40,000 hearts beat as one. Discover a new you in Chicago
Marathon beginners are also welcome! Experience the thrill of finishing the Chicago Marathon with 40,000 other runners! The course is flat, so you can take on the challenge with peace of mind. Have a memorable running experience!
Run through the streets of Chicago and ignite your runner spirit!
The Chicago Marathon is one of the world’s leading marathons, held in the streets of Chicago, one of America’s biggest cities. The course, which runs through historical buildings and modern skyscrapers against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Michigan, provides runners with an unforgettable experience.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The race begins and ends in historic Grant Park, in the heart of downtown Chicago. Runners line up near the magnificent Chicago skyline, and the course immediately heads north. The start is known for its efficiency and flat surface, setting the stage for a fast race right from the first mile.
Sights along the way
The Chicago Marathon course is famous for its tour of 29 diverse neighborhoods, offering a constant change of scenery and unwavering crowd support.
・Miles 1-8: The course runs north through downtown, passing iconic sights and heading up the beautiful LaSalle Street. The crowd support here is massive and runners need to be cautious not to start too fast, utilizing the flat start to establish a consistent, even pace.
・Miles 9-20: The race turns west and then south, running through cultural hubs like Little Italy, Greek Town, and Pilsen. This is a very flat section with long, straight roads, perfect for maintaining a consistent, fast pace. The enthusiastic support from the local communities in these neighborhoods remains strong.
・Miles 20-26: The course heads back north towards the city center, passing through the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood and utilizing the momentum for the final miles. The flat roads allow runners to push their limits as they approach the end, focusing on their goal time.
・Mile 26 to the finish: The race’s only notable incline, nicknamed “Mount Roosevelt,” awaits. This is the short, slight climb of the Roosevelt Road bridge just past the 26-mile mark. It is a final, challenging ascent before the course turns left onto Columbus Drive, leading to a glorious downhill sprint to the finish line.
Finish point
Finish in Grant Park! The satisfaction of conquering the world’s fastest major marathon course and the roaring crowd on Columbus Drive will provide an unforgettable moment of achievement and a fantastic backdrop for your personal best.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference: The course is exceptionally flat, with an overall elevation gain of approximately 243 feet (74m) and elevation loss of 242 feet (73m). The minimal change, with the only real challenge being the “Mount Roosevelt” bridge near the finish, contributes to its reputation as a record-breaking course. The highest point is around 53 feet (16m) and the lowest is 18 feet (5m) above sea level.
・Weather: Held in early October, the weather in Chicago is often ideal for marathoning. Average temperatures range from 7°C to 18°C, providing cool conditions suitable for fast times and personal best attempts.
Participants’ comments
・ “This is the marathon to run if you want a PR. It’s truly flat and fast.”
・ “The crowd support was nonstop through all 29 neighborhoods. Absolutely incredible!”
・ “Running down the long, straight streets felt amazing for keeping my pace.”
・ “The one little ‘hill’ at the end felt like a mountain, but the finish was worth it.”
・ “Chicago architecture makes for a beautiful distraction during the middle miles.”
・ “The course organization was flawless. World-class event.”
・ “Running through Chinatown was a highlight—the energy there was electric.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Chicago Marathon is to capitalize on the flat course from the start and maintain a consistent, even pace. Use the long, straight sections in the middle of the race to lock into your rhythm. Utilize the constant, enthusiastic crowd support through the 29 neighborhoods as fuel, but be wary of starting too fast in the opening miles. Save a final surge for the slight but challenging climb of the Roosevelt Road bridge near the finish, which is the final obstacle before the downhill sprint to the Grant Park finish line.
The Chicago Marathon is a 42.195km journey for the ultimate test of speed. Run with elite athletes and runners from around the world through the heart of Chicago, and achieve the personal record you’ve been chasing.
2025 Chicago Marathon Summary
・Date and time: October 12, 2025
・Number of finishers:-
・Average time:-
MEN
1: Jacob Kiplimo: 2:02:23
2: Amos Kipruto: 2:03:54
3: Alex Masai: 2:04:37
4: Conner Mantz: 2:04:43
5: Huseydin Mohamed Esa: 2:04:49
6: Seifu Tura: 2:05:17
7: Geoffrey Kamworor: 2:05:31
8: Philemon Kiplimo Kimaiyo: 2:06:14
9: Rory Linkletter: 2:06:49
10: Bashir Abdi: 2:07:08
WOMEN
1: Hawi Feysa Gejia: 2:14:56
2: Megertu Alemu: 2:17:18
3: Magdalena Shauri: 2:18:03
4: Loice Chemnung: 2:18:23
5: Mary Ngugi-Cooper: 2:19:25
6: Natosha Rogers: 2:23:28
7: Dakotah Popehn: 2:24:20
8: Florencia Borelli: 2:24:23
9: Gabriella Rooker: 2:26:32
10: Melody Julien: 2:27:09
2026 Chicago Marathon
Calling all runners out there, this 42.195km race is your chance for a personal best. Join fellow runners from around the world as you run through the flat, fast streets of Chicago, and experience something unforgettable.
・Location: Grant Park in Chicago
・Date and time: Sunday, October 11, 2026
・Start time: 7:30 a.m.
A dynamic American city where skyscrapers and history intertwine
Chicago, a representative city of the Midwestern United States, has attracted attention from around the world for its dynamic development and rich culture. Known as the birthplace of high-rise buildings, Chicago, which recovered beautifully from the great fire of 1871, has formed a unique urban landscape that blends history and modernity.
Downtown, lined with skyscrapers including Willis Tower, is a symbol of a modern city. On the other hand, many historical buildings remain, and you can feel the coexistence of the old and new eras when you walk around the city.
Chicago is a city where diverse cultures blend together, especially in the United States. The entire city is full of vitality, with each ethnic group bringing their own unique culture to Little Italy, Chinatown, Little Vienna, and more.
Chicago is also very rich in terms of food. You can enjoy gourmet food unique to Chicago, such as deep dish pizza and hot dogs. There are also many Michelin-starred restaurants, so gourmets will be satisfied.
Chicago is also a city very rich in art and culture. Millennium Park is dotted with modern art such as Cloud Gate and Beandrubb, making it a popular spot for citizens to relax and tourists. In addition, large-scale music festivals such as Rolling Loud and art festivals such as Art in the Park are held, and you can enjoy various events throughout the year.
Chicago is not just a city. It is a place where people live, work, and foster creativity. Chicago, where history and modernity blend together and diverse cultures intersect, will provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.
If you visit Chicago, be sure to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from a skyscraper, experience modern art in Millennium Park, and enjoy local gourmet food. I’m sure Chicago will be an unforgettable city for you.
