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Chicago Marathon 2026

Complete this World Marathon Major for the causes that need it most.

Don’t miss out. Get on the waitlist
  • 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, apply today in three simple steps:
Step 1
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Choose your charity and apply

Fill out a simple form to apply to join their team (it’s free to apply!)
Step 2
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Your charity will get in touch

once they’ve reviewed your application to let you know next steps.
Step 3
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Start Fundraising

If you get accepted onto the team, it's time to start fundraising. If not, you can apply to run for a different charity.
Can’t see your charity on the list? Get in touch here.

Charity partners you can support in this event include

Carers UK
Carers UK
Helping make life better for carers.
Motor Neurone Disease Association
Motor Neurone Disease Association
Every day we support people with motor neurone disease, campaign for better care and fund ground-breaking research. Because with MND, every day matters.
Claire House Children's Hospice
Claire House Children's Hospice
Helping seriously & terminally ill children live life to the full.
The Skye High Foundation
The Skye High Foundation
Supporting families during and after the loss of a twin, triplet, or multiples.
Street Child UK
Street Child UK
Street child ensure that children are safe, in school and learning.
London Cycling Campaign
London Cycling Campaign
We campaign so that everyone can enjoy cycling safely in London.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The leading Gurkha charity. we provide aid to Gurkha veterans, their families and communities.
Service Dogs UK
Service Dogs UK
We train and provide assistance dogs from rescue for members of the armed forces and emergency services suffering with PTSD.
Heart Heroes
Heart Heroes
Providing subsidised social events for children, and their families, living with heart conditions.
Brain Tumour Ireland
Brain Tumour Ireland
A charity founded by a small group of people caring for a family member who was sadly lost to a brain tumour in early 2012.
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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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.