When does Chicago Marathon start? The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11, with the first competitors scheduled to start at 7:20 a.m. Central Time in Grant Park. The race features separate start times for professional wheelchair athletes, handcyclists, elite runners, and participants in three general starting waves. Wave 1 begins at 7:35 a.m., Wave 2 follows at 8:00 a.m., and Wave 3 starts at 8:35 a.m. These staggered times help organize the thousands of participants expected to run the 26.2-mile course through Chicago.
The marathon’s official schedule provides important information for runners, spectators, and anyone following the competition from home. Understanding the start times can help spectators plan their morning, identify when different groups begin, and estimate when runners may pass particular locations along the route.
When Does the Chicago Marathon Start in 2026?
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 11. The race begins and ends in Grant Park, with participants traveling through Chicago’s downtown area and several neighborhoods during the 26.2-mile event.
The first scheduled competition begins at 7:20 a.m. CT with the men’s professional wheelchair division. The women’s professional wheelchair division starts one minute later, followed by the handcycle division at 7:23 a.m.
Professional men’s and women’s runners start at 7:30 a.m. The High Performance Program follows at 7:32 a.m., before the general participant waves begin.
Here are the main start times for race day:
| Race division or activity | Scheduled time |
|---|---|
| Grant Park opens to runners | 5:30 a.m. |
| Gear check opens | 5:30 a.m. |
| Start corrals open | 5:30 a.m. |
| Men’s professional wheelchair start | 7:20 a.m. |
| Women’s professional wheelchair start | 7:21 a.m. |
| Handcycle start | 7:23 a.m. |
| Men’s and women’s professional start | 7:30 a.m. |
| High Performance Program start | 7:32 a.m. |
| Wave 1 start | 7:35 a.m. |
| Wave 2 start | 8:00 a.m. |
| Wave 3 start | 8:35 a.m. |
| Grant Park opens to spectators | 9:30 a.m. |
All times are in Central Time. The official event schedule notes that times are subject to change.
What Time Does Each Chicago Marathon Wave Start?
The Chicago Marathon uses a wave-based starting system to manage the large field of participants. Each runner receives a designated starting corral, which determines the appropriate wave and start time.
Knowing your assigned wave is essential because arriving at Grant Park does not automatically mean you can enter the starting area whenever you wish.
Wave 1: 7:35 a.m.
Wave 1 begins at 7:35 a.m. and includes corrals A through E. Its starting corrals close at 7:20 a.m.
Participants should reach their assigned corral well before the closing time. The event recommends arriving approximately 20 minutes before the corral closes, giving runners time to enter the correct area and prepare for the start.
Wave 2: 8:00 a.m.
Wave 2 starts at 8:00 a.m. and includes corrals F, G, H, and J. The corrals close at 7:45 a.m.
Runners assigned to this wave should avoid assuming that the later start gives them unlimited time to reach Grant Park. Security procedures, crowded entrances, and movement through the park can take longer than expected on marathon morning.
Wave 3: 8:35 a.m.
Wave 3 begins at 8:35 a.m. and includes corrals K through N. Its corrals close at 8:10 a.m.
Participants in this wave should check their final corral assignments before race day. The event does not permit runners to switch to a different corral on race morning.
Missing a corral closing time can affect where a runner starts within the assigned wave. Participants should follow event staff instructions if they arrive late.
Why Does the Chicago Marathon Have Multiple Start Times?
The Chicago Marathon attracts tens of thousands of runners, making an organized starting procedure necessary. Sending every participant across the starting line simultaneously would create significant congestion.
The wave system separates participants into designated groups. Professional athletes receive their own start times, while general participants begin in three waves.
This arrangement helps manage the flow of runners onto the course. It also gives participants room to establish their pace as they move through the opening miles.
Start corrals also help group runners according to their assigned starting positions. Wave 1 and Wave 2 assignments use accepted qualifying times, while Wave 3 assignments use expected finish times.
Runners should rely on their official participant accounts and race communications for their individual assignments. A general race schedule cannot determine the exact time a particular runner will cross the starting line.
Where Does the Chicago Marathon Start?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon starts in Grant Park in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Grant Park also serves as the event’s finishing area.
The course covers 26.2 miles and takes participants through numerous parts of the city. Runners experience a route that includes downtown streets and neighborhoods on Chicago’s North, West, and South sides.
The event’s central location makes transportation planning particularly important. Race-day crowds, street closures, and restrictions around the starting area can affect access for both runners and spectators.
Participants should check their race instructions for the correct entrance and access arrangements. Spectators should also review the official event information before choosing where to watch.
What Time Should Chicago Marathon Runners Arrive?
Although the first competition begins at 7:20 a.m., runners should arrive well before their assigned start.
Grant Park opens to runners at 5:30 a.m. Gear check and starting corrals also open at that time. These early opening hours give participants an opportunity to complete race-day preparations before their corrals close.
