:09:20 |
| 2018 | Mo Farah | United Kingdom | 2:05:11 |
| 2019 | Lawrence Cherono | Kenya | 2:05:45 |
| 2021 | Seifu Tura | Ethiopia | 2:06:12 |
| 2022 | Benson Kipruto | Kenya | 2:04:24 |
| 2023 | Kelvin Kiptum | Kenya | 2:00:35 WR |
Women’s Winners
| Year | Winner | Country | Time |
| 2011 | Ejegayehu Dibaba | Ethiopia | 2:22:09 |
| 2012 | Atsede Baysa | Ethiopia | 2:22:03 |
| 2013 | Rita Jeptoo | Kenya | 2:19:57 |
| 2014 | Mare Dibaba | Ethiopia | 2:25:37 |
| 2015 | Florence Kiplagat | Kenya | 2:23:33 |
| 2016 | Florence Kiplagat | Kenya | 2:21:32 |
| 2017 | Tirunesh Dibaba | Ethiopia | 2:18:31 |
| 2018 | Brigid Kosgei | Kenya | 2:18:35 |
| 2019 | Brigid Kosgei | Kenya | 2:14:04 WR |
| 2021 | Ruth Chepngetich | Kenya | 2:22:31 |
| 2022 | Ruth Chepngetich | Kenya | 2:14:18 |
| 2023 | Sifan Hassan | Netherlands | 2:13:44 |
What Is The Cash Prize Money For The Top Finishers Of The Bank Of America Chicago Marathon?
Many are curious about the prize money awarded to the top finishers in one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, now that the event is officially in the books.
Prize money is awarded to the top ten finishers in the wheelchair money division and the top five finishers in the open division overall.
With a total of $460,000 in prize money for the open division ($230,000 for men and $230,000 for women), the breakdown is as follows:
- 5th Place: $25,000
- 4th Place: $30,000
- 3rd Place: $45,000
- 2nd Place: $55,000
- 1st Place: $75,000
There were ten prize winners in the wheelchair class, one for each gender, sharing a total of $150,500 in prize money ($75,250 for men and $75,250 for women). The distribution of prize money is as follows:
- 10th Place: $750
- 9th Place: $1,000
- 8th Place: $1,500
- 7th Place: $2,000
- 6th Place: $3,000
- 5th Place: $5,000
- 4th Place: $7,000
- 3rd Place: $12,000
- 2nd Place: $18,000
- 1st Place: $25,000
FAQ’s
How To Get Into .Chicago Marathon 2024?
Sprinters can be ensured a spot by running a passing time in light of their age. Competitors who have run five Chicago Long distance races in the beyond 10 years are additionally qualified. What’s more, sprinters who finished the Shamrock Mix, Chicago 13.1, and Chicago Long distance race this year can apply for ensured passage
How to run the Chicago Marathon without qualifying?
You can gain entry through charity programs, which require fundraising a certain amount for a designated charity in exchange for a bib. Also, the non-competitive Experience Runners program offers limited charity-style bibs.
How many people apply for the Chicago Marathon?
Approximately 45,000 runners apply for around 45,000 spots each year, making Chicago one of the most popular and competitive marathons.
How fast do you have to finish the Chicago Marathon?
The official course limit is 6 hours 30 minutes. After that time, runners may be asked to board the course buses to exit. Most finishers complete within 4-5 hours.
How many people finish the Chicago Marathon?
In recent years, around 35,000-40,000 runners successfully cross the finish line before the course closes at 6 hours 30 minutes. The number of finishers is affected by weather and conditions.
Are participants required to pick up their race materials in person?
All participants must pick up their race packet and bib number in person at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during scheduled packet pick-up hours. Packets cannot be mailed.
Does the Bank of America Chicago Marathon have a recommended training plan?
Yes, the Chicago Marathon offers free training plans on its website ranging from 16 weeks to 20 weeks for various skill levels and time goals. The plans provide weekly mileage, workouts, and tips.
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