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Chicago Marathon 2026

  • US Chicago
  • 11 October 2026
  • Marathon
Chicago Marathon 2026
Why run it?

Part of the World Marathon Majors, running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. With ideal weather conditions, dry with highs of 67°F (19°C), this marathon is an unmissable and highly in-demand event.

Please note, as realbuzz is an international partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, we will not be able to offer places to US residents. 

What's it like to run?

Runners:
40000
Surface:
Road
Start:
07:30
Course:
Flat & Fast
Temp:
10-19°C
Distance:
Marathon

How to Enter

Our events are sell-out races, so places are limited and will be made available on a first come first serve basis.
Don’t miss out, enter today in three simple steps:
Step 1
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You can reserve an individual entry straight away

by choosing your charity and paying a refundable holding deposit 
Step 2
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Or you can apply to join a charity’s team

it’s free to apply and your charity will get in touch to let you know if you’ve been accepted.
Step 3
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Next stop, fundraising!

Either way, once your place is confirmed, it’s time to start fundraising. We’ll drop your next steps into your inbox. 
Can’t see your charity on the list? Get in touch here.

Charity partners you can support in this event include

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity
Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity
We believe every patient deserves a childhood, which is why we always strive to do more for sick kids.
Children in Crossfire
Children in Crossfire
Responding to the rights and needs of children and young people caught in the crossfire.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The leading Gurkha charity. we provide aid to Gurkha veterans, their families and communities.
CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association
CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association
A leading children's cancer charity - we work to improve treatment and care.
Variety
Variety
Delivering life-changing programs that give children and young people across the uk a better future.
Open Door Charity
Open Door Charity
Offering free, fast, and effective mental health support to help young people and adults thrive.
AADI - Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
AADI - Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
Our dogs open up a whole new world of opportunity and possibility for autistic children.
Action For Elders
Action For Elders
Action for Elders supports people and encourages them to exercise and become active.
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland
Ireland’s leading charity in the battle against Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
The Myton Hospices
The Myton Hospices
We believe every single moment matters and we focus on enhancing life when cure is no longer an option.
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Runna is the #1 rated running coaching app in the world, with a mission to make running as easy, effective and enjoyable as possible.

Get your first 2 weeks for free using the code REALBUZZRUNNA1 
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FAQs

Whether you’re lacing up for your first race or returning for another year, we want you to feel prepared and inspired. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about signing up, fundraising, and making an impact.
View all FAQs
  • Running for charity means taking part in an official race while committing to raise money to a set level (fundraising target) for a chosen cause. Because you're committed to fundraising, you can get guaranteed entry subject to completing a certain amount of fundraising, even if your chosen event is sold out for general entry, plus expert fundraising support to help you reach your target.

  • It's simple. Choose your distance, pick your event and select the charity you'd like to support. Once you've secured your place - either by signing up for an individual entry straight away or applying for a team if your charity has an official team in your chosen event - you'll receive everything you need to prepare, fundraise, and take on race day with confidence.

  • Not at all! Charity runs are open to all abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned marathoners. Whether you’re aiming for your first 10K or a major marathon, we’ll provide training tips and fundraising advice to help you succeed. With realbuzz, you can choose from marathons, half marathons, shorter distances such as 10ks and 10 miles, and team relay races.  
  • There will be a fundraising target, based on the event you choose, which you'll need to commit to as part of securing your place. When you sign up, you'll receive info about your chosen charity's preferred fundraising platform so you can set up your fundraising page. 100% of your fundraising goes to your charity, usually directly through the fundraising platform you're using. 
Deposit
Fundraising Target