Chicago Marathon 2027 Ballot Is Open: Registration Dates, Entry Fees, Qualifying Times & FAQs

The 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon ballot is officially open, giving runners worldwide the opportunity to enter one of the most popular marathons on the international running calendar.

The 49th Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 10, 2027, with applications for the non-guaranteed entry drawing open from October 8 to October 29, 2026.

Runners selected through the ballot will be notified on December 8, 2026. Standard entry fees are 250 for U.S. residents and 260 for international residents, plus a processing fee.

Whether you're hoping to run your first World Marathon Major, chase a personal best, or explore Chicago's famous 26.2-mile course, this guide explains everything you need to know about registering for the Chicago Marathon 2027.

Last updated: October 13, 2026. Information is based on the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon announcements and registration guidelines.

Chicago Marathon 2027: Key Dates and Registration Details

Here is a quick overview of the most important information for runners planning to enter the 2027 Chicago Marathon.

Important: Applying for the Chicago Marathon ballot does not guarantee a race entry. Runners who meet certain qualifying criteria may instead apply through guaranteed entry pathways.

Official registration information is available on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon website.

When Does the Chicago Marathon 2027 Ballot Open and Close?

The Chicago Marathon 2027 ballot opened on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 8 a.m. U.S. Central Time.

The application window closes on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. U.S. Central Time.

This gives runners three weeks to submit their applications.

Unlike a first-come, first-served registration system, the Chicago Marathon ballot randomly selects runners from eligible applications received during the entry period.

Applying on opening day does not improve your chances compared with applying later in the window.

However, submitting your application ahead of the final deadline is recommended to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Important Chicago Marathon 2027 Registration Deadlines

- October 8, 2026: Ballot and standard guaranteed entry applications open.
- October 29, 2026: Ballot and standard guaranteed entry applications close at 2 p.m. Central Time.
- November 10, 2026: Payment deadline for approved guaranteed entry applicants.
- December 8, 2026: Ballot results are announced by email.
- December 15, 2026: Selected ballot applicants must complete registration and payment by 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
- October 10, 2027: Chicago Marathon race day.

The race also offers certain charity, tour operator, and specialized entry opportunities with different application deadlines.

How to Enter the Chicago Marathon 2027 Ballot

Runners who do not qualify for guaranteed entry can apply through the non-guaranteed entry drawing.

The application process is straightforward.

Step 1: Visit the Official Chicago Marathon Website

Go to the Chicago Marathon application page.

Select the Non-Guaranteed Entry Application option.

Follow the registration link provided by the race organizer rather than using unofficial third-party registration websites.

Step 2: Complete Your Application

Enter the personal and registration details requested in the application.

Review your information carefully, especially your name, email address, and residency details.

Your email address is particularly important because the organizers will use it to communicate your entry status.

Step 3: Submit One Application

Only one ballot application per person is necessary.

Submitting multiple applications does not increase your chances of being selected. The organizers remove duplicate entries before conducting the drawing.

There is no fee to enter the non-guaranteed drawing.

Step 4: Wait for the Ballot Results

The organizers will notify applicants of their selection status by email on Tuesday, December 8, 2026.

You will learn whether you have been selected for a place in the 2027 event.

Step 5: Complete Payment if Selected

If your name is selected, you must pay the entry fee and complete registration by December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Time.

Failing to complete payment before the deadline means losing your place.

Being selected in the drawing alone does not complete your race registration.

How Much Does the Chicago Marathon 2027 Cost?

The entry fee depends on where the runner resides and which registration pathway they use.

The organizers have confirmed the following entry fees for 2027.

All prices are in U.S. dollars, and an additional registration processing fee applies.

For standard ballot applicants, the fee is collected only after selection, when the runner completes registration.

Additional Costs to Consider

For international runners, the race entry fee is only one part of the overall budget.

Other potential expenses include:

• International or domestic flights
• Hotel accommodation
• Local transportation
• Food and personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Passport, visa, or other travel authorization costs, if applicable
• Running gear and training expenses

Charity applicants also have fundraising obligations separate from the registration fee.

Planning these expenses early can make the experience more manageable, particularly for runners traveling from overseas.

Chicago Marathon 2027 Guaranteed Entry: Who Qualifies?

The ballot is not the only way to enter the 2027 Chicago Marathon.

The race provides several pathways that can guarantee a place for eligible runners, subject to meeting the relevant requirements and completing registration.

1. Time Qualifier Entry

Runners who have achieved the required marathon finishing time may qualify for guaranteed entry.

For 2027, qualifying performances must have been achieved between January 1, 2025, and October 29, 2026, on an officially certified marathon course.

The qualifying standard depends on the runner's age on October 10, 2027, and registration division.

Chicago Marathon 2027 Qualifying Times

Applicants must submit verifiable official marathon results.

Half marathon times, ultramarathon performances, and results from non-certified courses do not qualify for this guaranteed entry pathway.

