START CORRALS

CHICAGO IS YOUR START LINE IN

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hours

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staging at the start line

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.

START CORRAL INFORMATION

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 23, participants can view their preliminary start corral assignments through their Participant Account.
Participants requesting to move to a faster corral than their preliminarily assigned corral must provide a qualifying time attained as of January 1, 2025, on a certified course, using the start corral change request form. The deadline to submit the start corral change request form was 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 11.
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 23 through 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 11. Please note that the High Performance Program has reached capacity. Requests for assignment to the High Performance Program corral are no longer being accepted.
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 20, participants can view their final start corral assignments through their Participant Account.

QUALIFYING STANDARDS

View the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon start corral qualifying standards.

VIEW THE STANDARDS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 23, 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.

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.

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 23 through 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 11.

Can I submit a corral change request after the deadline to be considered?

No. The deadline to submit a start corral change request was 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 11. Requests following the Tuesday, August 11 deadline will not be considered.

What is considered acceptable proof of a qualifying time?

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, 2025 and must meet the corral’s qualification standards.

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.

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.

If I submitted an estimated finish time at the point of application or through my participant account, do I need to fill out the form?

You did not need to submit the start corral change request form if you did not want to change your corral assignment. The deadline to submit the start corral change request form was 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 11.

What are start corrals?

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.

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.