Chicago Marathon to host record 55,000 runners this Sunday

The 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026. The event is expected to feature a record field of more than 55,000 participants, making it one of the largest in the world. The race, which is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, starts and finishes in Grant Park and is known for its flat, fast course that traverses 29 Chicago neighborhoods.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service predict favorable running conditions, with a dry and partially sunny day and temperatures ranging from the 50s in the morning to the mid-70s in the afternoon.

In the elite divisions, defending men’s champion Jacob Kiplimo is expected to return, alongside competitors such as Amos Kipruto and Charles Hicks. On the women’s side, defending champion Hawi Feysa will face competition from runners like Brigid Kosgei. Wheelchair and handcycle races are set to begin at 7:20 a.m., followed by the elite runners at 7:30 a.m. and subsequent waves of participants.

Local logistics include significant street closures starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday, with many areas remaining closed until 4 p.m. Spectators can follow live coverage via NBC 5, Telemundo Chicago, and various streaming platforms.