Road Race Management

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CM: Registration for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle Opens this Month

Oct 3, 2025

CHICAGO – Today the teams behind Chicago’s premier racing portfolio announced registration information for the events that will make up the fourth annual Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. The Distance Series connects the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run in a unique challenge that rewards participants who finish all three events in 2026 with an exclusive medal and guaranteed entry to the 2027 Chicago Marathon. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to get their names in early to ensure they can take part in the series. Registration for the Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle launches today with special discounted pricing. The four-week application period for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will open on Tuesday, October 21.”We are thrilled to continue the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series in 2026,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle. “The Distance Series has been successful due to the dedication of the running community, and we look forward to working with and welcoming returning and first time athletes alike throughout next year’s outdoor running season.”

2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon application

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and an internationally renowned event, will begin accepting applications for the 48th running of the event at 10 a.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, October 21. Registration will be conducted through a non-guaranteed entry drawing and a series of guaranteed entry applications.

Interested individuals will have until 2 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, November 18 to apply for either a guaranteed or non-guaranteed entry. The cost of an entry is $250 for United States residents and $260 for those residing outside of the United States.

Guaranteed entry

Individuals can qualify for an entry into the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon through several guaranteed entry opportunities:

  • Time qualifiers who have met the event’s age-graded qualifying standards or qualify for the event’s High Performance Division.
  • Legacy finishers who have completed the Chicago Marathon five or more times within the last 10 years.
  • Registered participants who cancelled their 2025 entry.
  • Charity participants who are fundraising for an official charity as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program.
  • Runners participating with an official tour operator as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Tour Operator Program.
  • Runners who completed the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series by finishing the 2025 Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon.

Non-guaranteed entry drawing

Those who do not qualify for a guaranteed entry can apply for the non-guaranteed entry drawing. The event will select names from the full pool of non-guaranteed entry applicants and notify applicants of their selection status on Thursday, December 11.

The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Additional details about the 2026 application are available at chicagomarathon.com/apply.

2026 Bank of America Chicago 13.1 registration

The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 offers a unique experience, encouraging runners to explore the neighborhoods of Chicago’s West Side. The fifth annual half marathon will kick off on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with a course that weaves through the historic parks and boulevards of the West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park. Following the race, participants and community members are encouraged to celebrate at the Race Day Festival, featuring a mix of entertainment, health and wellness activities and community activations.

Registration for the 2026 event is now open. Individuals who sign up through Tuesday, October 21, 2025, have access to a special $110 entry fee in celebration of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. The entry fee will increase to $120 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

Additional details about the 2026 event and registration information are available at chicago13point1.com.

2026 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle registration

The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is regarded as the official kickoff to the running season and a continuation of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. On Sunday, March 22, 2026, the race will treat participants to a one-of-a-kind 8K Run (4.97 miles) through Chicago’s Loop. Fitness enthusiasts not ready to tackle the 8K Run are encouraged to join The Mile event on Saturday, March 21, or the 2-Mile Walk on Sunday. All three events will start and finish in Chicago’s Grant Park.

Registration for the 2026 events is now open. Individuals who sign up for the 8K Run through Tuesday, October 21, 2025, have access to a special $51 entry fee in celebration of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. The entry fee will increase to $56 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

Registration for the 2-Mile Walk is $51. The entry fee for The Mile event is $25 and $15 for youth ages 8 to 12.