View source for Chicago Marathon

{{Short description|Annual footrace held in Chicago, Illinois, US}}
{{use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox athletics race
| bgcolour      = #565353
| image         = Chicago Marathon logo (gradient).svg
| imagesize     = 250px
| caption       = Logo for the Chicago Marathon
| date          = Second Sunday in October (before Columbus Day)  
| location      = [[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]], [[United States]]
| type          = [[Road running|Road]]
| distance      = {{convert|26.219|mi|km}}
| est           = {{start date and age|1977|p=y}}
|last=[[2025 Chicago Marathon|2025]]| record        = '''M''': 2:00:35 *''[[Marathon world record progression|WR]]''<br />(2023 – [[Kelvin Kiptum]])<br />'''F''': 2:09:56 *''WR''<br />(2024 – [[Ruth Chepngetich]])
| homepage      = {{URL|chicagomarathon.com}}
|current=yes}}

The '''Chicago Marathon''' is a road [[marathon]] held in October in [[Chicago]], Illinois. It is one of the seven [[World Marathon Majors]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/US/ |access-date=April 22, 2009 |title=World Marathon Majors |publisher=[[World Marathon Majors]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220045724/http://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/US/ |archive-date=February 20, 2009 }}</ref> Thus, it is also a [[World Athletics Label Road Races|World Athletics Label Road Race]]. The Chicago Marathon is one of the largest races by number of finishers worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-chicago-marathon-economic-impact-1006-biz-20161005-story.html|title=On Chicago Marathon weekend, some businesses can't lose|first=Lauren|last=Zumbach|website=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=October 5, 2016 |access-date=October 5, 2016|archive-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006050725/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-chicago-marathon-economic-impact-1006-biz-20161005-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>  The race was awarded the [[World Athletics]] Heritage Plaque in 2024, for "outstanding contribution to the history and development of road running."<ref name="NBCS"/>

Annual Chicago marathons were held from 1905 to the 1920s, but the first race in the present series occurred on September 25, 1977, under the original name the Mayor Daley Marathon, which drew a field of 4,200 runners. The race has been held every year since, except in 1987 when only a half-marathon was run, and in 2020 as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=TCM6>Suozzo, p. 6.</ref><ref name=CS1007/><ref name="RWChicago">{{cite web|url=http://chicagomarathon.runnersworld.com/2009/09/chicago-marathon-at-a-glance.html|title=Chicago Marathon at a Glance|date=September 23, 2009|access-date=October 17, 2011|publisher=Runners World|archive-date=April 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425073154/http://chicagomarathon.runnersworld.com/2009/09/chicago-marathon-at-a-glance.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It became among the fastest-growing modern-marathon [[Road running|road races]] in the world, due in part to its largely fast and flat course which facilitates the pursuit of personal records and [[Marathon world record progression|world record]] performances.<ref name=TCM10>Suozzo, p. 10.</ref> It generally begins and ends in [[Grant Park, Chicago|Grant Park]], and travels streets of the North Side, West Side and South Side, before returning to the [[Chicago Loop|Loop]]. The race has achieved its elite status among marathons by developing relationships with sponsors who provide prize money to lure elite runners who have produced American and world record performances. Since 2008, the race has been sponsored and organized by [[Bank of America]], and is officially known as the '''Bank of America Chicago Marathon'''.

The race admits around 50,000 runners and only runners who finish within 6{{frac|1|2}} hours are officially timed.<ref name=TCM10/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chicago-marathon/ct-viz-chicago-marathon-2019-map-details-htmlstory.html|title=Chicago Marathon 2019|date=October 11, 2019|access-date=March 25, 2021|publisher=Chicago Tribune|first1=Tim|last1=Bannon|first2=Kori|last2=Rumore|archive-date=October 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008014430/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chicago-marathon/ct-viz-chicago-marathon-2019-map-details-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Those wishing to participate can register after either meeting a time qualifying standard or being selected through a general lottery.<ref name="RWDouglas">{{cite web|url=http://www.runnersworld.com/chicago-marathon/chicago-marathon-switches-to-lottery-for-registration|last=Douglas|first=Scott|date=January 16, 2014|access-date=September 29, 2014|title=Chicago Marathon Switches to Lottery for Registration|publisher=RunnersWorld.com|archive-date=October 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003094903/http://www.runnersworld.com/chicago-marathon/chicago-marathon-switches-to-lottery-for-registration|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the race has limited registration, exceptions include elite runners, legacy finishers, and charity representatives.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagomarathon.com/participant-information/registration/frequently-asked-application-questions/|title=Frequently asked application questions – Bank of America Chicago Marathon|work=Bank of America Chicago Marathon|access-date=April 22, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423033413/https://www.chicagomarathon.com/participant-information/registration/frequently-asked-application-questions/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 21st century, increasingly, local, national and global charities as well as humanitarian organizations encourage sponsored participation in the event as a means of fund raising.<ref name=Charities>{{cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11629B2BE65B4A48&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|access-date=October 29, 2009|date=December 21, 2006|work=Chicago Sun-Times|title=Marathon raises record amount|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030142443/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DAWNB%26docref%3Dnews%2F11629B2BE65B4A48%26f%3Dbasic|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldvision.org/team|access-date=February 18, 2008|title=Team World Vision |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080412065007/http://www.worldvision.org/team|archive-date=April 12, 2008 }}</ref>