The following checklist can help runners organize their morning:
- Confirm the assigned starting wave and corral.
- Check the official event schedule for the latest instructions.
- Plan transportation to Grant Park before leaving.
- Allow additional time for crowded streets and pedestrian access.
- Complete gear check early if using the service.
- Reach the assigned corral before its closing time.
- Follow instructions from race officials and event staff.
Wave 1 corrals close at 7:20 a.m., Wave 2 corrals close at 7:45 a.m., and Wave 3 corrals close at 8:10 a.m.
These deadlines matter because participants must start in their assigned corrals. Runners should not rely on arriving at the last minute, especially when transportation delays or large crowds could affect their approach to the park.
When Does the Chicago Marathon Finish?
The marathon does not have one finish time for every participant. Professional athletes may complete the course much earlier than runners who take several hours to cover the distance.
The event’s course time limit is approximately six and a half hours, with the official limit listed as 6 hours, 30 minutes, and 59 seconds. The time limit affects course operations and the reopening of roads.
The finishing time for an individual runner depends on when that participant starts and how long it takes to complete the course.
For spectators, this means the race continues well beyond the opening start times. Anyone planning to meet a runner after the event should coordinate directly with that participant rather than relying only on the general schedule.
The official event information also lists the 27th Mile Post-Race Party as beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. Participants and supporters should check the latest event instructions for access details.
How Can Spectators Follow the Chicago Marathon?
Spectators can watch the race along the course or follow coverage from home. The best option depends on whether they want to see runners in person or monitor the overall competition.
Those attending in person should account for crowds and street closures. Choosing a viewing location before race morning can make it easier to coordinate with friends and family.
The official Chicago Marathon app and online tracking portal provide ways to follow individual participants. Tracking tools are especially useful for families and friends who want updates on a runner’s progress.
To follow a specific participant, spectators should have the correct runner information available. They should also understand that a runner’s projected arrival time at a particular location is an estimate, not a guaranteed schedule.
For television and streaming viewers, the 2026 race-day broadcast schedule includes local coverage beginning in the early morning. NBC 5, Telemundo Chicago, and TeleXitos are among the listed television outlets, while digital viewing options include NBCChicago.com and associated platforms. Availability can vary by service and location.
The official event app and the broadcaster’s current schedule are useful places to check for the latest viewing information.
Does the Chicago Marathon Start at the Same Time Every Year?
The Chicago Marathon traditionally takes place in October, but participants should not assume that every year’s schedule will be identical.
Start times, event procedures, transportation arrangements, and access rules can change. The official race website publishes the relevant information for each edition.
For 2026, the published schedule places the first professional wheelchair start at 7:20 a.m. and the first general participant wave at 7:35 a.m. The final general wave begins at 8:35 a.m.
Anyone preparing for a future Chicago Marathon should use that year’s participant guide instead of relying on an older schedule. This is particularly important for runners arranging travel, booking transportation, or planning when family members should arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Marathon Start Times
1. When does the Chicago Marathon start in 2026?
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11. The first scheduled division starts at 7:20 a.m. CT, and general participant waves begin at 7:35 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 8:35 a.m.
2. What time does the first Chicago Marathon runner start?
The men’s professional wheelchair division is scheduled to start at 7:20 a.m. CT. The women’s professional wheelchair division follows at 7:21 a.m.
3. What time does the first general runner wave start?
Wave 1 begins at 7:35 a.m. The professional men’s and women’s divisions start earlier, at 7:30 a.m.
4. When does Wave 2 start?
Wave 2 starts at 8:00 a.m. Its starting corrals close at 7:45 a.m.
5. When does Wave 3 start?
Wave 3 starts at 8:35 a.m. Participants in this wave must reach their assigned corrals before they close at 8:10 a.m.
6. Where does the Chicago Marathon begin?
The marathon starts in Grant Park in downtown Chicago. The course covers 26.2 miles and finishes in the same general park area.
7. What time does Grant Park open to runners?
Grant Park opens to runners at 5:30 a.m. on race day. Gear check and starting corrals also open at 5:30 a.m.
8. Can runners change their starting corral on race day?
No. The event’s official FAQ states that participants must start in their assigned corrals and cannot switch to another corral on race day.
9. How can I track a Chicago Marathon runner?
Spectators can use the official Chicago Marathon app and online tracking portal to follow individual participants. Having the correct runner information helps identify the participant.
10. Are the Chicago Marathon start times subject to change?
Yes. The official schedule states that times are subject to change. Runners and spectators should check the latest event information before making final plans.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon starts in Grant Park on Sunday, October 11, with professional wheelchair athletes beginning at 7:20 a.m. CT and general participant waves starting between 7:35 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. Knowing the schedule helps runners reach their corrals on time and allows spectators to plan where and how to follow the competition.
Are you following the Chicago Marathon this year? Share your race-day plans or favorite viewing spot in the comments, and stay tuned for the latest verified updates.