The 2025 Chicago Marathon has seen a surge in popularity.
On Thursday, the marathon will inform runners if they’ve been selected. An event-record 160,000 people have applied for the opportunity to cross the finish line in Grant Park, according to organizers.
The increased interest means that more than 53,000 participants are expected to cross the finish line. In 2024, more than 81,000 participants finished the race. This year marks the final year of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, including the Shamrock Shuffle 8K and the Bank of America Chicago 13.1. At least 2,700 people completed all three events last season.
Because of increased interest and enthusiasm in the three events, the organizers said they will unveil a new look for the series, complete with new logos as well.
“Today we welcome a new field of participants to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and launch the next chapter of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series,” executive race director Carey Pinkowski said in a statement. “When we started the series in 2023, our goal was to celebrate the Chicago running community, from individuals discovering the sport for the first time to our longtime participants. We continue to be humbled by the running community’s enthusiasm and embrace of the events and we’re excited to launch a new look that celebrates Chicago and the spirit of each race.”
The 2025 Chicago Marathon — which will be held on Oct. 12 — is expected to sell out. Runners not selected in the lottery can still participate through the Bank of America Chicago Charity Program. If runners elect to run for a charity, they are required to raise a minimum of $2,100.
Runners guaranteed entry are “Bank of America Chicago Marathon legacy finishers, time qualifiers, international tour group participants, charity runners, 2024 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series finishers,” according to event organizers.
The 2024 Chicago Marathon raised approximately $500 million for the city, according to Chicago president for Bank of America Rita Cook. It’s become a mainstay for Chicago and one of the tentpole events for the city.