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2023 Application
The application for guaranteed or non-guaranteed entry to the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon closed at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Thursday, November 17.
A limited number of guaranteed entry applications are still available through the charity program. Please continue reading for more information about the remaining guaranteed entry paths.
The 45th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Application for a non-guaranteed entry (drawing)
Individuals not eligible for a guaranteed entry can apply for a 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon entry through the non-guaranteed entry drawing application.
At the conclusion of the application window, names will be selected from the full pool of non-guaranteed entry applications. Submitting multiple applications will not increase your chances of receiving an entry. Prior to the drawing, the event will remove all duplicate applications.
Applicants will be notified via email of their entry status on Thursday, December 8. If an applicant receives an entry through the drawing, the entry fee is automatically processed.
Individuals who apply for, but do not receive an entry through the drawing, may still register by opting to run for select official charities or tour groups.
Guaranteed entry applications
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon offers several opportunities for individuals to access a guaranteed Chicago Marathon entry. To gain access to a guaranteed entry, applicants must agree to the terms of the entry or qualify for the entry.
All applications are reviewed and verified by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Upon completion of this process (which can take up to 10 business days), individuals are notified via email of their approval status. If the application is approved, the entry fee is automatically processed.
Open applications
- Charity Program
Individuals who are interested in running and fundraising on behalf of an official event charity can guarantee their spot in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Charity program entries are limited and available on a first-come first-served basis.
Each charity manages its own unique charity team, participant benefits and fundraising requirements. While fundraising requirements may vary from charity to charity, participants are required to raise no less than $1,250 (USD) if the entry is claimed during the application window (Tuesday, October 18 to Thursday, November 17) and $1,750 (USD) if the entry is claimed following the application window (Friday, November 18, 2022 to Thursday, September 14, 2023).
Only charities that are part of the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program have access to guaranteed entries.
If you are interested in running for charity you should contact the charity of your choice via the Charity Index.
- International Tour Group
If you are interested in traveling and running with an international tour group, you can guarantee your spot in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
- Each tour partner manages its own unique tour.
- Tour partners typically offer participants a package that includes cost of entry, air travel, hotel, etc. and vary between tour operators.
- Only tour operators that are part of the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon International Tour Program have access to guaranteed entries.
- Not all countries have approved Chicago Marathon tour partners.
- If you are interested in joining an international tour group, please contact a tour operator servicing your country of residence via the ITP Index.
Please note, this application will remain open through Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
Closed applications
- 2020 Deferred entries
If you successfully completed the process to defer your 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon place and entry fee to a future event (2021, 2022 or 2023) in response to the cancellation of the 2020 Chicago Marathon and did not claim your entry for the 2021 or 2022 event you can guarantee your spot in the 2023 event. Eligible individuals will receive an email with instructions on how to access their entry.
This application closed at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Thursday, November 17.
Eligible individuals will forfeit their 2020 place and entry fee if their deferred entry is not claimed by November 17.
- 2022 Cancelled entry
If you successfully completed the process to cancel your 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon entry to 2023 through our standard event policy, you must submit a 2023 application to guarantee your spot in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Participants will be required to pay the entry fee again. Eligible individuals will receive an email with instructions on how to access their entry.
This application closed at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Thursday, November 17.
- Time qualifier
If you meet the marathon qualifying standards outlined below you can guarantee your spot in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a time qualifier.
Age group Men Women Non-binary 16 – 29 3:05:00 3:35:00 3:35:00 30 – 39 3:10:00 3:40:00 3:40:00 40 – 49 3:20:00 3:50:00 3:50:00 50 – 59 3:35:00 4:20:00 4:20:00 60 – 69 4:00:00 5:00:00 5:00:00 70 – 79 4:30:00 5:55:00 5:55:00 80 and over 5:25:00 6:10:00 6:10:00 - Applicants must submit results records for a marathon completed during the qualifying window (January 1, 2021 to November 17, 2022). The results documentation must include a finish time completed within the qualifying time standards and division (men, women or non-binary).
- Documentation submitted outside of the qualifying standards will not be considered.
- Finish times at race distances other than a marathon, such as a half marathon or 50K, for example, will not be considered.
- A verifiable time is one run on a certified course, those certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics or a similar governing association; considerations will not be made for non-certified races, weather or course conditions.
- The standards introduced for non-binary applicants are inclusive of the qualifying times for the two previously existing divisions. Applicants can expect standards to adjust in the coming years as data becomes available to help inform future qualifying times. Discussions with non-binary athletes are ongoing, with the goal of creating more inclusive event experiences.
This application closed at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Thursday, November 17.
- Legacy finisher
If you have finished the Bank of America Chicago Marathon five or more times within the last 10 years you can guarantee your spot in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a legacy finisher.
- Chicago Marathon finishes prior to 2012 will not be considered.
- 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon registered participants will be considered a 2020 finisher for this legacy application path.
- 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience finishes will not be considered.
- Years (2012-2019, 2021 and 2022) in which someone signed up for, but did not finish the Chicago Marathon, will not be considered.
- Finishes at marathons other than the Chicago Marathon will not be considered.
This application closed at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Thursday, November 17.
- Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Legacy
If you have finished the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K four or more times since 2008 and have signed up for the 2023 Shamrock Shuffle, you can guarantee your spot in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
- You must have finished the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K four or more times since 2008.