==History==
{{see also|List of winners of the Chicago Marathon}}
[[File:ChicagoMarathonLogo.jpg|thumb|The former logo before the current sponsor]]
The first modern marathon at the 1896 [[Games of the I Olympiad]] in Greece generated interest in the sport which led to similar races throughout most [[Western world|western countries]] and across the United States. While marathons sporadically occurred in New York City and [[St. Louis]],<ref>Suozzo, pp. 4–5"</ref> the [[Boston Marathon]] had established an annual marathon in 1897, soon to be followed by a Chicago annual race.<ref name="Britt, pp. 7-9">Britt, pp. 7–9.</ref> Beginning in 1905,<ref name="Britt, pp. 9-14">Britt, pp. 9–14.</ref> the Chicago Marathon (organized first by the Illinois Athletic Club 1905 to 1909, then sponsored by the ''[[Chicago Daily News]]'' after 1910) was held annually, with significant community and spectator support, until the early 1920s.<ref name="Britt, pp. 15-22">Britt, pp. 15–22.</ref>

[[Image:1905 Chicago Marathon Louis Marks.jpg|thumb|left|First Chicago Marathon September 23, 1905. Louis Marks in the lead.]]
The first Chicago Marathon was run on September 23, 1905.<ref name="Britt, pp. 7-9" /> That first race began at the [[Evanston, Illinois|Evanston]] Golf Club and finished in front of a standing-room-only paying crowd at [[Washington Park Race Track]]. Beginning with a little over a dozen runners, only seven completed the course.<ref name=Zumbach>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-flashback-first-marathon-chicago-zumbach-20191009-5gvmwkopvvhzve4oklskcwcm4e-story.html |title=Flashback: Runners in Chicago's first marathon — in 1905 — dodged traffic and waited for a passing train and an open drawbridge |last=Zumbach |first=Lauren |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=October 9, 2019 |access-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014112744/https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-flashback-first-marathon-chicago-zumbach-20191009-5gvmwkopvvhzve4oklskcwcm4e-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In a stunning upset, a reported 100,000 or more spectators watched Chicagoan Rhud Metzner come from behind to steal a late-race victory from the favored Louis Marks.<ref name="Britt, pp. 9-14" /> With that first race, the Chicago Marathon began an annual run of epic races that continued until the early 1920s, eventually on a revised course that largely resembles today's marathon route.<ref name="Britt, pp. 15-22" /> The second year, feet bleeding, Canadian Dennis Bennett won, while a band played "[[Maple Leaf Forever]]". In the early years, runners had their own regimens: John Lindquist from [[Brooklyn]] took a commanding lead in 1907 while doing whiskey shots, but by mile 23, he was apparently falling asleep; while, the next year, the French-born Chicagoan Albert Corey had more success sipping champagne.<ref name=Zumbach/> Over the years elite fields included Olympic champions, world records were continually sought, and the marathon continued to inspire Chicago communities and spectators until challenges of the early 1920s sidelined the event.<ref name="Britt, pp. 9-22">Britt, pp. 9–22.</ref>

It was not until the health consciousness of the 1960s that marathon growth gained traction in the public's eyes. Then the 1976 New York City Marathon, which was the first New York City Marathon to embrace the five [[Borough (New York City)|borough]] course, popularized the big city marathon.<ref name=TCM6/> Also that year, a group of runners in Chicago held a meeting at the [[YMCA]] on [[LaSalle Street]] to discuss interest and begin planning a local marathon.<ref name="NBCS"/> As the New York marathon began to grow exponentially in the 1970s, the Chicago Marathon was established as a rival to the New York City Marathon.<ref name=TCM6/> By the mid-1980s, the Chicago Marathon was ensconced as one of the big four marathons.<ref>Treadwell, p. 188</ref> During the mid-1980s, it was named America's Marathon/Chicago and opened up the way for appearance payments. Runner and Olympic Gold Medalist [[Joan Benoit Samuelson]] described the Chicago Marathons of the mid-1980s as "The World's Marathon".<ref>Treadwell, p. 64.</ref> The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an open race with no qualifying time to participate.<ref name=TCM10/>

[[Image:20070808 Flair House.JPG|125px|thumb|right|The founding location of the Chicago Marathon is at 214 West Erie in [[River North Gallery District, Near North Side, Chicago|River North]].]]
The modern era Chicago Marathon was founded over the objection of [[Ed Kelly (Illinois politician, born 1924)|Ed Kelly]], [[Chicago Park District]] Superintendent who refused permission to run in the parks or along the [[Lake Michigan]] lakefront. With the help of Lee Flaherty, the event's founder who operated out of Flair House in the [[Near North Side, Chicago|Near North Side]] [[Community areas of Chicago|community area]] of Chicago,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/chicago/know/499987,CST-NWS-this07.article |access-date=August 30, 2007 |date=August 7, 2007 |title=Lee Flaherty |author=Toomey, Shamus |work=Chicago Sun-Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107043518/http://www.suntimes.com/chicago/know/499987%2CCST-NWS-this07.article |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Chicago Mayor]] [[Richard J. Daley]]'s support for the marathon was enlisted. Although Mayor Daley died, his successor [[Michael Anthony Bilandic]] approved the race and got Kelly on board. Michael Bilandic, a runner, and his wife actually passed out medals at the first marathon on September 25, 1977. This first edition of the modern Chicago Marathon was called the Mayor Daley Marathon.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-perspec-1009-things-20111008,0,1222189.story|title=10 things you might not know about running|date=October 11, 2011|access-date=April 21, 2013|work=Chicago Tribune|author1=Jacob, Mark|author2=Benzkofer, Stephan|archive-date=November 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129154318/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-perspec-1009-things-20111008,0,1222189.story|url-status=live}}</ref> Flaherty footed the bill for the first race, which had no [[sponsor (commercial)|sponsors]]. He again footed the bill in 1978 when the race was again called the Mayor Daley Marathon. In 1979, however, [[Beatrice Foods]] became the first race sponsor.

