START CORRALS

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon proudly stands out as a race that welcomes professional runners and debut marathoners alike. The wave and start corral process offers a more optimal race day experience for all participants.

• All participants are assigned to a start corral (High Performance, Corral A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M or N)
• Assignments are based on the start corral qualifying standards, the information submitted during the application process (qualifying and estimated finish times) and previous Bank of America Chicago Marathon results.
• Beginning Thursday, July 24, participants can view their preliminary start corral assignments through their participant account.
• Participants had the opportunity to request a Wave 1 or Wave 2 corral assignment from Thursday, July 24 through 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 12 by providing a qualifying time attained as of January 1, 2023, on a certified course, using the start corral change request form.
• Proof of a qualifying time may be submitted in the form of a direct link to an online results page. Qualifying times logged through fitness tracking apps will not be accepted. Qualifying times submitted through the start corral change request form must meet the standards of the start corral you are requesting. If your time does not meet the standard, you will not be placed in the next fastest start corral.
• The start corral change request form was available from Thursday, July 24 through 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 12. Please note that the High Performance Program has reached capacity. Requests for assignment to the High Performance Program corral are no longer being accepted.
• For placement in a Wave 3 corral, participants had the opportunity to submit their request using the start corral change request form. The request form was available from Thursday, July 24 through 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 12.
• Start corrals are assigned or re-assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Assignment to a specific start corral is based on availability and is not guaranteed.
• Beginning Thursday, August 21, participants can view their final start corral assignments through their participant account.

View the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Start corral qualifying standards (.pdf)

View frequently asked questions about the start corral process.

FAQs

What are start corrals?
Start corrals are designated start areas designed to facilitate a more efficient and convenient race start for all runners. Wave 1 and Wave 2 start corrals are assigned based on a participant’s accepted qualifying time. Wave 3 start corrals are assigned based on a runner’s expected finish time.

How do I know my start corral assignment?
Beginning Thursday, July 24, you can view your preliminary start corral assignment through your participant account. You will also receive an email in advance of the race indicating your event bib number and final corral assignment.

How can I change my start corral assignment?
All corral change requests must be made using the start corral change request form. The request form was available from Thursday, July 24 through 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 12.

Can I submit a corral change request after the deadline to be considered?
No. You may submit a start corral change request from Thursday, July 24 through 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 12 via the start corral change request form. Requests following the Tuesday, August 12 deadline will not be considered.

What is considered acceptable proof of a qualifying time for a Wave 1 or Wave 2 corral?
Proof of a qualifying time may be submitted in the form of a direct link to an online results page. Qualifying times logged through fitness tracking apps will not be accepted. Results must be from a half marathon or marathon completed on or after January 1, 2023 and must meet the corral’s qualification standards.

Is proof of a qualifying time required for Wave 3 start corrals?
No. Wave 3 start corrals are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on a participant’s estimated finish time.

Are start corral assignments guaranteed?
Start corral assignments are not guaranteed. Corrals are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until they reach their respective capacities.

Will my start corral assignment impact my race start time?
Yes. Your race start time is based on your start corral assignment.

Can I switch from one start corral to another on race day?
No. All participants must start in their assigned start corral on race day.

I missed qualifying for a start corral by a few seconds. Will you make an exception?
No. Start corral qualifying standards are strictly adhered to.

Do I need to do anything if I am satisfied with my preliminary start corral assignment?
No. Your start corral assignment will not change if you did not submit a request on the start corral change request form.

When should I arrive to my start corral on race day?
We recommend that participants arrive in their corrals approximately 20 minutes before the close of the corral. Wave 1 start corrals close at 7:20 a.m. Wave 2 start corrals close at 7:45 a.m. Wave 3 start corrals close at 8:10 a.m.