When Does The Chicago Marathon Start? 2026 Start Times And Schedule

Hey there, runner! You're probably here because you're wondering, "When does the Chicago Marathon start?" Well, grab a coffee, let's chat about it.

First things first, the 2026 Chicago Marathon is happening on October 11, a Sunday, just like every other year. So, mark your calendars, folks!

Now, let's talk start times. The elite runners, those speed demons, kick off the race at a sharp 7:30 AM. But don't worry, they won't leave you in the dust for too long. The wheelchair athletes start at 7:45 AM, and then it's your turn!

Yep, you heard it right! The main event, the people's wave, starts at 8:00 AM. Isn't that a beautiful sight? Thousands of us, all ready to tackle those 26.2 miles together. Isn't that what it's all about?

Chicago Marathon start times, waves and more: The full schedule – NBC

But wait, what if you're a bit slower, or just prefer a more relaxed pace? No worries! There's a wave for you too. The last wave starts at 8:35 AM. Plenty of time to get those pre-race jitters out, right?

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but what about the finish line?" Well, my friend, the race ends at 3:00 PM. That gives you a whole seven hours to cross that finish line and become a Chicago Marathon legend!

2025 Chicago Marathon: Full Race Day Start Times and Schedule

But remember, the race might end at 3:00 PM, but the fun doesn't! The post-race party goes on until 5:00 PM. So, stick around, grab some food, and celebrate your achievement with your fellow runners.

So there you have it, folks! The 2026 Chicago Marathon starts at 8:00 AM, and it's going to be a blast. See you there!