As the Bank of America Chicago Marathon continues to grow in prestige and popularity, earning a guaranteed entry has become more competitive than ever. For many runners, qualifying based on time is the ultimate goal, a mark of both fitness and legitimacy in one of the world’s premier marathons.
While full application details for the 2026 race have yet to be released, organizers have confirmed that the time qualifier and high performance entry pathways will return. Here’s what we know so far, how qualifying standards have evolved, and what runners should expect for 2026.
The Time Qualifier Route
Each year, the Chicago Marathon sets qualifying standards that allow runners to bypass the lottery and secure a guaranteed entry. These standards are based on age and gender, and they must be achieved on a certified marathon course.
For 2025, the time standards were notably aggressive, quicker than even Boston’s for many age groups. Runners had to post their qualifying marks between January 1, 2023 and the end of the 2025 application window. While 2026 dates are still pending, it’s reasonable to expect a similar structure and timeline.
Here’s a look at the most recent standards, which are expected to remain largely the same for 2026 unless otherwise announced:
| Age Group | Men | Women & Non-Binary |
|---|---|---|
| 16–34 | 2:55:00 | 3:25:00 |
| 35–39 | 3:00:00 | 3:30:00 |
| 40–44 | 3:05:00 | 3:35:00 |
| 45–49 | 3:15:00 | 3:45:00 |
| 50–54 | 3:20:00 | 3:50:00 |
| 55–59 | 3:30:00 | 4:00:00 |
| 60–64 | 3:45:00 | 4:15:00 |
| 65–69 | 4:00:00 | 4:30:00 |
| 70–74 | 4:15:00 | 4:45:00 |
| 75–79 | 4:30:00 | 5:00:00 |
| 80+ | 4:50:00 | 5:20:00 |
To be clear, a qualifying time does not mean automatic entry unless it is submitted through the proper application window and approved by organizers. All results are verified by the race office before entries are confirmed.
Why the Standards Are So Fast
Chicago’s time qualifier standards have tightened over the years. For 2025, they were five minutes faster than Boston’s in several age categories. That wasn’t an accident.
Organizers are working with a fixed course capacity while also managing surging demand from runners around the world. The faster standards are designed to ensure that the time qualifier pool represents the most competitive amateur athletes, without overwhelming the field. As a result, Chicago’s time-based entry has become a true mark of achievement.
Chicago also doesn’t have a cutoff buffer like Boston’s “BQ minus” system. If you hit the standard and apply during the window, you’re in.
High Performance and Other Entry Paths
For elite and sub-elite athletes, the High Performance Program offers another route to guaranteed entry. In recent years, this has required men to run sub-2:25 and women or non-binary athletes to run sub-2:45, though these benchmarks may be updated.
If qualifying times aren’t within reach, there are still other guaranteed entry options, including:
- Charity entries through official nonprofit partners
- International tour group packages
- The Bank of America Distance Series, for runners who complete the Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago 13.1, and Marathon in a single year
- Legacy entry for runners who have finished the marathon five times in the past 10 years
What to Expect for 2026
While the full application process for 2026 hasn’t been released yet, runners can expect the entry window to open in late October 2025 and close in November. The race itself is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026.
If you’re targeting a time qualifier, now is the time to plan your race calendar. Look for certified marathons where you can run fast. Flat, well-supported courses with good weather tend to be ideal. Organizers will verify that your result comes from a USATF or World Athletics–certified course, so be sure to confirm that before signing up.
And keep in mind, the qualifying window for 2026 is already open. A time run in 2024 or 2025 may count, so long as it meets all the event’s criteria.
