Chicago Marathon Lottery 2027: Application Dates, Odds, Qualifying Times & Entry Guide
How to apply for the 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon drawing, what your odds look like, every guaranteed way in, the 2027 qualifying times, fees, deadlines and what to do whether your email says yes or no.
The 2027 Chicago Marathon lottery is officially open. Applications opened October 8, 2026, and close Thursday, October 29, at 2 p.m. Central Time. Drawing results will be emailed on December 8, 2026.
The 49th Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place Sunday, October 10, 2027.
Applying is free, and you do not need a qualifying marathon time to enter the drawing. But demand for Chicago has climbed dramatically in recent years, and getting selected is far from guaranteed.
Fortunately, the lottery is not your only option. Chicago offers guaranteed entry through qualifying times, legacy finishes, official charities, international tour operators and several other programs.
This guide explains exactly how to apply, what your chances look like, every available entry option and what to do if you are not selected.
Already know you want to run Chicago? Start with the official application, then explore the guaranteed entry options below.
Apply for the 2027 Chicago Marathon →
The 2027 Chicago Lottery at a Glance
| Race | Bank of America Chicago Marathon (49th running) |
|---|---|
| 2027 race date | Sunday, October 10, 2027 |
| Start and finish | Grant Park, 7:30 AM start |
| Application opens | Thursday, October 8, 2026, 8 AM Central |
| Application closes | Thursday, October 29, 2026, 2 PM Central |
| Drawing results | Tuesday, December 8, 2026, by email |
| Payment deadline if selected | Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Central |
| Cost to apply | Free |
| Entry fee if selected | $250 U.S. residents, $260 non-U.S. residents, plus processing fee |
| 2026 applications | More than 200,000, an event record |
| Official drawing odds | Not published; depends on guaranteed registrations |
| Guaranteed paths | Time qualifier, legacy, charity, tour operator, Distance Series and more |
| Best entry instruction | Apply for the drawing and check every guaranteed path you might qualify for |
The correct mental label for the Chicago lottery is generous but crowded. Plenty of runners get in every year. Not enough to assume you will.
How to Apply for the 2027 Chicago Marathon
Applying for the Chicago Marathon lottery is free and takes only a few minutes.
Step 1: Visit the official application page
Go to the official Chicago Marathon application page and select the non-guaranteed entry drawing.
Step 2: Complete your application
Enter your personal information, contact details and other required registration information.
You will also have the option to submit a recent marathon time for start corral placement. This is separate from meeting the standards for guaranteed entry. Do it anyway. A good corral is worth minutes on a crowded course.
Step 3: Submit before October 29
The application deadline is Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. Central Time.
There is no advantage to applying early. Every valid drawing application has the same chance of selection regardless of when it was submitted. There is, however, a real disadvantage to forgetting.
Step 4: Watch for results on December 8
Drawing results are emailed throughout the day on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. If you are selected, you must complete registration and pay your entry fee by 11:59 p.m. Central on December 15.
Step 5: Make a backup plan now
If you are not selected, you may still be able to enter through an official charity or tour operator. Do not wait until December to research those alternatives. Charity places are limited, and popular teams can fill quickly.
If you qualify for guaranteed entry through a marathon time, legacy status or another qualifying program, use the matching guaranteed-entry application instead of relying on the lottery. Those applications are only available during the same October 8 to October 29 window.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Every date below comes from the official Chicago Marathon application page. Put them in your calendar now. A missed payment deadline turns a winning ticket into nothing.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Application opens at 8 AM Central for guaranteed and non-guaranteed entry |
| Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Eligible 2026 Distance Series finishers receive entry instructions by email |
| Thursday, October 29, 2026 | Application closes at 2 PM Central |
| Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | Payment deadline for approved guaranteed entries, 11:59 PM Central |
| Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | Drawing results emailed; tour operator application details released |
| Tuesday, December 15, 2026 | Payment deadline for drawing winners, 11:59 PM Central |
| Tuesday, August 10, 2027 | Tour operator application closes |
| Wednesday, September 1, 2027 | High Performance Program closes, or at 300 participants |
| Friday, September 10, 2027 | Charity program entries close, or when each charity fills |
| Wednesday, October 6, 2027 | Last day to cancel a 2027 entry for guaranteed 2028 access |
| Sunday, October 10, 2027 | Race day |
The deadline that bites people
Guaranteed entry applications take up to 10 business days to review. If you are a time qualifier or legacy finisher, do not wait until October 28. Apply early so you have time to fix a documentation problem before the window closes.