[[File:20081012 Evans Cheruiyot follows pace car.jpg|thumb|left|[[Evans Cheruiyot]] follows the course car (with clock) during his 2008 victory. The lead course car carries the current race time.]]
In the early years the Chicago Marathon was held in August.<ref name=HMCKY/> It has from its inception with 4,200 runners and 2,128 finishers been one of the nation's largest marathons. The 2000 running was second only to New York.<ref>Suozzo. pp. 19–21.</ref> The 1979 and 1980 events, however, continued to be gatherings of amateur runners. By 1982, the race finally had sufficient prize money to attract world class athletes. The 1982 was the first with world class times such as the 2:10:59 by [[Greg Meyer]].<ref name="Suozzo, p. 22">Suozzo, p. 22.</ref> By 1983, the Chicago Marathon had achieved its status as one of America's most important marathons. In 1984, Beatrice raised the purse to $250,000 ($50,000 more than New York's).<ref name="Suozzo, p. 22"/> The race had become a legitimate rival to New York and continues to vie for top runners. In the 1985 race, [[Steve Jones (athlete)|Steve Jones]] broke his own course record (2 seconds short of the world record). At that time, it was considered the premier marathon in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:SDUB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11792A22B185A655&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=New York City Marathon feels chill of Windy City times|access-date=February 21, 2009|date=October 23, 1985|publisher=[[Newsbank]]|work=[[San Diego Union-Tribune|Evening Tribune]]|author=Coat, Tom|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030142432/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DAWNB%26docref%3Dnews%2F11792A22B185A655%26f%3Dbasic|url-status=live}}</ref> Although 1986 had 40 world-class runners among the 8,000 participants the times paled in comparison.<ref>Suozzo, p. 23.</ref> Beatrice dropped out as a sponsor in 1987. Because of this only a half-marathon race was held that year<ref name="RWChicago"/> and the marathon was moved to the spring of 1988<ref name="Hersh">{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/07/01/chicago-marathon-moves-to-spring/|title=Chicago Marathon Moves To Spring|last=Hersh|first=Phil|date=July 1, 1987|access-date=October 17, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|archive-date=October 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025071128/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-07-01/sports/8702180359_1_bob-bright-half-marathon-boston-marathon|url-status=live}}</ref> and attracted [[Heileman Brewing Company]] to sponsor the 1988 Old Style Chicago Marathon.<ref>Suozzo, p. 24.</ref> The race resulted in three women who had been passed over for the 1988 [[Games of the XXIV Olympiad]] placing in the top positions.<ref>Suozzo, p. 25.</ref> In 1991, Heileman discontinued its sponsorship and both the prize money and performances waned.<ref>Suozzo, p. 28.</ref> In 1992, the race again had no sponsorship, but 1993 brought new sponsor [[LaSalle Bank]].<ref>Suozzo, p. 29.</ref> In 1994, the race became the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.<ref>Suozzo, p. 30.</ref> In 1996, LaSalle Bank purchased the Chicago Marathon from Major Events, Inc., who had purchased the race three years prior from Flaherty.<ref>Suozzo, p. 31.</ref><ref>Suozzo, p. 90.</ref> In 1998, the race began using [[transponder timing]].<ref>Suozzo, p. 33.</ref> In 2001, when [[Catherine Ndereba]] broke the women's world record marathon time, both the men's and women's then-current world records had been set at the Chicago Marathon.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ABJB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EF102D155A57FF3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420|title=Women's Marathon Record Falls Quickly Ndereba Tops Week-old Mark In Chicago|access-date=February 21, 2009|date=October 8, 2001|publisher=[[Newsbank]]|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024191415/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DAWNB%26docref%3Dnews%2F0EF102D155A57FF3%26f%3Dbasic|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Image:Chitemp1007.gif|thumb|left|2007 Chicago Marathon temperatures.]]
In 2007, Bank of America acquired LaSalle Bank's parent company [[ABN AMRO]] North America in 2007 and assumed the race's title sponsorship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Press_Center/Press%20Release_Registration%20Open.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318030447/http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Press_Center/Press%20Release_Registration%20Open.pdf|archive-date=March 18, 2009 |access-date=November 4, 2014|title=Bank of American Chicago Marathon Announces New Name, New Logo and Opening of 2008 Registration|publisher=chicagomarathon.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/press-release/corporate-and-financial-news/bank-america-agrees-acquire-lasalle-bank|title=Bank of America Agrees to Acquire LaSalle Bank|date=April 23, 2007|access-date=November 4, 2014|publisher=Bank of America|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104233758/http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/press-release/corporate-and-financial-news/bank-america-agrees-acquire-lasalle-bank|archive-date=November 4, 2014}}</ref> The 2007 race made history with the first ever CEO Marathon Challenge. The race featured a special competition among the CEOs, presidents, company owners and c-suite executives of companies with at least $5&nbsp;million in annual [[gross revenue]] ($2.5&nbsp;million for women).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Runner_Information/ceochallenge_pr.pdf|access-date=October 6, 2007|date=July 10, 2007|publisher=LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon|title=Ceo Marathon Challenge To Take Place at the 2007 Lasalle Bank Chicago Marathon|author=Caponi, Marianne|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128113923/http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Runner_Information/ceochallenge_pr.pdf|archive-date=November 28, 2007}}</ref> The 2007 race also made history for having three (men's, women's & men's [[wheelchair]]) of its four races decided in the final 100 meters in a day of record setting heat.<ref name=IAwLBCM>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/press_center/index.aspx?id=3045 |access-date=October 7, 2007 |date=October 7, 2007 |title=Ivuti, Adere win LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon |publisher=LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011005210/http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/press_center/index.aspx?id=3045 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 }}</ref> The race was partially shut down early (after three and a half hours) as temperatures rose to an unseasonably hot 88&nbsp;°F (31&nbsp;°C), which surpassed both the temperature records for the Chicago Marathon and official Chicago records for October 7.<ref name=AccuWeather>{{cite web|url=http://www.accuweather.com/news-blogs.asp?blog=community&date=2007-10-07_20:55|access-date=October 7, 2007|date=October 7, 2007|title=Deadly Heat at Chicago Marathon, 300 Injured|publisher=AccuWeather.com Community Blog|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030142444/https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-blogs/weathermatrix|url-status=live}}</ref> Over 10,000 registrants chose not to run in the record temperatures, while 10,934 people did not finish (many were called after the course closed early for safety).<ref name=CS1007>Karnes, Korey, "Running Wild," ''Chicago Social,'' October 2007, p. 68.</ref><ref name=IAwLBCM/><ref name=RDiHCM/> One runner died, over 30 were hospitalized, and over 400 others sought medical attention. Marathon owner and sponsor [[Bank of America]], which had just acquired LaSalle Bank, has denied culpability. Similar hot conditions have been experienced in other city center races. In 2003, London's The British 10K also had extremely hot weather that affected many runners.<ref name=RDiHCM>{{cite web|url=http://sports.aol.com/story/ar/_a/runner-dies-in-hot-chicago-marathon/20071007144809990001|access-date=October 8, 2007|date=October 7, 2007|publisher=AP Sports/AOL.com|title=Runner Dies in Hot Chicago Marathon|author=Sylvan, Benjamin|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011005346/http://sports.aol.com/story/ar/_a/runner-dies-in-hot-chicago-marathon/20071007144809990001 |archive-date = October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Odihm/>

