- Sun 11 Oct 2026
- Fundraising required
07:20
Age 16 & over
£50-£75
- 26.2 miles road running
Event overview
The Chicago Marathon welcomes thousands each year to its fast, flat course. Renowned for enthusiastic crowds and spectacular city sights, it’s a must-run event for athletes of all levels seeking an unforgettable race experience and provides a prestigious opportunity to raise funds for worthy causes.
Run for charity
Every year, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon hosts thousands of runners who choose to make their Chicago Marathon experience more meaningful by running on behalf of a charity. This year, charities need our help more than ever. Help support and run with a charity you are passionate about.
What are charity places?
Charity places are special entries for those who commit to raising funds for a charity partner. These entries give runners guaranteed access to the marathon itself, often with extra support and incentives from their chosen charity.
Benefits of running for charity
Running for charity offers a powerful sense of purpose, motivation, and community spirit. Not only do you help vital causes, but you also enjoy extra race-day support and a rewarding experience. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon helps raise millions of pounds for a wide range of charities every year!
Prefer to enter directly? General entry options are explained on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon page.
Event photos
Event video
Charity places
The charities below have places in the event. To secure your charity place, simply find a charity then book a charity place or join a charity team with your own place.
What is 'Quick book'? Save time and secure your place immediately using our simple booking system - look for charities marked 'Quick book'.
Children
Make-A-Wish UK
Creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
- Running vest
- Fundraising support
- Fundraising materials
- Training plan
- Online training zone
- Dedicated contact
- Certificate
- Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event
Get a place from the charity.
Sign up
£50
Fundraise
£2,000
Buy own place + join charity team.
Fundraise
Any amount
Event details
- Beginner-friendly
- Event expo
- Event village
- Spectators
- Traders at event
- Venue accessible
- Cut off time
- Distance markers
- First aid
- Flat
- Food stations
- Headphones allowed
- Marshals
- PB
- Toilets
- Traffic free
- Water stations
- Wave start
- Way markers
Overview
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and fast course. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. The course has produced four world records, several national records and countless personal bests. Runners enjoy the support of 1.7 million spectators as they run through 29 neighbourhoods.
Map
Cut off
6 hour 30 mins.
- Accommodation
- Changing facilities
- Paid parking
- Park
- Secure bag storage
- Toilets
- Urban
Fundraising
- Fundraising incentives
- Fundraising materials
- Fundraising required
- Fundraising support
- Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event
- Cash prizes
- Certificate
- Chip timing
- Drinks
- Event app
- Goody bag
- Medal
- Race photo
- Snacks
- Technical t-shirt
- Training plan
Included
- A race bib with timing chip
- Official technical race shirt
- Entry to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
- Gear check service
- On-course hydration and nutrition
- Medical support throughout the course
- Finisher’s medal and thermal wrap
- Post-race refreshments
- Downloadable finisher certificate and race photos
- Access to finisher celebrations in Grant Park
Sustainability
- Recycling
- Sustainability policy