How the Drawing Actually Works
The Chicago drawing is refreshingly simple. There is no fee, no points system and no reward for speed.
- It is free to apply. You only pay if you are selected.
- Timing does not matter. Applying on October 8 gives you the same chance as applying on October 29.
- Duplicates are removed. Applying twice does not double your chances. The duplicate is deleted before the draw.
- There is no fixed number of drawing places. The number available depends on how many guaranteed entrants register by the deadline. The race says guaranteed paths supplement the drawing rather than replace it.
- Results arrive by email on December 8. Emails roll out throughout the day. Do not panic at 9 AM.
- You must pay by December 15. Selected runners who do not pay and complete registration by 11:59 PM Central are not registered and do not get a bib.
Applying with friends
Chicago does not offer a group application. Each runner applies and is drawn individually. If one of you gets in and the other does not, the race's own suggestion is the charity or tour operator route for the runner left out. Have that conversation before December 8.
Chicago Marathon Lottery Odds: What Are Your Chances?
The Chicago Marathon does not publish an official acceptance rate for the 2027 drawing. Historical estimates from independent ballot trackers often put selection odds around 25 percent, but treat that as an unofficial estimate. Your actual chances depend on how many people apply and how many places remain after guaranteed entries are accounted for.
What we do know is that demand has surged. Media reports put applications for the 2026 race at more than 200,000, up from about 160,000 the year before. Note that this is a count of applications, not a count of people fighting for drawing places. Some of those applications were guaranteed entries that never went into the draw.
The field has not grown at the same pace. Organizers also expect around a third of the field to run for charity, which means a meaningful share of start-line places is already spoken for before the drawing begins.
Hypothetical odds over repeated attempts
The table below is not an official projection. It shows what different annual selection rates would mean if you applied every year and the rate held steady.
| Years applying | At 25% per year | At 20% per year | At 15% per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25% | 20% | 15% |
| 2 | 44% | 36% | 28% |
| 3 | 58% | 49% | 39% |
| 4 | 68% | 59% | 48% |
| 5 | 76% | 67% | 56% |
The math behind it:
Probability of being selected at least once = 1 − (1 − annual selection probability)^number of attempts
At 25 percent, three years of applying gives you 1 − 0.75³, or roughly 58 percent.
What repeated applying does not do
Applying every year improves your odds of getting in eventually. It does not improve your odds in any single year. Chicago has no loyalty bonus, no points and no second-chance draw for repeat applicants. Every December is a fresh roll of the dice.
What actually improves your odds
Nothing about the drawing itself. Your odds improve only by finding a guaranteed path. That is where the next section earns its keep.
Every Guaranteed Way In
Chicago offers more ways to skip the drawing than most Majors. Guaranteed entry applications are only available during the October 8 to October 29 window, except for charity, tour operator and the High Performance Program, which run on their own timelines.
| Entry method | Qualifying requirement | Lottery required? |
|---|---|---|
| General drawing | Submit an application | Yes |
| Time qualifier | Meet your age-group marathon standard | No |
| Legacy finisher | Five Chicago finishes in the last 10 years | No |
| Charity | Fundraise at least $2,500 for an official charity | No |
| Tour operator | Book through an approved tour operator | No |
| Distance Series | Finish all three 2026 Distance Series events | No |
| Cancelled 2026 entry | Cancelled a 2026 entry under the event's policy | No |
| High Performance | Meet the sub-elite standard | No |
| Para Athletics | Meet program requirements | No |
1. Time Qualifier
Run a qualifying time on a certified marathon course between January 1, 2025, and October 29, 2026, and your entry is guaranteed. No cutoff below the standard, no lottery. Full standards are in the next section.