The 2020 edition of the race was cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus]] [[COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois|pandemic]], with all registrants given the option of either transferring their entry to 2021, 2022, or 2023, or obtaining a full refund.<ref name="2020.cancellation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagomarathon.com/cancellation/2020-event-cancellation/ |title=2020 Event Cancellation - Bank of America Chicago Marathon |access-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714105114/https://www.chicagomarathon.com/cancellation/2020-event-cancellation/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="2020.cancellation.faq">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagomarathon.com/cancellation/cancellation-faqs/ |title=Cancellation FAQs - Bank of America Chicago Marathon |access-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714151623/https://www.chicagomarathon.com/cancellation/cancellation-faqs/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2024, [[Sebastian Coe]], president of [[World Athletics]], presented the Chicago Marathon with the World Athletics Heritage Plaque<ref name="NBCS">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/chicago-marathon/bank-of-america-chicago-marathon-earns-world-athletics-heritage-award/3558266/?os=vpkn75tqhopmkpsxtq&ref=app |title=Bank of America Chicago Marathon earns World Athletics Heritage Award

|author=Staff|first=|date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=October 23, 2024|work=NBC Sports}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Course==
[[Image:Lasalle Chicago marathon.jpg|thumb|left|Chicago Marathon start/finish in [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]], October 2006]]
The marathon course is a loop course, starting and ending at [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]]. From there, the current course winds through 29 of the city's neighborhoods.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Runner_Information/10_CM_Map_FINAL.pdf|title=Marathon Course Map|access-date=October 31, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214051738/http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Runner_Information/10_CM_Map_FINAL.pdf|archive-date=December 14, 2010}}</ref> The course loop can be generally divided into three sections: North, West, and South. In each of these sections, three of the city's main stadiums are near the course's turning points: [[Wrigley Field]] to the north; the [[United Center]] to the west; and [[Rate Field]] to the south. The city's fourth professional stadium, [[Soldier Field]], is located near the start/finish area.

For the first three miles, runners wind through [[Chicago Loop|Chicago's downtown area]]. Eventually, they head north along [[LaSalle Street]].

Runners are supported by over 12,000 volunteers<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-marathon-thanks-thousands-of-volunteers-read-their-names/53022/|title=Chicago Marathon Thanks Thousands of Volunteers: Read Their Names|date=October 6, 2016 |access-date=October 30, 2021|archive-date=September 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912064333/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-marathon-thanks-thousands-of-volunteers-read-their-names/53022/|url-status=live}}</ref> spread throughout the course including at 20 [[aid station]]s<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon/runner_information/index.aspx?id=486|title=Course & Amenities|access-date=October 14, 2011|publisher=ChicagoMarathon.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012212715/http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/runner_information/index.aspx?id=486|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> located approximate every 1–3 miles, plus the finish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/chicago_marathon/runner_information/index.aspx?id=5831|title=Aid Station Locations|access-date=October 14, 2011|publisher=ChicagoMarathon.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003013658/http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/runner_information/index.aspx?id=5831|archive-date=October 3, 2011}}</ref> For runners in distress, aid station volunteers include medical staff and ambulatory services are scattered throughout the course.

