2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon draws 55,000 runners to city streets: news
12-10-2026
2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Draws 55,000 Runners to City Streets
The 48th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon officially took over the Windy City on Sunday, October 11, 2026, welcoming an estimated 55,000 participants from all 50 U.S. states and more than 130 countries. Recognized as one of the premier Abbott World Marathon Majors, the world-class 26.2-mile road race drew over 1.7 million spectators who lined Chicago’s streets from the start in Grant Park through 29 vibrant neighborhoods.
Elite Race Highlights and Winners
Men’s Open Division: Kenya’s Amos Kipruto captured the men’s elite crown with a winning time of 2:01:09, holding off Ethiopia’s Tadese Bikila (2:02:56) and Milkesa Mengesha (2:03:46).
Women’s Open Division: Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa successfully defended her title, clocking a personal best of 2:13:33 to secure victory over Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi (2:14:07) and Brigid Kosgei (2:14:55).
Wheelchair Divisions: Switzerland dominated both divisions, with Marcel Hug claiming the men’s wheelchair title in 1:21:34 and Catherine Debrunner winning the women’s wheelchair race in 1:33:16.
Course Atmosphere and Community Impact
Starting and finishing along Columbus Drive in Grant Park, the flat, fast course led runners through iconic districts including Lincoln Park, Old Town, the West Loop, Pilsen, and Chinatown. The event brought widespread community engagement alongside extensive street closures, live wave starts, and citywide celebrations across Chicago. In addition to athletic milestones, the 2026 marathon continues to generate an estimated local economic impact exceeding $500 million and millions raised for global charities.