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[ Wire ] · Dispatch · Oct 08

Chicago Marathon Time Limit: Cutoffs, Waves, and Rules

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has an official course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. Measured from when you cross the start line, the limit requires maintaining an approximate pace of 15 minutes per mile across the full 26.2-mile distance.

An official event vehicle follows the final starter at that 15-minute per mile pace to indicate to course officials and police when streets must reopen to vehicular traffic. Here is how Chicago measures the cutoff across start waves, what happens if you fall behind the pace vehicle, and how finish services work later in the afternoon.

How is the 6:30 time limit measured?

For general open-field participants, the official 6:30 requirement is calculated using your electronic timing device net time. Your personal clock begins only when your bib timing device crosses the starting mat, not when the opening air horn sounds.

Gun time (clock time) is used as the official time solely for professional athletes in the wheelchair and open divisions. For all other runners, net time from start line to finish line determines whether you receive an official recorded result. Net times that exceed 6 hours and 30 minutes may not be recognized or published in the official race standings.

Timing checkpoints record splits at the start line, at every 5K, at the halfway mark (13.1 miles), at Miles 20 through 25, at Mile 25.2, and at the finish line. Irregular or missing split times are reviewed by officials, and runners can appeal unofficial results within 14 days of race day.

What are the wave start times on race morning?

Because the cutoff is measured on net time, your available clock time depends on your assigned start wave. Start corrals and Grant Park open at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Official starts proceed as follows:

  • 7:20 a.m.: Men's Professional Wheelchair Start (corrals close 7:20 a.m.)
  • 7:21 a.m.: Women's Professional Wheelchair Start
  • 7:23 a.m.: Handcycle Start
  • 7:30 a.m.: Men's and Women's Professional Start
  • 7:32 a.m.: High Performance Program Start
  • 7:35 a.m.: Wave 1 Start (corrals close 7:20 a.m.)
  • 8:00 a.m.: Wave 2 Start (corrals close 7:45 a.m.)
  • 8:35 a.m.: Wave 3 Start (corrals close 8:10 a.m.)

The official end vehicle lines up directly behind the final starter in Wave 3, ensuring all participants have a full 6 hours and 30 minutes from crossing the start line before the sweep timeline closes behind them.

What happens if you fall behind the 15-minute pace?

Participants must maintain an approximate 15-minute per mile pace or faster. If you fall behind the pace vehicle:

  • Sidewalk transition: You will be required to move off the road onto the sidewalk as city streets reopen to regular traffic.
  • Reduced support: Runners outside the pace window will not receive full on-course support from aid stations or traffic safety personnel.
  • Runner transport: If you cannot continue, non-emergency Runner Transport vehicles are stationed at medical tents across all 20 on-course aid stations to return participants safely to Grant Park.

Event officials and traffic personnel monitor the route. Failure to follow instructions from safety marshals can result in disqualification.

What happens if you finish after 3:30 p.m.?

Runners who reach the finish line on Columbus Drive after 3:30 p.m. are redirected to an area immediately west of the finish line. In this designated zone, participants can still collect runner refreshments and their finisher medal.

Gear check bags for late finishers will either be available in this west finish area or transferred to the Hilton Chicago Grand Tradition Room (720 S. Michigan Avenue), open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday.

Spectators meeting runners who finish after 3:30 p.m. should go directly to 11th Street and Michigan Avenue rather than the 27th Mile Post-Race Party.

Review complete course logistics and set up alerts for upcoming application windows on our Chicago Marathon page.

Sources: Bank of America Chicago Marathon Rules & Safety, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Course Information, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Participant Information

Sources Bank of America Chicago Marathon