Why is Chicago Marathon known for fast times?

Chicago features a flat, fast course with minimal elevation change (only 50 feet total). The course is also known for excellent crowd support and typically favorable October weather, making it ideal for personal records.

When is the Chicago Marathon held?

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is held annually in early to mid-October, typically the second Sunday. Fall weather is usually ideal for marathon running, with temperatures in the 50s-60s°F.

How do I enter the Chicago Marathon?

Entry options include lottery system, charity partners, time qualifiers (sub-3:15 for men, sub-3:45 for women), tour operators, or guaranteed entry for runners who defer from a previous year.

What's the best pacing strategy for Chicago?

Take advantage of the flat course by running even splits or slight negative splits. The minimal elevation means you can maintain consistent pace. Start conservatively in corrals to avoid getting caught in crowds.

How crowded is the Chicago Marathon course?

With 45,000+ runners, Chicago can be crowded, especially in the first 5 miles. Start in the appropriate corral for your pace, and be patient working through crowds. The course widens after the first few miles.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Known as one of the world's fastest marathon courses, the Chicago Marathon offers a flat, scenic route through 29 diverse neighborhoods. Perfect for personal records and first-time marathoners.

Chicago, IL · October · 42.195 km (26.2 mi)

easy

Elevation profile

42.8 km course

GAIN+0 m

LOSS−2 m

Plan your splits

42.195 km · 26.2 mi · Chicago, IL

Goal finish time

Even-pace target

9:09

min/mi

Even-pace

4:00:00

Grade-adjusted

4:00:00

+0:00

Grade-adjusted splits

Strava Adjusted Pace · per mile

#	Grade	Pace	Split	Cumulative
1	-0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	9:09
2	0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	18:18
3	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	27:28
4	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	36:37
5	-0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	45:46
6	+0.1%	9:09/mi	9:09	54:55
7	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:04:05
8	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:13:14
9	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:22:23
10	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:31:32
11	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:40:41
12	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:49:51
13	+0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	1:59:00
14	+0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:08:09
15	0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:17:18
16	0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:26:28
17	0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:35:37
18	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:44:46
19	-0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	2:53:55
20	0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:03:04
21	0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:12:14
22	+0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:21:23
23	+0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:30:32
24	+0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:39:41
25	+0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:48:51
26	0.0%	9:09/mi	9:09	3:58:00
27	+0.0%	9:09/mi	2:00	4:00:00

Splits factor the course elevation. Steep climbs widen the pace, descents tighten it — total time on the right matches the grade-adjusted finish above.

Course highlights

Flat, fast, friendly to PRs

Chicago is the major where pace bands work as designed: the elevation chart above is essentially a flat line, the streets are wide, the crowds are huge. The only enemy is your own discipline in the first half — and Lake Michigan wind if the weather turns.

Start and finish in Grant Park with city skyline views
Tour 29 diverse Chicago neighborhoods
Spectacular crowd support throughout - over 1.7 million spectators
Chinatown, Little Italy, and Greektown add cultural flavor
Lakefront running with Lake Michigan views
Flat, fast course ideal for personal records
World-class field with elite runners and pacers

Race-day tips

Discipline first, then victory lap

Perfect conditions for a PR - flat course and usually good weather
Don't go out too fast - easy to be fooled by the flat terrain
Wind off Lake Michigan can be a factor - prepare for headwinds
The course feels repetitive after mile 20 - stay mentally engaged
Excellent for first-timers - predictable terrain and great support
Hydrate well - even in October, temperatures can climb

Difficulty

One of the flattest and fastest major marathons

Pancake-flat course (<5m elevation change)
Net flat course
Fast PR course

FAQ

Chicago Marathon FAQs

Why is Chicago Marathon known for fast times?: Chicago features a flat, fast course with minimal elevation change (only 50 feet total). The course is also known for excellent crowd support and typically favorable October weather, making it ideal for personal records.
When is the Chicago Marathon held?: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is held annually in early to mid-October, typically the second Sunday. Fall weather is usually ideal for marathon running, with temperatures in the 50s-60s°F.
How do I enter the Chicago Marathon?: Entry options include lottery system, charity partners, time qualifiers (sub-3:15 for men, sub-3:45 for women), tour operators, or guaranteed entry for runners who defer from a previous year.
What's the best pacing strategy for Chicago?: Take advantage of the flat course by running even splits or slight negative splits. The minimal elevation means you can maintain consistent pace. Start conservatively in corrals to avoid getting caught in crowds.
How crowded is the Chicago Marathon course?: With 45,000+ runners, Chicago can be crowded, especially in the first 5 miles. Start in the appropriate corral for your pace, and be patient working through crowds. The course widens after the first few miles.