Meeting a qualifying time does not automatically register you for the race. You must still apply through the appropriate guaranteed entry application during the specified period and complete payment after approval.

2. Legacy Finisher Entry

Runners who have completed the Chicago Marathon five or more times during the qualifying 10-year period may be eligible for guaranteed entry.

For the 2027 application, qualifying Chicago Marathon finishes from 2016 onward are considered under the event's rules.

The organizers also recognize qualifying 2020 registered participants for this pathway, even though the in-person event did not take place that year.

3. Charity Entry

Runners can secure guaranteed entry by joining an official Chicago Marathon charity team and meeting its fundraising commitments.

For 2027:

• Minimum fundraising requirement: 2,500 USD
• U.S. charity entry fee: 325 USD
• International charity entry fee: 335 USD

Individual charities may set higher fundraising requirements.

Charity places are available on a first-come, first-served basis until September 10, 2027, or until the participating charity fills its allocation.

Only charities officially participating in the event's Charity Program can offer guaranteed charity entries.

Explore the official Chicago Marathon Charity Index to find participating organizations.

4. Official Tour Operator Entry

International runners may also consider booking through an official Chicago Marathon tour operator.

Depending on the operator, packages may include race registration, accommodation, travel arrangements, or other services.

Packages and prices vary.

Only approved operators participating in the official Tour Operator Program can provide guaranteed entries through this route.

The organizer lists August 10, 2027 as the tour operator application deadline, although availability may be limited.

5. Chicago Distance Series Entry

Runners who completed all three 2026 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events qualify for a guaranteed 2027 Chicago Marathon entry.

The three events are:

• Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run
• Chicago 13.1
• Chicago Marathon

Eligible participants must follow the event's instructions to claim their places.

Similarly, runners who complete all three events in the 2027 Distance Series can earn guaranteed entry to the 50th Chicago Marathon in 2028.

6. Other Guaranteed Entry Opportunities

Additional pathways include eligible runners who cancelled their 2026 Chicago Marathon registration under the event's deferral policy, the High Performance Program, the Para Athletics Program, and eligible participants under the Pregnancy and Postpartum Policy.

Requirements, fees, and deadlines differ between programs.

Check the official application page before choosing a pathway.

What Happens if You Don't Get Selected in the Chicago Marathon Ballot?

Not being selected in the Chicago Marathon ballot does not necessarily mean your 2027 plans are over.

The organizers allow unsuccessful applicants to explore available entries through official charity partners or approved tour operators.

These opportunities may remain available after the main ballot closes, subject to capacity and program requirements.

For runners who simply want to experience a major marathon, continuing to train while exploring other races is another practical option.

Avoid buying race bibs from individuals or unofficial sellers. Chicago Marathon entries cannot be legally transferred under the event's registration rules.

What Makes the Chicago Marathon Special?

The Chicago Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series and is widely recognized for its flat, fast course and enthusiastic citywide support.

The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, taking runners through 29 Chicago neighborhoods.

The event's course information describes support from approximately 1.7 million spectators, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the race.

Its relatively flat profile makes Chicago an attractive destination for runners pursuing personal bests.

For international participants, the race also offers an opportunity to experience Chicago's architecture, neighborhoods, and running culture.

While the established course is well known, the organizers note that course maps are subject to change. Runners should consult the latest official information closer to race day.

See the official Chicago Marathon course information.

Important Race Rules and Requirements

Before applying, runners should understand several registration and participation conditions.

Age Requirement

Participants must be at least 16 years old on race day.

Those under 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian.

Course Time Limit

The Chicago Marathon has a 6-hour, 30-minute course time limit, corresponding to approximately 15 minutes per mile.

Runners who fall behind the required pace may lose access to full course support as streets reopen.

Race Bib Collection

Participants must collect their race packets in person at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo before race day.

A government-issued photo ID matching the registration details is required.

Race packets cannot be collected by friends or family members on a runner's behalf.

The exact 2027 Expo schedule should be checked when the organizer publishes the relevant race-week information.

Entry Transfers and Refunds

Chicago Marathon race entries cannot be sold or transferred to another person.

Standard entry fees are non-refundable.

Eligible registered runners who cannot participate may be able to cancel their 2027 entry and secure guaranteed access to the 2028 application, but they must pay the new event's registration fee.

This standard cancellation option has eligibility restrictions, including exclusions for certain charity, tour, and previously deferred entries.

Optional refundable registration protection may also be offered during the application or payment process, subject to its terms and covered circumstances.

Chicago Marathon 2027 FAQs

1. Is the Chicago Marathon 2027 ballot open?

Yes. The 2027 Chicago Marathon ballot opened on October 8, 2026, and closes on October 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. U.S. Central Time.

Both standard non-guaranteed and eligible guaranteed entry applications opened during this period.

2. When is the Chicago Marathon 2027?

The 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 10, 2027, in Chicago, Illinois.

It will be the 49th running of the event.

