CHICAGO, IL – The Bank of America Chicago Marathon returns on Sunday, October 11, for the 48th running of one of the world’s most iconic road races.
Here’s a look at some of the top stories from this year’s field and information on how fans from around the world can follow along on race day.
2026 Top Stories
- Largest Participant Field Expected: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon continues to see unprecedented interest with more than 200,000 individuals applying for a chance to participate in the event’s 48th running on Sunday, October 11. Those who secured an entry into the race will join another record-breaking field with more than 55,000 participants expected to cross the finish line in Grant Park on race day
- Event Generates Significant Economic Impact: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon continues to generate significant impact for the City of Chicago, with the 2025 race contributing a record-breaking $756 million to the city’s economy, according to an independent economic impact study conducted by Jones & Associates Economics. The race continues to grow year-over-year and drives economic success for the city, with a 7.5% increase in total economic impact over 2024
- Stacked Professional Field: Returning Bank of America Chicago Marathon champions Jacob Kiplimo and Hawi Feysa will defend their titles against one of the deepest fields in race history on race day. In addition to the previously announced field, the following athletes will be competing in 2026: Bashir Abdi (BEL), Sondre Moen (NOR), Matt Richtman (USA), Brian Shrader (USA), Ben Rosa (USA), Frank Lara (USA), Nathan Martin (USA), Cole Sprout (USA), Sara Vaughn (USA), Lexie Thompson (USA), Josh Cassidy (CAN), Tomoki Suzuki (JPN), Sho Watanabe (JPN), Hiroki Nishida (JPN), Ryota Yoshida (JPN) and Vanessa De Souza (BRA). Previously announced athletes Alex Masai (KEN) Zach Panning (USA), Jacob Thomson (USA), Felicia Pasadyn (USA), Tiaan Bosch (RSA) and Rafael Botello Jimenez (ESP) have withdrawn from the 2026 event. View the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon professional field roster
- Continuing Sustainability Efforts: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon marks a meaningful sustainability milestone this year with the introduction of on-course water refill stations in partnership with Culligan International, the global leader in water services. The new initiative enables race participants to refill personal hydration gear on course with cleaner, great-tasting water while reducing plastic waste. Four Water Refill Stations located immediately prior to existing Aid Stations at Aid Station 4 (Mile 5.7), Aid Station 7 (Mile 10.1), Aid Station 12 (Mile 15.7), and Aid Station 16 (Mile 20.3). Learn more about the event’s sustainability and social impact initiatives
- Anthony Rizzo Takes on 26.2 for Charity: After being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 18, Anthony Rizzo experienced firsthand the challenges that cancer places on patients and their families. Following successful treatment and a return to baseball that ultimately led to a World Series championship, he founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation to support pediatric cancer patients and their loved ones. Drawing from his own journey, Rizzo is committed to easing the financial and emotional burdens families face during treatment through direct support and community programs. For Rizzo, the foundation’s mission is deeply personal: helping families navigate one of life’s toughest challenges and ensuring no one has to face it alone. Rizzo will be joined by fellow 2016 teammate Jake Arrieta
- Bank of America Chicago Distance Series: The fourth edition of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series culminates at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Local Distance Series participants and ambassadors Chris Costoso, Frank Griggs, Katie Huhe, Sarah Lyons, Maria Santos, Genelyn Swanson and Eddie Ulin will be celebrating the achievement on race day along with more than 4,000 runners
- Run it Back in 2027: Individuals interested in taking part in the 2027 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series are encouraged to get their names in early. Registration for the Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle is open now. The three-week application period for the 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will open on Thursday, October 8, as events kickoff for the 2026 race. Learn more about the registration process for the 2027 Chicago Distance Series events.
Stories from the Field
More than 55,000 participants from around the world are preparing to take on 26.2 miles through the heart of downtown Chicago. Each individual is motivated by their own reason, running for themselves, their family members and their communities. These inspiring stories make each year’s race special, and this year will be no different. View some of the extraordinary stories from this year’s field.
Tune into the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Watch Live
NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will provide complete live coverage of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in English and Spanish from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Sunday, October 11. Expert analysts Kara Goucher, Ed Eyestone, Carrie Tollefson and Amanda McGrory will join Paul Swangard, Marion Brooks and Stefan Holt on NBC 5 Chicago, with Juan Luis Barrios, Luis Posso and Saul Mendoza joining Raul Delgado and Héctor Lozano on Telemundo Chicago. A talented array of NBC and Telemundo reporters will join the broadcast at the start, finish and along the course.
The 48th running of the race will be streamed live nationally on Peacock and Roku from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. (U.S. Central Time). The four-hour broadcast as well as an additional four hours of finish-line coverage will be available from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on nbcchicago.com and telemundochicago.com and the NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago apps.
International viewers can watch the race via a variety of global broadcast partners, including ESPN Brazil, ESPN Latin America, Eurosport, Eurosport India, FloSports, Olympic Channel, SMG China and TV Asahi.
Listen Live
Sports Radio 104.3 The Score (also heard on 670 AM, Audacy app and SiriusXM) will provide complete live radio coverage of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on race day from 7 to 11 a.m. Fans of the sport can listen to Chicago’s Josh Liss joined by analysts Josh Cox, Jenny Spangler, Karen Lesiewicz and Chris Wehrman for a play-by-play of all the action. Download the free Audacy app to listen from anywhere on Sunday, October 11.
For more information on this year’s race, visit chicagomarathon.com.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 48th year, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will welcome thousands of participants from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including a world-class professional athlete field, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners and charity participants. The race’s iconic course takes participants through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. Annually, more than a million spectators line the streets cheering on tens of thousands of participants from the start line to the final stretch down Columbus Drive. As a result of the race’s national and international draw, the Chicago Marathon assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating over $756 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, will start and finish in Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. In advance of the race, a three-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Thursday, October 8, Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicagomarathon.com.
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