Digital timers are positioned every 5 kilometers, besides the halfway point & finish.
{{clear}}

==Runner statistics==
{| class="wikitable collapsible plainrowheaders" style="width:300px; text-align:center; margin:0 1em; float:right"
|+Chicago Marathon Finishers (2000–present)<br /> Total finishers and by gender
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year
! scope="col" colspan="3" | Finishers
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Avg Finish Time
|-
! scope="col" | Total
! scope="col" | Male
! scope="col" | Female
|-
! scope="row" | [[2000 Chicago Marathon|2000]]
| 27,870
| 16,802
| 11,068
| 4:21:46
|-
! scope="row" | [[2001 Chicago Marathon|2001]]
| 28,390
| 17,129
| 11,261
| 4:19:28
|-
! scope="row" | [[2002 Chicago Marathon|2002]]
| 31,093
| 18,111
| 12,982
| 4:19:51
|-
! scope="row" | [[2003 Chicago Marathon|2003]]
| 32,395
| 18,720
| 13,675
| 4:25:09
|-
! scope="row" | [[2004 Chicago Marathon|2004]]
| 33,033
| 19,073
| 13,960
| 4:26:53
|-
! scope="row" | [[2005 Chicago Marathon|2005]]
| 32,995
| 18,673
| 14,322
| 4:26:22
|-
! scope="row" | [[2006 Chicago Marathon|2006]]
| 33,618
| 18,904
| 14,714
| 4:25:02
|-
! scope="row" | [[2007 Chicago Marathon|2007]]
| 28,815
| 16,945
| 11,870
| 4:52:11
|-
! scope="row" | [[2008 Chicago Marathon|2008]]
| 31,343
| 17,675
| 13,668
| 4:46:30
|-
! scope="row" | [[2009 Chicago Marathon|2009]]
| 33,475
| 18,983
| 14,492
| 4:27:20
|-
! scope="row" | [[2010 Chicago Marathon|2010]]
| 36,159
| 19,973
| 16,186
| 4:43:48
|-
! scope="row" | [[2011 Chicago Marathon|2011]]
| 35,670
| 20,256
| 15,414
| 4:40:34
|-
! scope="row" | [[2012 Chicago Marathon|2012]]
| 37,455
| 20,688
| 16,767
| 4:32:02
|-
! scope="row" | [[2013 Chicago Marathon|2013]]
| 39,122
| 21,618
| 17,504
| 4:32:23
|-
! scope="row" | [[2014 Chicago Marathon|2014]]
| 40,801
| 22,299 
| 18,502
| 4:33:03
|-
! scope="row" | [[2015 Chicago Marathon|2015]]
| 37,182
| 20,144
| 17,038
| 4:33:14
|-
! scope="row" | [[2016 Chicago Marathon|2016]]
| 40,608
| 22,045
| 18,563
| 4:34:48
|-
! scope="row" | [[2017 Chicago Marathon|2017]]
| 44,508
| 22,906 
| 21,602 
| 4:47:23
|-
! scope="row" |[[2018 Chicago Marathon|2018]]
|44,584
|23,934
|20,650
|4:34:01
|-
! scope="row" |[[2019 Chicago Marathon|2019]]
|45,956
|24,626
|21,330
|4:29:51
|-
! scope="row" | 2020
| colspan="4" align="center" | ''cancelled due to [[COVID-19 pandemic]] ''{{r|2020.cancellation}}
|-
! scope="row" |[[2021 Chicago Marathon|2021]]
|26,112
|14,228
|11,884
|4:42:32
|-
! scope="row" | [[2022 Chicago Marathon|2022]]
|39,420
|20,931
|18,489
|4:29:09
|-
! scope="row" | [[2023 Chicago Marathon|2023]]
|48,574
|25,858
|22,626
|4:21:03
|-
! scope="row" | [[2024 Chicago Marathon|2024]]
|52,062 
|28,039
|23,888
|4:19:55
|-

| colspan="5" style="text-align:left;" |<small>Source:</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=67001022|title=Marathon Guide: Chicago Marathon|year=2012|access-date=October 9, 2012|work=MarathonGuide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109153005/http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=67001022|archive-date=November 9, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><nowiki>|</nowiki><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=67171008
|title=Marathon Guide: Chicago Marathon|year=2017|access-date=October 11, 2017|work=MarathonGuide}}</ref><nowiki>|</nowiki><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=67181007|title=Chicago Marathon Race Results 2018|website=www.marathonguide.com|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030142431/http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=67181007|url-status=live}}</ref><nowiki>|</nowiki><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=67191013|title=Chicago Marathon Race Results 2019|website=www.marathonguide.com|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030142421/http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=67191013|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=67231008|title=Chicago Marathon Race Results 2023|website=www.marathonguide.com|access-date=October 11, 2023}}
|}

