Chicago Marathon qualifying times for 2027
By age group, for men, women and non‑binary athletes.
Official standardsChecked Official page
Qualifying standards
Check a time| Age | Men | Women, non-binary |
|---|---|---|
| 16–34 | 2:50:006:29/mi | 3:20:007:38/mi |
| 35–39 | 2:55:006:40/mi | 3:25:007:49/mi |
| 40–44 | 3:00:006:52/mi | 3:30:008:01/mi |
| 45–49 | 3:10:007:15/mi | 3:40:008:23/mi |
| 50–54 | 3:15:007:26/mi | 3:50:008:46/mi |
| 55–59 | 3:25:007:49/mi | 3:55:008:58/mi |
| 60–64 | 3:40:008:23/mi | 4:15:009:44/mi |
| 65–69 | 3:55:008:58/mi | 4:30:0010:18/mi |
| 70–74 | 4:15:009:44/mi | 4:45:0010:52/mi |
| 75–79 | 4:30:0010:18/mi | 5:00:0011:27/mi |
| 80+ | 4:50:0011:04/mi | 5:20:0012:12/mi |
Non-binary standards equal the women’s; the documented time must be in the division you apply in.
- Age used
- Age on race day
- October 10, 2027
- Window
- January 1, 2025 – October 29, 2026
- Time rule
- At or under the standard
- A time equal to the standard qualifies.
Meeting the standard is not entry by itself
Entry, the window, the age group and every other rule
Entry
A time that meets the standard gives a guaranteed entry if you apply as a time qualifier in the application window (October 8–29, 2026), the Chicago Marathon verifies and approves the result, and you pay the entry fee by 11:59 p.m. CT on November 10, 2026. Chicago lists no cut-off under the standard.
Applications
Applications open 8 a.m. CT October 8 and close 2 p.m. CT October 29, 2026.
Qualifying window
Times run January 1, 2025 – October 29, 2026.
Age group
Your age on race day, October 10, 2027.
Time
At or under the standard. A time equal to the standard qualifies.
Other rules
- Marathons only, on a certified course; no allowances for weather or course conditions.