Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026 ballot: 200,000 applications
A record of more than 200,000 people applied for the 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon, up from 160,000 a year earlier, with selection emails sent on 11 December 2025.
What made 2026 notable
Demand for Chicago set another record. Chicago Event Management reported more than 200,000 applications for the 2026 race, up from the 160,000 that already stood as a record for 2025, the clearest signal yet that interest has outrun the roughly 55,000-place field. The lottery opened on 21 October 2025 and closed on 18 November, with selection emails going out in waves on 11 December. About a third of the field runs and fundraises for an official charity, which remains the most reliable backup once the drawing closes. The race itself is set for 11 October 2026; winners, finisher totals, and weather will follow on the day.
Applications over time
Time qualifier standards
View full age-group standards
| Age group | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2:50:00 | 3:20:00 |
| 35-39 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 40-44 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 45-49 | 3:10:00 | 3:40:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:15:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55-59 | 3:25:00 | 3:55:00 |
| 60-64 | 3:40:00 | 4:15:00 |
| 65-69 | 3:55:00 | 4:30:00 |
| 70-74 | 4:15:00 | 4:45:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:30:00 | 5:00:00 |
| 80-84 | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
| 85-89 | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
| 90+ | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
Questions about the 2026 ballot
How many people applied to the 2026 Chicago Marathon ballot?
More than 200,000, a new event record, up from the 160,000 reported for the 2025 lottery.
What were the 2026 Chicago Marathon ballot dates?
The lottery opened on 21 October 2025 and closed on 18 November 2025. Selection notifications were emailed on 11 December 2025.
What is the 2026 Chicago Marathon acceptance rate?
Chicago does not publish a single official drawing acceptance rate. With more than 200,000 applicants for a field of roughly 55,000, charity entry remains the realistic backup.
When is the 2026 Chicago Marathon?
Sunday, 11 October 2026. Race-day results are not yet available.