Date
October 11, 2026
Field Size
XL(>25,000)
PR Score
99.8 / 100
BQ Rate
14.0%
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99.76 PR score indicates a nearly flat course with minimal elevation change.
14% of finishers manage to qualify for Boston, highlighting a competitive yet achievable BQ rate.
A massive field size of 52,017 finishers provides an energetic and festive running environment.
The race takes place in early October, typically enjoying mild fall weather in Chicago.
With a PR score of 99.76, this course is one of the flattest in the country, making it an enticing option for both casual runners and those looking to set personal records. The Chicago Marathon draws a huge crowd, with over 52,000 finishers, creating an electric atmosphere as you navigate through the city's iconic streets. Expect a well-organized event, with frequent hydration stations and enthusiastic spectators lining the route, providing motivation throughout the race.
Chicago Marathon is an Emerging BQ venue — a legitimate qualifier for committed runners, though BQ rates are still building as the race grows. Historically, around 14.0% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The course profile rewards runners who execute a well-paced effort from the start.
Aim to find a steady rhythm early on, utilizing the flat terrain to conserve energy. Stay aware of your pace, especially in the first half where you might be tempted to go out too fast due to the crowd and excitement.
Chicago is an XL downtown marathon, so plan hotel, transit, and gear-check timing around a large Grant Park start and finish footprint. The official race weekend setup is built for a 50,000-plus field, but the scale means security lines, corral access, and post-race reunions take more time than at smaller BQ races. Spectators have many CTA-friendly viewing options through the neighborhoods, while runners should study the official guide for exact entrance gates and bag-check rules.
Practice holding marathon pace without terrain breaks; the very flat Chicago course rewards rhythm but gives little natural variety for tired legs.
Do long-run segments on open roads or paths where wind can matter, because downtown corridors and lakefront stretches can change effort at the same pace.
Rehearse fueling in crowds by taking bottles or gels at race pace, since the XL field makes aid-station positioning part of the BQ execution.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
69.6°F / 50.1°F
Conditions
Rainy
Precipitation
0.17 in
Wind
12.2 mph
Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary
Typical conditions: Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions. Fall conditions are typically the most reliable for marathon efforts, with cool mornings that hold through the finish for most runners.
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Last reviewed:July 2026