2027 Chicago Marathon Applications Open Oct. 8 — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Marathon applications open Oct. 8 for the 2027 Chicago Marathon. Completing the city’s distance series guarantees entry to the 50th marathon in 2028. The series includes the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Chicago 13.1, and the marathon.
The 2027 application window is shorter, lasting three weeks. The 2026 race sold out with 55,000 runners, the largest field in history. Six categories bypass the general drawing, including charity runners and time qualifiers. Read more culture coverage.
The Shamrock Shuffle registration opened at $51, rising to $56. The Chicago 13.1 is $120. The 2027 marathon entry fee remains $250 for U.S. runners and $260 for international. Related: Sydney Marathon to Double Sub-Elite Runner Spots in 2027.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about 2027 Chicago Marathon Applications Open Oct. 8?
Complete the Chicago Distance Series for guaranteed 2028 entry. Marathon applications open Oct. 8 for the 2027 Chicago Marathon. Completing the city’s distance series guarantees entry to the 50th marathon in 2028. The series includes the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Chicago 13.1, and the marathon.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on September 16, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated September 15, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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