Believe it or not, the application period has begun for entry into the 2025 Chicago Marathon. In its 47th year, the marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The application period is open for 4 weeks and there are no exceptions for late entry, so you need to act on this now if you’d like to claim a guaranteed or lottery entry. The application period opened at 10 a.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, October 22 and will close at 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Thursday, November 21. You can find the applications for all forms of entry here, as well as additional information about each type.
Non-Guaranteed Entry
There are several different ways to seek entry and they are all available now through November 21st. If you do not have a time qualifier and are not eligible for the other entry options, you can enter the lottery system, or the non-guaranteed entry drawing application. To do this, you follow the link on the website and complete the application, which includes entering a payment method for the entry fee of $260.43, with processing fees.
At the conclusion of the application window, names are selected from the full pool of non-guaranteed entry applications and applicants will be notified via email of their entry status on Thursday, December 12. If an applicant receives an entry through the drawing, the entry fee is automatically processed. Please note that you can only submit an application once. All duplicates are removed prior to the drawing taking place.
Guaranteed Entry
Guaranteed entry is gained a few different ways. These applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, as the applications come in. Applicants are notified within 10 business days and the payment charged at that time of acceptance. If the application is not approved, the entry is automatically switched to a non-guaranteed entry application and the applicant is entered in the drawing.
2025 will be the first year of the quicker time qualification standards. The time qualification chart lays out the new standards. An applicant must have a verifiable time from a qualifying race after January 1, 2023. A verifiable time is one run on a course certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics or a similar governing association. Applicants are asked to submit a link to their results during the application process. If you go this route, make sure to check and double check that the link you provide works and displays your results, as the marathon will not search for results.
Age group
| Men | Women | Non-binary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 – 34 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 35 – 39 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 40 – 44 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 45 – 49 | 3:15:00 | 3:45:00 | 3:45:00 |
| 50 – 54 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55 – 59 | 3:30:00 | 4:00:00 | 4:00:00 |
| 60 – 64 | 3:45:00 | 4:15:00 | 4:15:00 |
| 65 – 69 | 4:00:00 | 4:30:00 | 4:30:00 |
| 70 – 74 | 4:15:00 | 4:45:00 | 4:45:00 |
| 75 – 79 | 4:30:00 | 5:00:00 | 5:00:00 |
| 80 and over | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 | 5:20:00 |
I have always used past Chicago Marathon results because I think they are able to verify the results more quickly. This year was no exception. I received confirmation of my acceptance the same day as my application.
Another way to gain guaranteed entry is by being a legacy finisher or through participation in the Chicago Marathon Distance Series. 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 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a legacy finisher. If you completed all three 2024 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events (Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon), you can guarantee your spot in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Many runners work with the registered charities to gain guaranteed entry. Each charity has different fundraising and participation requirements to secure a guaranteed spot. 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 $1,500 (USD) if the entry is claimed during the application window (Tuesday, October 22 to Thursday, November 21) and $2,100 (USD) if the entry is claimed following the application window (Friday, November 22, 2024 to Monday, September 15, 2025).
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.
Finally, there is the High-Performance Program which requires runners to meet quicker qualifying times. If you meet the qualifying standards outlined below you can guarantee your spot in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon through the High-Performance Program.
Qualifying standards
| Marathon | |
|---|---|
| Men | sub 2:25:00 |
| Women | sub 2:45:00 |
| Non-binary | sub 2:45:00 |
| Masters – Men | sub 2:35:00 |
| Masters – Women | sub 2:50:00 |
| Masters – Non-binary | sub 2:50:00 |
This program is capped at 150 runners and offers runners several perks including a reduced entry fee, race day hospitality tent, and a front positioned corral the Professional Athlete start corral and Corral A.
No matter how you seek entry, the most important thing to keep in mind is the deadline of November 21st. Get your application in now so you don’t miss out on the 47th running of the Chicago Marathon.
