Chicago Marathon Training Plan
Get Your Personalized Training Plan for the Chicago Marathon
Build My Training Plan →Course Overview
Course Details
Terrain: Flat
Elevation Gain: 243 ft
Elevation Loss: 243 ft
Race Temperature: 50°F–67°F (start: 52°F)
Course Highlights
- One of the world's best Boston qualifier courses
- 29 diverse Chicago neighborhoods
- Massive crowd support throughout
- World Major Marathon status
This flat and fast race winds through 29 diverse neighborhoods of Chicago and is one of the most popular Boston qualifiers in the world. With a scenic course, great crowd support, and dependable organization, it's ideal for first-timers and PR seekers alike.
🏆 What Makes the Chicago Marathon Special
- Fastest World Marathon Major course in the US - site of women's world record (2:14:04)
- Current American women's record holder Keira D'Amato ran 2:19:12 here
- Flat and PR-friendly: only 243ft total elevation gain over 26.2 miles
- 1.7 million spectators provide incredible support through 29 diverse neighborhoods
- Perfect for Boston qualifying attempts with predictable, even pacing opportunities
- October timing provides ideal racing weather (typically 50-67°F)
- Loop course starting and finishing in iconic Grant Park
Your Chicago Marathon Training Plan Includes:
Course-Specific Training
Workouts designed specifically for Chicago Marathon's flat terrain and conditions.
Personalized Pacing
Heart rate zones and pace targets calculated for your fitness level and goals.
12-18 Week Schedule
Complete weekly training schedule with progressive mileage and intensity.
Choose Your Chicago Marathon Training Package
Essential Marathon Training Package
What's Included:
- Personalized 12-18 week training plan for your specific marathon course
- Course-specific elevation and terrain analysis
- Zone-based training with heart rate and pace targets
- Heat acclimation calculator and protocols
- Race-day nutrition and carb-loading guides
- Monthly email check-ins from your coach
- Course-specific pacing strategy
Premium Marathon Training Package
Everything in Essential, PLUS:
- 30-minute video onboarding call
- Direct 1:1 email access to your coach
- Weekly email check-ins from your coach
- Real-time training plan adjustments
Ready to Conquer the Chicago Marathon?
Join thousands of runners who have successfully completed their marathon with our personalized training plans.
Get My Training Plan Now