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Chicago Marathon qualifying times 2027

Chicago lists time qualifiers under guaranteed entry: meet your standard and apply in time, and you're in.

Do you qualify for Chicago?

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    Chicago 2027

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Qualifying times only count from certified courses in each race's qualifying window. See the races where most runners qualify.

Chicago 2027 qualifying times by age
AgeMenWomen & non-binary
16–342:50:003:20:00
35–392:55:003:25:00
40–443:00:003:30:00
45–493:10:003:40:00
50–543:15:003:50:00
55–593:25:003:55:00
60–643:40:004:15:00
65–693:55:004:30:00
70–744:15:004:45:00
75–794:30:005:00:00
80+4:50:005:20:00
Qualifying window
For 2027: races run from January 1, 2025. Applications close October 29, 2026 at 2pm CT.
Courses that count
A course certified by USATF, World Athletics or a similar body.
Timing
Not stated on the official page.
  • Several age groups are 5 minutes faster than in earlier years.
Official Chicago qualifying page

Common questions

What is the Chicago Marathon qualifying time?

For 2027, 2:50:00 for men and 3:20:00 for women aged 16–34, easing with age to 4:50:00 and 5:20:00 at 80+.

Does a qualifying time guarantee entry to the Chicago Marathon?

Chicago lists time qualifiers under guaranteed entry: meet your standard and apply in time, and you're in.

When do I have to run my Chicago qualifying time?

For 2027: races run from January 1, 2025. Applications close October 29, 2026 at 2pm CT.

Which races count for Chicago qualifying?

A course certified by USATF, World Athletics or a similar body. Timing: Not stated on the official page.

From the official Chicago site, checked October 2026. Confirm with the race before you enter.

Know your pace? See where it would place you. raceIQ ranks upcoming races by where you'd finish in your age group, using each race's past results.

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