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has grown significantly from its beginnings. In 1905, 20 runners registered for the first Chicago Marathon, 15 actually started the race, and 7 finished.<ref name="Britt, pp. 9-22" /> For the first "modern" marathon race in 1977, 4,200 people took part.<ref name="cpl">{{cite web|url=https://www.chipublib.org/blogs/post/1977-1st-modern-era-chicago-marathon/|title=1977 1st Modern Era Chicago Marathon|last=Elliot|first=Sean|date=January 8, 2014|publisher=[[Chicago Public Library]]|access-date=September 24, 2018|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225114716/https://www.chipublib.org/blogs/post/1977-1st-modern-era-chicago-marathon/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1995, 9,000 people registered, and in 1999, over 29,000 people registered. The 2001 marathon run on October 7 reached its cap of 37,500, which was instituted after the 2000 race drew 33,171 runners,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://runningnetworkarchives.com/runwashington/news/chigagocap.html|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=January 17, 2001|title=The Lasalle Bank Chicago Marathon Announces Registration Cap; Race will limit the field to 37,500 participants|publisher=Running Network|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070904095620/http://runningnetworkarchives.com/runwashington/news/chigagocap.html |archive-date = September 4, 2007|url-status=usurped}}</ref> just prior to the entry deadline on September 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagoaa.com/news/Marathoncap01.html|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=September 24, 2001|title=Marathon Hits 37,500 Cap on Final Day of Registration|publisher=Running Network|work=Chicago Athlete |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928083051/http://www.chicagoaa.com/news/Marathoncap01.html |archive-date = September 28, 2007}}</ref> In 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 it reached its cap of 40,000.<ref name=TCM6/><ref name=CR04>{{cite web|url=http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/3/3_5/lasalle-bank-chicago-mara-2.shtml|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=August 16, 2004|title=LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Reaches 40,000 Participant Cap|publisher=Cool Sports, Inc.|work=Cool Running|author=Lamppa, Ryan|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210527/http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/3/3_5/lasalle-bank-chicago-mara-2.shtml|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref> The October 10, 2004, October 9, 2005, and October 22, 2006, races reached their 40,000 entrant caps on August 16, July 14, and May 26 respectively.<ref name=CR04/><ref name=CR05>{{cite web|url=http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/3/3_5/lasalle-bank-chicago-mara-3.shtml|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=July 14, 2005|title=LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Reaches 40,000 Participant Cap at Record Pace|publisher=Cool Sports, Inc.|work=Cool Running|author=Lamppa, Ryan|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210441/http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/3/3_5/lasalle-bank-chicago-mara-3.shtml|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicago06charities.html|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=December 19, 2006|title=The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon raises $9.2 million for affiliated charities |publisher=Running Network|work=Chicago Athlete |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928083007/http://www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicago06charities.html |archive-date = September 28, 2007}}</ref> On April 18, 2007, the 2007 race run on October 7 reached its cap of 45,000 entrants.<ref name=2007cap>{{cite web|url=http://pdftohtml.markoer.org/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagomarathon.com%2Fpdf%2Fmara_regclosed07.pdf|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=April 18, 2007|title=The 2007 Lasalle Bank Chicago Marathon Closes Registration: Race Reaches 45|publisher=Chicagomarathon.com|author=Caponi, Marianne|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070809171748/http://pdftohtml.markoer.org/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagomarathon.com%2Fpdf%2Fmara_regclosed07.pdf |archive-date = August 9, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> There was a late registration exemption whereby elite runners (marathon times of less than 2:31/3:01 or [[half marathon]] times of 1:11/1:21 for (men/women)) could register until September 1 even though the race had reached its registration cap in the spring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/runner_information/index.aspx?id=500#top100|access-date=October 6, 2007|title=Registration|publisher=LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011005251/http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/runner_information/index.aspx?id=500#top100|archive-date=October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 40,000 registrants and 33,000 finishers in 2003 made the Chicago Marathon the third or fourth largest marathon depending on which metric (registrants or finishers) is used.<ref name=TCM14>Suozzo, p. 14.</ref>

The Chicago Marathon has never excluded women. Historically, however, the women's field has been smaller than the men's. This seems to be the result of older age categories having large multiples of men to women, but the women are beginning to outnumber the men in the 20s age group of the field.<ref>Suozzo, pp. 12–13.</ref>

===Records===
World records have been broken at Chicago seven times. In 1984, Steve Jones broke the world record with 2:08:05.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=World Best Progressions : Road |url=https://www.arrs.run/RecProg/RP_wwR.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215121010/https://www.arrs.run/RecProg/RP_wwR.htm |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |access-date=October 23, 2015 |publisher=[[Association of Road Racing Statisticians|ARRS]]}}</ref> In 1999, Khalid Khannouchi was the first to surpass 2:06:00 with 2:05:42.<ref name=":1" />

The men's course record was broken in the [[2013 Chicago marathon|2013 race]] by [[Dennis Kipruto Kimetto|Dennis Kimetto]] with a time of 2:03:45.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Kimetto-wins-Chicago-Marathon/tabid/415/articleID/317099/Default.aspx |title=Kimetto wins Chicago Marathon &#124; Sport |publisher=3 News |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173356/http://www.3news.co.nz/Kimetto-wins-Chicago-Marathon/tabid/415/articleID/317099/Default.aspx |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> On October 8, 2023, the late [[Kelvin Kiptum]] set a new world record, and therefore also the Chicago course record, completing the course in 2:00:35.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/67047638 | title=Kelvin Kiptum shatters world marathon record in Chicago | work=BBC Sport | date=October 8, 2023 }}</ref>

The women's record was broken in two consecutive years. In 2001, Catherine Ndereba broke the record in 2:18:47, and Paula Radcliffe surpassed that mark with 2:17:18 the year after. In 2019, [[Brigid Kosgei]] won in a world record time of 2:14:04, which was surpassed in 2023 by [[Sifan Hassan]] setting a new course record of 2:13:44.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-08 |title=Sifan Hassan Shows Her Versatility At Chicago Marathon By Running A New Course Record And The Second Fastest Marathon Ever |url=https://marathonhandbook.com/sifan-hassan-shows-her-versatility-at-chicago-marathon-by-running-a-new-course-record-and-the-second-fastest-marathon-ever/ |access-date=2023-10-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> The next year, in 2024, [[Ruth Chepng'etich]] broke the women's world record again with a time of 2:09:56.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-13 |title=Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya smashes world record by nearly 2 minutes at Chicago Marathon |url=https://apnews.com/article/chicago-marathon-ruth-chepngetich-world-record-a0ac28b89f4763cc8150ae301e369176 |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Patterson |first=Hunter |date=13 October 2024 |title=Ruth Chepngetich shatters women's world record at Chicago Marathon |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5839988/2024/10/13/ruth-chepngetich-marathon-world-record/ |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

