The 2022 race may have just ended, but marathon runners can already start planning for next year.
Registration for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago 26.2 Mile Marathon opens Tuesday, October 18 at 10 a.m. It ends Thursday, November 17 at 2 p.m.
Next year’s marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Those hoping to race can apply for guaranteed entry or non-guaranteed entry, which puts potential runners in a draw for entries.
Access to a guaranteed entry is only available during the initial application window, which can take up to 10 business days to be reviewed and verified by marathon officials, according to race organizers.
Here are the following ways to get guaranteed entry:
Deferred entries 2020
Those who have successfully applied to defer registration to 2020 and have not claimed registration in the last two marathons can guarantee their place as long as they apply during the initial application window.
Registration canceled 2022
Potential runners who have canceled their 2022-2023 entry through standard event policy will need to apply and submit an entry fee for next year’s race. Eligible persons will receive an email indicating how to access their application.
Run for charity
Runners interested in taking part in next year’s marathon for a charitable cause can guarantee their participation in the race, although entries into the charity program are limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Although each charity manages its own charity team, participant benefits, and fundraising requirements, participants must raise at least $1,250 if their participation is claimed during the initial application window. If entry is claimed after the application window (Friday, November 18, 2022 through Thursday, September 14, 2023), entrants must raise a minimum of $1,750.
Only charities that are part of the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program have access to guaranteed entries.
Those interested in running for charity can contact the charity of their choice through the Marathon Charity Index.
Time qualifier
Those who meet the following marathon qualifying standards can secure their spot in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a timed qualifier.
| age range | Men | Women | Non-binary |
| 16 – 29 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 30 – 39 | 3:10:00 | 3:40:00 | 3:40:00 |
| 40 – 49 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 50 – 59 | 3:35:00 | 4:20:00 | 4:20:00 |
| 60 – 69 | 4:00:00 | 5:00:00 | 5:00:00 |
| 70 – 79 | 4:30:00 | 5:55:00 | 5:55:00 |
| 80 years and over | 5:25:00 | 6:10:00 | 6:10:00 |
To qualify, participants must submit results records for a marathon completed from January 1, 2021 through November 17, 2022. Results must include a finish time that falls within the qualifying times.
Finish times for race distances other than a marathon, such as a 5k or half marathon, will not be considered.
According to Chicago Marathon officials, a verifiable time is a run on a certified course, those certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), World Athletics, or a similar governing association. No consideration will be given to non-certified races, weather or course conditions.
Additionally, marathon officials have issued the following statement regarding the qualifying time for non-binary participants:
“The standards introduced for non-binary candidates include qualifying times for the two existing divisions. Applicants can expect the standards to adjust in future years as data becomes available to help inform future qualifying times. Discussions with non-binary athletes are ongoing, with the goal of creating more inclusive event experiences.“
Legacy finishers
Runners who have completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon five or more times in the past 10 years can be guaranteed a spot in next year’s race as a legacy finisher.
Finishes that were part of the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience will not be considered for qualification.
Arrivals prior to 2012 will not be considered, nor will arrivals at marathons other than the Chicago Marathon.
Participants registered for the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be considered 2020 finishers for those who apply as legacy finishers.
International tour group
Those interested in traveling and running with an international tour group can also secure their spot in next year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Applications for international tour groups will remain open until Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Marathon officials have offered the following available information:
- Each travel partner runs their own unique tour.
- Tour partners usually offer participants a package that includes the cost of admission, airfare, hotel, etc. and varies from tour operator to tour operator.
- Only tour operators who are part of the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon International Tour program have access to guaranteed admissions.
- Not all countries have approved Chicago Marathon tour partners.
- If you want to join a group of international tourists, you must contact the tourist partner of your choice.
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Legacy
Runners who have completed the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K four or more times since 2008 and registered for the 2023 Shamrock Shuffle can also guarantee a spot in next year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Participants enrolled in the 2020 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will be considered graduates for this application path, as will participants in the 2021 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Virtual 8K.
This application path is limited to the first 1,000 people who apply and meet the above requirements. Next year’s race will be the last year the Shamrock Shuffle Legacy path is applicable for entry into the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
American development program
Those who meet the following qualifying criteria can secure their place in next year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon under the American Development Program:
| Qualification standards | Half marathon | Marathon |
| Men | under 1:11:00 | under 2:35:00 |
| Women | under 1:22:00 | under 3:00:00 |
| Non-binary | under 1:20:00 | under 3:00:00 |
| Masters – Men | under 1:15:00 | under 2:43:00 |
| Masters – Women | under 1:26:00 | under 3:08:00 |
| Masters – Non-binary | under 1:26:00 | under 3:08:00 |
All times must be after January 1, 2021, finishes at race distances other than half marathon and marathon not being considered.
Finish times must have been completed on a certified course accompanied by proof of finish time. Although the program is intended for US athletes, non-US citizens who meet the above standards can still qualify under the US Development Program.
Masters athletes are runners who will be 40 or older by October 8, 2023, the date of next year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Additionally, athletes who meet the following high performance standards may receive a guaranteed free entry.
| High performance standards | Half marathon | Marathon |
| Men | under 1:07:00 | under 2:23:00 |
| Women | under 1:16:00 | under 2:43:00 |
| Non-binary | under 1:16:00 | under 2:43:00 |
| Masters – Men | under 1:11:00 | under 2:32:00 |
| Masters – Women | under 1:21:00 | under 2:52:00 |
| Masters – Non-binary | under 1:21:00 | under 2:52:00 |
For qualification under High Performance Standards, all hours must be after October 1, 2021, with all other qualifications above also applying to High Performance candidates.
Masters athletes applying for High Performance entry must have completed the qualifying time as a Masters athlete.
The application period for the High Performance Standards will end at 5 p.m. CST on August 1, 2023 or when the field has reached its capacity of 300 entrants.
Entry not guaranteed
Those wishing to apply for non-guaranteed entry can do so during the initial application window, with entrants chosen through a lottery after the application window closes.
Applicants will then be notified of their registration status by email on Thursday, December 8. If the candidate is chosen, the registration fees are then automatically processed.
Hopefuls who applied for non-guaranteed entry but were not accepted can still register through charities and tour groups.
How much is the entrance fee?
Applicants will be required to include a credit card number on applications, with charges being processed upon acceptance. US residents, including residents of US territories, must pay an entrance fee of $230. The entrance fee for non-US residents is $240.
When filling out the application, Chicago Marathon officials request that the card with an expiration date after December 2022 be used.
Full Event Requirements
Below are the full eligibility requirements to participate in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon:
- Participants must be 16 or older on race day.
- Participants between the ages of 16 and 17 must have the authorization of their parent or legal guardian allowing them to participate in the race. This permission is required during the application process.
- The Bank of America Chicago Marathon requires participants to be able to complete the 26.2-mile distance in six hours and 30 minutes (6:30:59). The marathon course will reopen to the public on a rolling schedule based on this time limit.
- The sale and/or transfer of registrations/bib numbers is strictly prohibited.
- All registration fees and incidental purchases are non-refundable.
- All attendees are required to pick up their own attendee record (bib number and timing device) at Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during scheduled opening hours.
- All attendees are required to show government-issued photo identification that reflects the name they registered under when picking up their own attendee record.
- All attendees acknowledge that the inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists and is beyond the control of event organizers. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable.
- All participants must know and follow the rules of the event.
More information on registering for next year’s race can be found here.