The 43rd Running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Is Underway With the Goal of Returning On Sunday, October 10, 2021

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon announces the planning of the 43rd running of the event with the goal of returning to the streets of Chicago on Sunday, October 10, 2021. Event organizers are working closely with the City of Chicago on race weekend plans that align with Chicago’s public health and safety guidance.

The participant field for the 2021 event will be built through a tiered application process, which opens to a limited group of eligible individuals today.  A second application window is set to open to the public in January.

“We are moving forward with hope and optimism,” said Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon executive race director. “The health and safety of participants, volunteers, spectators and the Chicago community remain at the forefront of our planning, and we are doing everything we can to safely bring the Bank of America Chicago Marathon back to our city streets.”

Race officials are working in partnership with the City of Chicago, including the Chicago Department of Public Health, to safely produce the event for both runners and spectators. Preparations for the event will be in accordance with Chicago’s re-opening framework, including the requirement for event attendees to adhere to local and state coronavirus guidelines.

“The Chicago Marathon is one of our city’s most beloved events and we are excited to be doing everything we can to ensure our race can safely return in the coming year,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Throughout this unprecedented crisis, we have been grateful to collaborate with dynamic partners, like the Chicago Marathon, who have stepped up to find safe, data-based solutions to our challenges, helping us lay the groundwork for our broader, citywide recovery that will follow in the months and years to come.”

Registration for the Sunday, October 10, 2021 event will be conducted through a tiered application process. A limited application window is open now to participants who deferred their 2020 entries to a future event (2021, 2022 or 2023) in response to the cancellation of the 2020 race, as well as individuals interested in running and fundraising on behalf of an event charity partner.

A second application period (to be announced in January) will open to the general public and include access for guaranteed and non-guaranteed entries.

The cost of an entry is $205 for United States residents and $230 for participants residing outside of the United States.

Guaranteed entry

Interested individuals can qualify for an entry into the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon through several guaranteed entry opportunities:

Individuals who deferred their 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon place and entry fee to a future event (2021, 2022 or 2023).

Charity runners who are fundraising for an official charity as part of the Chicago Marathon Charity Program.

Time qualifiers who have met the event’s age-graded qualifying standards or the event’s American Development Program standards.

Legacy finishers who have completed the Chicago Marathon five or more times within the last 10 years. 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience finishes will not be eligible.

International runners (non-U.S.) participating in the International Tour Group Program.

Individuals who have completed the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K four or more times since 2008 and have signed up for the 2021 Shamrock Shuffle (registration for a virtual race will open in December).

Non-guaranteed entry drawing

Individuals who do not qualify for a guaranteed entry can apply for the non-guaranteed entry drawing. The event organizers will select names from the full pool of non-guaranteed entry applicants and notify individuals of their selection status in March 2021.

The Abbott Chicago 5K will take place in advance of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Saturday, October 9, 2021. This event is the perfect way for marathoners, fans of the sport, and friends and family to experience Chicago and take part in the excitement of race weekend. This year marks the first year of Abbott’s title sponsorship of the Chicago 5K, furthering the global health care company’s commitment to helping people live fuller lives through better health.

Additional details about the 2021 event and application, including the 2021 cancellation and refund policy, are available at chicagomarathon.com.

posted Friday November 20th