- 2020 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K registered participants will be considered a 2020 finisher for this legacy application path.
- 2021 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle virtual 8K participants will be considered a 2021 finisher for this legacy application path.
- You must be signed up for the 2023 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K to be eligible for a guaranteed entry into the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
- Learn more about the 2023 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K at shamrockshuffle.com.
- This opportunity is limited to the first 1,000 individuals who apply and qualify based on the standards above.
- The 2023 event marks the final year for this guaranteed entry path. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon Distance Series guaranteed entry path will be established in its place for the 2024 event. Learn more about the Chicago Distance Series.
This application closed at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Thursday, November 17.
- American Development Program
If you meet the qualifying standards outlined below you can guarantee your spot in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon through the American Development Program.
Qualifying standards Half marathon Marathon Men sub 1:11:00 sub 2:35:00 Women sub 1:22:00 sub 3:00:00 Non-binary sub 1:22:00 sub 3:00:00 Masters – Men sub 1:15:00 sub 2:43:00 Masters – Women sub 1:26:00 sub 3:08:00 Masters – Non-binary sub 1:26:00 sub 3:08:00 - Finish times outside of the qualifying standards will not be considered.
- Times run prior to January 1, 2021 will not be considered.
- Finish times at race distances other than a half marathon or marathon will not be considered.
- A verifiable time is one run on a certified course, those certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics or a similar governing association; considerations will not be made for non-certified races, weather, or course conditions.
- Proof of finish time meeting the standards must be submitted on the application.
- Applicants must submit results records for a half marathon or marathon completed on or after January 1, 2021. The results documentation must include a finish time completed within the qualifying time standards and division (men, women or non-binary).
- Please note that while this program is geared toward American athletes, non-U.S. citizens who meet the qualifying standards will be accepted into the American Development Program.
- Masters athletes are those that will be age 40 and over on October 8, 2023.
American Development Program high performance application
Athletes meeting the high performance standards below will qualify for a complimentary entry.
High performance Standards Half marathon Marathon Men sub 1:07:00 sub 2:23:00 Women sub 1:16:00 sub 2:43:00 Non-binary sub 1:16:00 sub 2:43:00 Masters – Men sub 1:11:00 sub 2:32:00 Masters – Women sub 1:21:00 sub 2:52:00 Masters – Non-binary sub 1:21:00 sub 2:52:00 - Finish times outside of the high performance qualifying standards will not be considered
- Times run prior to October 1, 2021 will not be considered
- Finish times at race distances other than a half marathon or marathon will not be considered
- A verifiable time is one run on a certified course, those certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics or a similar governing association; considerations will not be made for non-certified races, weather, or course conditions
- Proof of finish time meeting the standards must be submitted on the application.
- Applicants must submit results records for a half marathon or marathon completed on or after October 1, 2021. The results documentation must include a finish time completed within the qualifying time standards and division (men, women or non-binary).
- Please note that while this program is geared toward American athletes, non-U.S. citizens who meet the qualifying standards will be accepted into the American Development Program
- Masters athletes are age 40 and over. Masters athletes applying for a high performance entry must have achieved the qualifying time as a masters athlete.
This application reached capacity at 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Friday, November 18.
All applications require submission of a credit card number. Applications are reviewed and verified by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Upon completion of this process (which can take up to 10 business days), individuals are notified via email of their approval status. If an application for the American Development Program is approved, the entry fee is automatically processed. If an American Development Program high performance application is approved, no entry fee will be processed.
Questions? Email americandevelopment@chicagomarathon.com
Para Athletics Program
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon strives to provide accessibility for all athletes through our Para Athletics Program. Learn more about the Para Athletics Program.
Cancellation (by you or by us)
Learn more about the options available to 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon registered participants if they choose not to participate or in the case of an event cancellation.
Entry fee*
The entry fee reflects the cost and the resources required to stage a world-class marathon. Every dollar that is collected through registration is invested back into the event to help cover these expenses and to enhance the overall participant experience.
- U.S. residents (those who live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories): $230 (USD)
- Non-U.S. residents: $240 (USD)
Applicants must provide credit card information as a part of the application process. The entry fee is processed automatically when an application is approved or selected through the drawing.
When completing the application please use a credit card that has an expiration date of December 2022 or later.
*A processing fee is applied to all entry fees.
Event requirements
- Participants must be 16 years or older on race day.
- Participants 16-17 years of age must have permission from their parent or legal guardian permitting them to participate in the race. This permission is required during the application process.
- The Bank of America Chicago Marathon requires that participants be able to complete the 26.2-mile distance in six hours and 30 minutes (6:30:59). The marathon course will reopen for public use on a rolling schedule based on this time limit.
- The sale and/or transfer of race entries/bib numbers is strictly prohibited.
- All registration fees and ancillary purchases are nonrefundable.
- All participants are required to pick up their own participant packet (bib number and timing device) at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during the scheduled hours of operation.
- All participants are required to show a government-issued photo ID that reflects the name they registered under upon picking up their own participant packet.
- All participants acknowledge the inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists and is beyond the control of Event Organizers. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and those with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
- All participants must be familiar with and abide by the event rules.
If you have questions about registration, please email the Bank of America Chicago Marathon office at office@chicagomarathon.com.
