Chicago Marathon drawing: when it opens and how to get a place

How you get a place

Drawing (lottery), plus time qualifiers, charity and tour operators. Entry costs $260 (outside the US).

In a drawing you apply during a set window, and places are drawn at random once it closes. Some races charge you only if you're picked, and some take payment automatically the moment you're drawn, so read the rules before you apply. Our guide to how race ballots work explains more.

The drawing for the 2028 race

Drawing, early to late Oct 2027. The 2028 race is expected on Sun 8 Oct 2028.

How we know: 2027 drawing runs 8–29 Oct 2026.

Didn't get a place?

• Charity places. Most big races give places to charities. You agree to raise a set amount in return.
• Tour operators. Official travel partners sell guaranteed entries bundled with a hotel. They cost more, but you can book after the drawing closes.
• Pick a race you can enter now. These are the same distance, within two months of the same time of year, and open now:

Planning to go?

Official site: chicagomarathon.com. Details come from our race database, checked against the organiser's site in October 2026. Drawing dates change every year, so always confirm on the official site.