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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

Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland
Ireland’s leading charity in the battle against Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Alive and Kicking
Alive and Kicking
Providing ethical jobs for people from communities facing disadvantage.
Trocaire
Trocaire
Tackling the causes of poverty & injustice & responding to crises.
Sumatran Orangutan Society
Sumatran Orangutan Society
Help protect orangutans, their forests and their future.
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.
USPCA
USPCA
Ending the cruelty inflicted on defenceless wildlife.
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.
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.
Heart Heroes
Heart Heroes
Providing subsidised social events for children, and their families, living with heart conditions.
Southern Area Hospice Services
Southern Area Hospice Services
Providing care free of charge to people who are living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
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Get race day ready with Runna

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