2. Legacy Finisher
Finished Chicago five or more times within the last 10 years? You are guaranteed in. Finishes before 2016 do not count, 2020 registrants count as 2020 finishers, and the 2020 virtual race does not count. If today's race was your fifth finish, the race asks you to submit your 2027 application after finishing, so you can apply now.
3. Charity Program
Run and fundraise for an official charity partner. The minimum fundraising commitment is $2,500, and the charity entry fee is $325 for U.S. residents and $335 for non-U.S. residents. Entries are first come, first served until September 10, 2027, or until a charity fills. Popular charities fill well before that.
Browse the official Chicago Marathon Charity Index →
4. Tour Operator Program
Book a travel package through an official Chicago Marathon tour operator. This is mostly an international runner's route, and not every country has an approved operator. Application details arrive December 8, and the window stays open through August 10, 2027.
5. Bank of America Chicago Distance Series
If you finished the 2026 Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon, you are guaranteed a 2027 entry. Eligible finishers receive instructions by email on October 13. Finish all three events in 2027 and you earn guaranteed entry to the 50th running in 2028, which is going to be one of the most requested start lines in the sport.
6. 2026 Cancelled Entry
If you cancelled your 2026 entry through the standard policy, you must still submit a 2027 application during the window and pay the entry fee again. Runners who cancelled under the pregnancy and postpartum policy also apply during the window but do not pay again.
7. High Performance Program
For sub-elite runners: sub-2:25 for men, sub-2:45 for women and non-binary runners, sub-2:35 for masters men and sub-2:50 for masters women and non-binary runners. Masters means 40 and over, and the time must be run as a masters athlete. The program is capped at 300 participants and comes with a reduced entry fee.
8. Para Athletics Program
Chicago offers a dedicated program for para athletes. Details are on the official Para Athletics Program page.
Time Qualifier Standards for 2027
Your age group is based on your age on race day, October 10, 2027, not your age when you ran the qualifier. That matters. If you are 39 now and turn 40 before next October, you qualify under the 40 to 44 standard.
| Age group | Men | Women | Non-binary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16–34 | 2:50:00 | 3:20:00 | 3:20:00 |
| 35–39 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 40–44 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 45–49 | 3:10:00 | 3:40:00 | 3:40:00 |
| 50–54 | 3:15:00 | 3:50:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55–59 | 3:25:00 | 3:55:00 | 3:55:00 |
| 60–64 | 3:40:00 | 4:15:00 | 4:15:00 |
| 65–69 | 3:55:00 | 4:30:00 | 4:30:00 |
| 70–74 | 4:15:00 | 4:45:00 | 4:45:00 |
| 75–79 | 4:30:00 | 5:00:00 | 5:00:00 |
| 80 and over | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 | 5:20:00 |
The rules Chicago will not bend
- The time must be a full marathon. No half marathons, no 50Ks, no conversions.
- The course must be certified by USATF, World Athletics or an equivalent body.
- There are no exceptions for weather, course conditions or near misses. 3:20:04 is not 3:20:00.
- Documentation must be an official finisher certificate or official results page.
- You must apply during the window. Running a qualifier after October 29 does not count for 2027.
Are these harder than Boston?
For most age groups, yes, on paper. But Chicago guarantees entry to everyone who meets the standard, while Boston uses a cutoff that can push the effective standard several minutes faster. A Chicago standard is a finish line, not a starting bid. For the Boston side of that comparison, see What BQ Time Do I Actually Need for Boston?
Wondering whether you can qualify for Chicago?
Enter a recent race performance to estimate your marathon potential.
Coach Neil's Take: Should You Chase a Qualifier or Enter the Lottery?
For the 2027 race, the decision is mostly made for you. The qualifying window closes October 29, so unless you already have a qualifying time in hand, the drawing, charity or a tour operator is your route. The real decision is about 2028, the 50th running, which I expect to be the hardest Chicago entry in years.