At the 2025 Chicago Marathon, Conner Mantz finished fourth in the race with a time of 2:04:43. With this time he broke the American Marathon Record which previously was 2:05:38.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USA Track & Field {{!}} Mantz's American record earns him USATF Athlete of the Week honors |url=https://usatf.org/news/2025/mantz-s-american-record-earns-him-usatf-athlete-of |access-date=2025-10-17 |website=usatf.org}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Economic impact==
Much of the marathon's impact is derived from the tourism industry. More than 10,000 of the runners in 2010 indicated that it was their first visit to Chicago. Of that, 6,000 came from 100 countries. Due to the travelers, the event increases hotel occupancy rates during the marathon. According to an independent study by the University of Illinois, the 2015 marathon contributed an estimated US$277&nbsp;million worth of activity to the Chicago economy, equivalent to 1,948 jobs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Study Finds Bank of America Chicago Marathon Brings More Than $277 Million to Chicago Economy, published September 27 2016|url=http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/press-releases/chicago-marathon-and-shamrock-shuffle/study-finds-bank-america-chicago-marathon-bring|website=newsroom.bankofamerica.com|publisher=Bank of America|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927112130/http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/press-releases/chicago-marathon-and-shamrock-shuffle/study-finds-bank-america-chicago-marathon-bring|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Charity program ===
Since the charity program was officially established in 2002, more than	106,000	runners	have raised over $207&nbsp;million for local, national and global causes.<ref name="Media2019">{{cite web|url=https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-Media-Guide.pdf|title=2019 Media Guide|date=October 13, 2019|access-date=October 21, 2019|publisher=Bank of America Chicago Marathon|archive-date=October 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021210936/https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-Media-Guide.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Charity fundraising is now closely intertwined with the event as the runners now raise money for research, aid the suffering and heighten public awareness of different causes.<ref>Suozzo, p. 12.</ref> The marathon offers all registered entrants the opportunity to fundraise for a charity partner. The marathon recognizes four levels of charities based on the number of participants recruited, and fundraising levels.<ref>Suozzo, p. 126.</ref>

Runners can also opt out of the public lottery or obtain a guaranteed place after this has been drawn by choosing to run for an official charity. The 2016 event had over 170 charity partners, and raised more than US$16.9&nbsp;million.<ref name=Press_Release_Jan2017 />

[[Image:Chicago 2005 marathon start.jpg|thumb|The 2005 LaSalle Bank [[ABN Amro]] Chicago Marathon at [[Grand Avenue (Chicago)|Grand Avenue]] passing under [[Michigan Avenue (Chicago)]] along the [[Magnificent Mile]].]]

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Charity count
! scope="col" | Charity runner count
! scope="col" | Funds raised
|-
! scope="row" | 2001
| 7 || {{n/a}} || {{n/a}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2002
| 14 || 1,674 || $2,950,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2003
| 19 || 2,527 || $4,540,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2004
| 29 || 2,449 || $4,740,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2005
| 43 || 3,000 || $6,317,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2006
| 60 || 4,500 || $9,500,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2007
| 85 || 6,600 || $9,985,482
|-
! scope="row" | 2008
| 110 || 6,745 || $9,209,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2009
| 123 || 8,768 || $10,183,855
|-
! scope="row" | 2010
| 150 || 9,842 || $12,109,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2011
| 162 || 10,192 || $13,400,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2012
| 170 || 10,693 || $15,300,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2013
| 140 || 10,712 || $15,000,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2014
| 195 || 9,107 || $17,300,000
|-
! scope="row" | 2015
| 172 || 9,549 || $18,700,000<ref>{{cite web|title=2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Runners Raised an Event Record $18.7 Million, Press Release April 11 2016|url=https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/041116_Press-Release.pdf|website=chicagomarathon.com|publisher=Chicago Marathon Press Center|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030142421/https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/041116_Press-Release.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2016
| 170+ || 9,313 || $16,900,000<ref name=Press_Release_Jan2017>{{cite web|title=2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Runners Raised $16.9 Million, Press Release Jan 11, 2017|url=https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/011117_Press-Release.pdf|website=chicagomarathon.com|publisher=Chicago Marathon Press Center|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=February 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226231459/https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/011117_Press-Release.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2017
| 180 || 10,525 || $18,500,000<ref name="Media2018">{{cite web|url=https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2018-Bank-of-America-Chicago-Marathon-Media-Guide.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120005221/https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2018-Bank-of-America-Chicago-Marathon-Media-Guide.pdf|archive-date=November 20, 2018|access-date=October 21, 2019|date=October 7, 2018|title=2018 Media Guide|publisher=Bank of America Chicago Marathon|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2018
| 170 || 11,625 || $22,700,000<ref name="Media2019"/>
|-
! scope="row" | 2019
| 172 || 12,000+ || $27,100,000<ref name="Press20191212">{{cite web|url=https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/121219_Bank-of-America-Chicago-Marathon-Press-Release.pdf|title=Bank of America Chicago Marathon Runners Raised an Event Record $27.1 Million for Charity in 2019|date=December 12, 2019|access-date=March 25, 2021|publisher=Chicago Marathon|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424231338/https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/121219_Bank-of-America-Chicago-Marathon-Press-Release.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="4"|<small>Source: 2015 Chicago Marathon Media Guide<ref name="Media">{{cite web|url=https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Media-Guide.pdf|title=Chicago Marathon Media Guide|publisher=Chicago Marathon|access-date=February 2, 2016|date=October 2015|archive-date=October 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005200616/https://assets-chicagomarathon-com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Media-Guide.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref></small>
|}

