The general application window for both guaranteed and non-guaranteed entries to the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has now closed as of 2 p.m. U.S. Central Time on Thursday, November 21. However, if you’re still looking to participate, there are limited entries available through the Charity Program and International Tour Program.
Mark your calendars! The 47th edition of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. For any queries regarding the 2025 event, you can find comprehensive answers on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Keep reading to understand more about the 2025 application process and how you can still secure your spot in one of the world’s most iconic marathons.
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Non-Guaranteed Entry Application (Drawing)
For those who do not qualify for a guaranteed entry, the non-guaranteed entry drawing application provides another pathway to participate in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
During the application window, individuals could apply for the non-guaranteed entry. After the application window closed, participants were selected randomly from the entire pool of non-guaranteed applications. It’s important to note that submitting multiple applications does not increase your chances of being selected. The organizers ensured fairness by removing all duplicate applications before the drawing took place.
Applicants were informed about their entry status via email on Thursday, December 12. Successful applicants who received an entry through the drawing had their entry fee automatically processed.
If you applied for a non-guaranteed entry but were not selected, you still have the opportunity to register by choosing to run with one of the official charities or tour groups associated with the marathon.
Guaranteed Entry Application
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon provides several avenues for runners to obtain a guaranteed entry. To secure a guaranteed entry, applicants must meet specific criteria or agree to certain terms.
Crucially, access to guaranteed entries was only available during the application window, which ran from Tuesday, October 22 to Thursday, November 21.
All guaranteed entry applications undergo a thorough review and verification process by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon team. This process can take up to 10 business days. Applicants are notified of their approval status via email. If approved, the entry fee is automatically charged. If an application is not approved for a guaranteed entry, it is automatically converted to a non-guaranteed entry application, and the applicant is entered into the drawing.
Para Athletics Program
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is committed to inclusivity and accessibility for all athletes through its Para Athletics Program. Athletes with disabilities who wish to participate should explore the Para Athletics Program to learn more about specific entry requirements and support available.
Cancellation Policy
It’s important to be aware of the options available to registered participants of the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon should they decide not to participate or if the event is cancelled for any reason. You can find detailed information about the cancellation policy and available options at Cancellation Options for 2025 Chicago Marathon Participants.
Entry Fee Details
The entry fee for the Chicago Marathon is carefully determined to reflect the significant costs and resources required to organize and host a world-class marathon event. Every dollar collected through registration is reinvested directly into the event. These funds are essential for covering operational expenses and continuously enhancing the overall experience for every participant.
- For U.S. Residents (including those residing in the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories): $245 (USD)
- For Non-U.S. Residents: $255 (USD)
During the application process, all applicants are required to provide valid credit card information. The entry fee is automatically processed once an application is approved for a guaranteed entry or if the applicant is selected through the non-guaranteed entry drawing.
When completing your application, please ensure that you use a credit card with an expiration date of December 2024 or later to avoid any processing issues.
Please note that a processing fee will be applied to all entry fees.
Event Participation Requirements
To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the Chicago Marathon, all participants must adhere to the following requirements:
- Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 16 years old on race day.
- Parental Consent: Participants aged 16-17 years need to obtain permission from their parent or legal guardian to participate. This permission is mandatory during the application process.
- Time Limit: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a course completion time limit of six hours and 30 minutes (6:30:59). The marathon course will gradually reopen to public access based on this time limit.
- Entry Transfer Prohibition: The sale and/or transfer of race entries or bib numbers is strictly forbidden.
- Non-refundable Fees: All registration fees and any additional purchases made during registration are nonrefundable.
- Packet Pick-Up: Participants are required to collect their participant packet, which includes their bib number and timing device, in person at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during the scheduled operating hours.
- Photo ID Requirement: To pick up their participant packet, all participants must present a government-issued photo ID that matches the name they used during registration.
- Public Health Guidelines: Participants are expected to comply with all city, state, and relevant public health guidelines and orders in effect at the time of the event.
- Event Rules: All participants are required to familiarize themselves with and follow the event rules of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
For any registration-related questions, please feel free to contact the Bank of America Chicago Marathon office via email at [email protected].