Here is how I would think about it.
Runner A: 15 or more minutes from the standard
Enter the lottery every year and treat it as your primary route. Fifteen minutes is a real, multi-cycle improvement for most runners. It may well happen, but it should not be your entry plan. Train to get faster because it makes every marathon better, not because you are betting your Chicago start on it.
Runner B: 2 to 10 minutes from the standard
Enter the 2027 lottery, and then target a fast, certified spring or early-fall marathon in 2027 with a qualifier as the goal. That is the most valuable position in Chicago entry strategy. One well-executed race on a flat course with good weather can turn the 2028 application from a lottery into a formality. Build a buffer, too. Aim for two to three minutes under your standard so a warm day does not take it from you.
Runner C: Already qualified
Use the guaranteed entry. Do not leave your participation to chance when you have already earned your spot. Apply early in the window so the 10-day review has room to catch any documentation problem.
A Chicago qualifier is not a time you hope to run. It is a time you build toward with a specific plan, a specific course and a specific pacing strategy. That is the work a good training block is for.
If the Email Says No
December 8 will produce a lot of disappointed runners. Some of them will have a backup plan ready. Be one of those.
Move fast on charity
The charity route is the most reliable way into Chicago after a lottery miss, and many teams fill quickly once drawing results go out. Before December 8, browse the official Charity Index, pick two or three causes that genuinely matter to you and read each team's fundraising requirements. The $2,500 minimum is a floor. Some charities ask for more.
Only charities listed in the official Charity Index have guaranteed entries. If an organization claims to have Chicago bibs and is not listed, walk away.
Consider a tour operator
If you live outside the U.S., an official tour operator package may be the simplest route. It costs more because it bundles travel and hotel, but it removes the guesswork. Details land December 8.
Run a qualifier for 2028
A lottery miss is a training gift. You now have a full year to chase a time standard for the 50th running. Pick a fast, certified marathon, build a real plan and turn next year's application into a formality.
Start the 2027 Distance Series
Run the Shamrock Shuffle 8K and Chicago 13.1 in 2027 and you are two-thirds of the way to a guaranteed 2028 entry. You still need a 2027 marathon entry to complete the series, so this works best paired with a charity or tour place.
Do not buy a bib
Chicago prohibits the sale and transfer of entries. Runners caught on someone else's bib risk disqualification and bans from future events. It is not worth it.
Fees and Fine Print
| Entry type | U.S. residents | Non-U.S. residents |
|---|---|---|
| Standard entry | $250 | $260 |
| Charity entry | $325 | $335 |
| Application fee | Free | Free |
A processing fee is added to every entry, and it is non-refundable in all circumstances.
Things to know before you hit submit
- Refundable registration is optional and only offered once. During registration, you can add refund protection for roughly 10 to 15 percent of your cart. Skip it then and you cannot add it later. It does not cover a cancellation by the race itself.
- Cancelling buys you 2028, not your money back. Registered runners can cancel through October 6, 2027, and receive guaranteed access to 2028. You still pay the 2028 entry fee. This option is not available for charity or tour entries, or for runners who already cancelled from 2026.
- There is a 6:30:59 time limit. You must be able to finish within six and a half hours. The course reopens on a rolling schedule behind that pace.
- You must be 16 on race day. Runners under 18 must be registered by a parent or guardian.
- Packet pickup is in person. Every runner picks up their own bib at the Abbott Health and Fitness Expo with a government-issued photo ID in the name used to register. No proxy pickup.
If the Email Says Yes: Your Training Timeline
Congratulations. You now have ten months and a flat, fast course that will reward everything you put into it.
Chicago is a PR course with one honest catch: October weather can swing. Some years you get a crisp, cool morning. Some years you get a warm, humid morning that turns ambitious goal paces into long walks along the lakefront. Train for both.
