In short
Chicago Marathon 2027: lottery entries are accepted from Thursday, October 8, 2026 to Thursday, October 29, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m., Chicago time. Results are expected on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Race date: October 10, 2027 ✓ date confirmed, start at 7:35 a.m., Chicago time.
What are the 2027 lottery dates?
- Today
- Oct. 8, 2026 Lottery opens8:00 a.m., Chicago time
- Oct. 29, 2026 Lottery entries close
- Dec. 8, 2026 Lottery results
- October 10, 2027 Race day ✓ date confirmedStart at 7:35 a.m., Chicago time (wave 1; wave 2 at 8:00, wave 3 at 8:35)Official 2027 schedule, it may still change. Source: chicagomarathon.com, checked on October 26, 2026.
How reliable these dates are: confirmed by the organizer.
What do you book, at what price, with what chances?
| What you book | A spot in the lottery for a bib |
| Your odds in the lottery | ~25% (2026 edition) Over 200,000 applicants. About 55,000 starters, all entry routes combined.Source: marathonballot.com. to be checked |
| Price | $260 for non-US residents, plus processing fee (2027 edition)Price taken from the source, with its year. |
Can you run the Chicago Marathon without the lottery?
Yes: a marathon time under the limit for your age (2:50 for a man aged 16 to 34, 3:20 for a woman), run since January 1, 2025, gives a guaranteed bib for October 10, 2027, with no lottery.
Qualifying times for the Chicago Marathon 2027
| Age on race day | Men | Women and non-binary |
|---|---|---|
| 16‑34 | 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 and over | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
Payment must be made by November 10, 2026.
Other ways to get a bib
Source: Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Apply. Checked on October 26, 2026. Times for the other marathons.
How do you enter, step by step?
- Apply before October 29, 2026Before 2 pm Chicago time, on the official site. Free, one application per person: duplicates are removed.
- Guaranteed place? Pay by 10 NovemberQualifying time or 5 finishes in 10 years (Legacy): apply in the same window, pay by 10 November 2026 at 11:59 pm.
- Lottery results on December 8, 2026By email. Selected: pay $260 (non-US resident) plus processing fee by 15 December at 11:59 pm, or the place is lost.
- Not drawn? Keep other optionsPartner charity (at least $2,500 to raise) or official tour operator, open until 2027.
Don't miss the date
Add the upcoming dates to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before the first one, then the day before each, and on the morning of results day.
The next marathons to open
The marathon registrations and lotteries that open next, in order.
Frequently asked questions
Chicago Marathon 2027: what is the opening date?
Lottery opens on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 8:00 a.m., Chicago time. Closes on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
How much does a Chicago Marathon bib cost?
$260 if you live outside the United States, $250 if you live there, plus a processing fee (2027 edition). With a charity: $335 and $325.
When do you pay for your Chicago Marathon bib?
By 15 December 2026 at 11:59 pm (Chicago time) if you are selected, by 10 November if your place is guaranteed. After that, the place is lost.
Does applying several times improve your chances in Chicago?
No: duplicate applications are removed before the draw, and applying early gives no advantage.
What time do you need to qualify for the Chicago Marathon?
For 2027, from 2:50 (men aged 16 to 34) to 4:50 (80 and over), and from 3:20 to 5:20 for women and non-binary runners, at a marathon run since January 1, 2025.