3. When will Chicago Marathon 2027 ballot results be announced?

December 8, 2026. Applicants will receive their selection status by email throughout the day.

Successful applicants must complete their registration and payment by December 15, 2026.

4. Is it free to apply for the Chicago Marathon ballot?

Yes. There is no fee to apply for the non-guaranteed entry drawing.

Selected runners pay the applicable entry fee and processing charge when completing registration.

5. How much is the Chicago Marathon 2027 entry fee?

The standard entry fee is 250 for U.S. residents and $260 for non-U.S. residents, excluding processing fees.

Official charity program entry fees are higher, and charity runners must also meet fundraising requirements.

6. Can international runners apply for the Chicago Marathon?

Yes. The Chicago Marathon accepts applications from runners worldwide.

International residents can apply through the ballot or pursue eligible guaranteed entry pathways.

Runners traveling to the United States are responsible for arranging the necessary passports, visas, or travel authorizations.

7. What are the chances of getting into the Chicago Marathon lottery?

The organizers have not published an official selection probability for the 2027 drawing.

The number of ballot entries available depends in part on how many runners secure guaranteed places.

Because the application pool and available entries are not finalized, any specific claimed acceptance percentage for 2027 should be treated cautiously.

8. Does applying early increase my chances?

No. Applying earlier within the official entry window does not improve your selection chances.

All eligible non-guaranteed applications are considered in the drawing, regardless of when they were submitted.

9. Can I enter the Chicago Marathon lottery more than once?

No. Submitting duplicate applications will not increase your chances.

The organizer removes duplicate entries before the drawing.

10. Do I need a qualifying time to enter the Chicago Marathon?

No. A qualifying marathon time is not required to apply through the non-guaranteed ballot.

However, runners who meet the official age-based marathon qualifying standards can apply for guaranteed entry through the Time Qualifier pathway.

11. Can I enter the Chicago Marathon with a friend?

You and your friend can both submit applications, but selection is not guaranteed for either person.

One runner may receive an entry while the other does not.

If that happens, the unsuccessful applicant may consider an official charity or tour operator entry, subject to availability.

12. What happens if I win the ballot but don't pay?

If you are selected but fail to complete registration and payment by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Time on December 15, 2026, you will lose your place.

You will not be registered or assigned a race bib.

13. Can I get a refund if I cannot run?

Standard Chicago Marathon entry fees are non-refundable.

Certain eligible participants can cancel their entry and apply for a guaranteed place in the following year's event, but the original fee is not carried forward.

The event also offers optional refundable registration protection for qualifying circumstances, subject to its policy terms.

14. Can I still enter after the ballot closes?

Possibly. Although the standard ballot closes on October 29, 2026, official charity and tour operator opportunities may remain available closer to race day.

Availability is not guaranteed, and costs or fundraising requirements may differ from standard entry.

15. Is the Chicago Marathon a Boston Marathon qualifier?

Yes. The Chicago Marathon is run on a certified marathon course and can provide a qualifying performance for the Boston Marathon.

However, runners must meet the Boston Athletic Association's qualifying standards and eligibility rules for the Boston Marathon edition they intend to enter.

A qualifying time does not automatically guarantee Boston Marathon acceptance.

16. Is the Chicago Marathon good for first-time marathon runners?

Chicago can be an appealing choice for first-time marathon runners because of its relatively flat route, substantial spectator support, and organized race experience.

However, completing 42.195 kilometers still requires appropriate preparation.

First-time marathoners should follow a realistic training plan, practice their race-day nutrition strategy, and prepare for the event's 6-hour, 30-minute course time limit.

How to Prepare for Chicago Marathon 2027

If you are planning to apply, use the time before the ballot results to prepare without making unnecessary financial commitments.

First, check your eligibility and submit your application before October 29, 2026.

Next, consider your overall travel budget, particularly if you will need international flights and several nights of accommodation.

You can research hotels and transportation options in advance, but booking non-refundable travel before receiving your entry confirmation carries financial risk.

Once registered, follow a training plan appropriate to your experience, available training time, and goal pace. The Chicago Marathon also provides information about an official 18-week training program.

Finally, review the organizer's updated participant guide, course map, Expo schedule, and race-day instructions as October 2027 approaches.

Final Thoughts: Don't Miss the Chicago Marathon 2027 Ballot Deadline

The Chicago Marathon 2027 offers runners a chance to experience one of the world's best-known road races on Sunday, October 10, 2027.

For most runners without a guaranteed qualification pathway, the non-guaranteed entry drawing is the most straightforward way to apply.

Remember the three key dates:

• October 29, 2026: Last day to submit your ballot application.
• December 8, 2026: Ballot selection results announced.
• December 15, 2026: Final payment deadline for selected ballot runners.

If Chicago is on your marathon bucket list, submit your application before the deadline and use the coming months to plan your training and travel.

Ready to enter? Visit the official Chicago Marathon registration page to apply and review the latest event information.