For an October 10, 2027 race, an 18-week plan begins around June 7, 2027. A 16-week plan begins around June 21. That means much of your marathon-specific work happens in July and August heat, which is exactly why Chicago runners who acclimate well tend to arrive ready.
| Training phase | Timing | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Winter and spring base | January to early June | Aerobic volume, strength work, an optional spring half |
| Base and durability | Weeks 1–5 (June) | Consistent mileage, strides, hill strength |
| Marathon-specific build | Weeks 6–13 (July–August) | Long runs, marathon-pace work, fueling practice, heat management |
| Sharpening | Weeks 14–16 (September) | Race-pace long runs, dress rehearsal, tune-up half |
| Taper | Final 2–3 weeks | Reduce volume, keep rhythm, arrive fresh |
Three things a Chicago plan needs
- Even pacing practice. Chicago is flat, which means there is no terrain to slow you down when the crowds push you early. Practice locking into goal pace on long runs, especially the first ten miles.
- Heat training. Your build happens in summer. Use it. Learn your sweat rate and practice fueling in warm conditions so a warm race morning is a nuisance, not a disaster.
- GPS skepticism. Downtown skyscrapers can scramble GPS. Learn your goal effort by feel and use the mile markers, not your watch, early in the race.
Use the Pace Perfect heat acclimation protocol →
Plan your Chicago race-day fueling →
Planning to run Chicago?
Once you have secured your entry, the next challenge is preparing for the course itself. Chicago rewards disciplined pacing, consistent marathon-specific training and smart fueling.
Read our complete Chicago Marathon training guide for a neighborhood-by-neighborhood course breakdown, pacing strategy, weather considerations and race-day preparation.
Running Chicago in 2027?
Get a personalized marathon training plan built around your goal time, current fitness, experience and Chicago's fast, flat course.
Chicago Marathon Lottery FAQ
When does the 2027 Chicago Marathon lottery open and close?
The application opened at 8 AM Central on Thursday, October 8, 2026, and closes at 2 PM Central on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
How do I apply for the 2027 Chicago Marathon?
Go to the official Chicago Marathon application page, select the non-guaranteed entry drawing, complete the form and submit it before 2 PM Central on October 29, 2026. Applying is free.
When will I find out if I got into the 2027 Chicago Marathon?
Drawing results are emailed on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Selected runners must pay and complete registration by 11:59 PM Central on Tuesday, December 15.
What are the odds of getting into the Chicago Marathon?
Chicago does not publish an official acceptance rate. Independent estimates often put historical odds around 25 percent, but actual odds depend on the number of applicants and the places left after guaranteed entries. Applications topped 200,000 for the 2026 race, according to media reports.
Does applying early improve my chances?
No. Application timing has no effect on selection.
Can I apply more than once?
You can, but duplicates are removed before the drawing, so it does nothing for your odds.
How much does it cost to apply?
Nothing. The entry fee of $250 for U.S. residents or $260 for non-U.S. residents, plus a processing fee, is only charged if you are selected.
What are the 2027 Chicago Marathon qualifying times?
Standards range from 2:50 for men and 3:20 for women and non-binary runners aged 16 to 34, to 4:50 for men and 5:20 for women and non-binary runners aged 80 and over.
What is the qualifying window for 2027?
Your qualifying marathon must be run on a certified course between January 1, 2025, and October 29, 2026.
Can I use a half marathon time to qualify?
No. Chicago only accepts full marathon times for the time qualifier path.
How do I get into Chicago if I do not win the lottery?
Run for an official charity, book with an official tour operator, or start working toward a guaranteed path for 2028, such as a time qualifier or the 2027 Distance Series.
How much do I have to raise for a charity entry?
At least $2,500, though individual charities can set higher minimums. The charity entry fee is $325 for U.S. residents and $335 for non-U.S. residents.
Can I transfer my entry to a friend if I get injured?
No. Chicago prohibits entry transfers and sales. Registered runners can instead cancel by October 6, 2027, for guaranteed access to the 2028 race.
Is Chicago a good first marathon?
Yes. The course is flat, well supported and full of crowd energy. First-timers just need to respect the 6:30:59 time limit, resist the fast early miles and prepare for the possibility of a warm morning.