The Chicago Marathon is one of the biggest and fastest marathons in the world, with a flat course that winds through the city's neighborhoods in front of huge crowds. This live countdown shows exactly how many days are left until race day in Chicago.
Chicago Marathon at a glance
- Next date
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Day of the week
- Sunday
- How the date is set
- The Chicago Marathon is usually held on the second Sunday of October
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Official website
- chicagomarathon.com
- Category
- Sports
Chicago Marathon dates for the next 5 years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday | |
| 2027 | estimated | Sunday |
| 2028 | estimated | Sunday |
| 2029 | estimated | Sunday |
| 2030 | estimated | Sunday |
About the Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon was first held in 1977 and has grown into one of the largest marathons in the world, with tens of thousands of finishers every October. In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum set the men's marathon world record in Chicago with a time of 2:00:35.
The course
The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, and the looped course passes through 29 neighborhoods, from Lincoln Park and Lakeview in the north to Pilsen and Chinatown in the south. Its flat profile and cool fall weather make it a favorite for first-timers and fast runners alike.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Chicago Marathon 2026?
Chicago Marathon 2026 is on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The Chicago Marathon is usually held on the second Sunday of October.
How many days until the Chicago Marathon?
The live countdown at the top of this page shows exactly how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds are left until the Chicago Marathon, counting down to race day in Chicago's local time.
When is the Chicago Marathon?
The Chicago Marathon is held on a Sunday in October, usually the second Sunday of the month, on Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.
Is Chicago a good first marathon?
Yes. Chicago's flat course, great crowd support, and well-organized race weekend make it one of the most popular choices for a first marathon.