==Deaths==
* 1998 – Kelly Barrett, 43, [[Littleton, Colorado]] – Believed to be caused by [[hyponatremia]]<ref name=HMCKY/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michiganrunner.com/add_articles/hend_1198.html|title=Running Commentary:Two-Wheel Tragedy|access-date=July 29, 2007|date=December 1998|author=Henderson, Joe|publisher=Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc.|work=Michigan Runner|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061104213008/http://www.michiganrunner.com/add_articles/hend_1198.html |archive-date = November 4, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 2000 – Danny Towns, 45, [[Edmond, Oklahoma]] – [[Cardiac arrest]]<ref name=HMCKY/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20001025/ai_n13888605|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013195000/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20001025/ai_n13888605|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2007|access-date=July 29, 2007|title=Danny J. Towns, 45, enjoyed running|date=October 25, 2000|publisher=FindArticles|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Smith, Bryan}}</ref>
* 2001 – Luke Roach, 22, [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]] – Collapsed near finish line. Body temperature reached {{convert|107|°F|°C|abbr=on}} ([[heat stroke]])<ref name=HMCKY>{{cite web|url=http://www.remembercynthia.com/ChicagoSunTimes.htm|access-date=July 29, 2007|date=October 6, 2002|title=How marathons can kill you|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Ritter, Jim|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809131128/http://www.remembercynthia.com/ChicagoSunTimes.htm|archive-date=August 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20011008&slug=marathon08m|access-date=September 25, 2020|date=October 8, 2001|title=Seattle man dies at Chicago Marathon|publisher=Seattle Times|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030142421/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20011008&slug=marathon08m|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2003 – Rachael Townsend, 29, [[The Plains, Ohio]] – [[Mitral valve prolapse]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20031014/ai_n12527217|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013195005/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20031014/ai_n12527217|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2007|access-date=July 29, 2007|date=October 14, 2003|title=Autopsy can't explain why young marathoner died|publisher=FindArticles|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Sweeney, Annie}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cincypost.com/2004/01/27/colhoopcoach01-27-2004.html|access-date=July 29, 2007|date=January 24, 2004|work=[[The Cincinnati Post]]|publisher=[[E. W. Scripps Company]]|title=Coach copes with wife's death|author=Znidar, Mark|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020204627/http://www.cincypost.com/2004/01/27/colhoopcoach01-27-2004.html|archive-date=October 20, 2006}}</ref>
* 2007 – Chad Schieber, 35, [[Midland, Michigan]]<ref name=Odihm>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-71007marathon-short-story,0,7788754.story?coll=chi-newsap_il-hed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709210612/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-71007marathon-short-story,0,7788754.story?coll=chi-newsap_il-hed|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2023|access-date=October 7, 2007|work=Chicago Tribune|title=One dead in heat-shortened marathon|author1=Wang, Andrew|author2=Josh Noel|author3=Shannon Ryan|author4=Neil Milbert|name-list-style=amp|date=October 7, 2007}}</ref> – [[Mitral valve prolapse]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18895536&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472542&rfi=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013111404/http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18895536&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472542&rfi=6|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2007|title=Autopsy: Man who died in Chicago marathon had heart condition|publisher=Midland Daily News|date=October 8, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tucker|first=Ross|date=2007-10-08|title=Chad Schieber death in the 2007 Chicago Marathon|url=https://sportsscientists.com/2007/10/chicago-marathon-death-autopsy-result/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=The Science of Sport|language=en-US}}</ref>
* 2011 – William Caviness, 35, [[Greensboro, North Carolina]] – Believed to have died from [[cardiac arrest]] five hundred yards from finish line.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/10/10/marathoners-death-still-a-mystery-after-autopsy/|title=Marathoner's death still a mystery after autopsy: North Carolina firefighter was 'in great shape,' father says|access-date=October 12, 2011|date=October 10, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Schlikerman, Becky|archive-date=October 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011224900/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-10-10/news/ct-met-marathon-death-20111011_1_coordinates-fire-prevention-efforts-autopsy-fireman|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/10/chicago-marathon-amber-miller-william-caviness.html|title=Chicago Marathon: One runner dies, another gives birth (Updated)|access-date=October 12, 2011|date=October 10, 2011|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Schilken, Chuck|archive-date=October 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011135022/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/10/chicago-marathon-amber-miller-william-caviness.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
*''[[Spirit of the Marathon]]'', 2007 documentary

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Britt, Raymond, "Chicago Marathon: Images of Sport", Arcadia Publishing, 2009, {{ISBN|978-0-7385-7718-0}}.
* Cooper, Pamela, "The American Marathon", Syracuse University Press, 1998, {{ISBN|0-8156-0520-X}}.
* Suozzo, Andrew, "The Chicago Marathon", University of Illinois Press, 2006, {{ISBN|0-252-07421-1}}.
* Treadwell, Sandy, "The World of Marathons", Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1987, {{ISBN|0-941434-98-2}}.

==External links==
{{commons category|Chicago Marathon}}
* {{official website}}
* [http://www.findmymarathon.com/elevation.php?elevation=Chicago%20Marathon Chicago Marathon Elevation Profile]
* [http://www.findmymarathon.com/weather-detail.php?zname=Chicago%20Marathon Chicago Marathon Weather History]
* [http://marathoninfo.free.fr/historique/chicago.htm Marathon Info]
* {{mg-race|id=67071007|race=Chicago Marathon}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160429161405/http://marathonquest.com/bank-america-chicago-marathon/ Chicago Marathon] at MarathonQuest.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100418211645/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/keyword/chicago-marathon archive] at [[Chicago Tribune]]
* [http://www.runnersworld.com/chicago-marathon Chicago Marathon] at ''[[Runner's World]]''

{{Chicago Marathon}}
{{Chicago}}
{{Grant Park}}
{{Footer Chicago Marathon Champions Men}}
{{Footer Chicago Marathon Champions Women}}
{{World Marathon Majors}}
{{IAAF Gold Label}}
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[[Category:Chicago Marathon| ]]
[[Category:Marathons in the United States]]
[[Category:Wheelchair marathons]]
[[Category:Handcycling competitions]]
[[Category:World Marathon Majors]]
[[Category:Track and field in Illinois]]
[[Category:Annual sporting events in the United States]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1977]]
[[Category:1977 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:October in sports]]