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Chicago Marathon 2025

Chicago Marathon 2025

Get on the list to be the first to hear about 2025 charity entries.

Location Chicago, Illinois

Date 12/10/25

Distance Marathon

Why run it?

Part of the World Marathon Majors, running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park, and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. With ideal weather conditions, dry with highs of 67°F (19°C), this marathon is an unmissable and highly in-demand event. Please note, as realbuzz is an international partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, we will not be able to offer places to US residents.

What's it like to run?

Runners
40000

Surface
Road

Start
07:30

Course
07:30

Temp
10-19°C

Location
Chicago, Illinois

FAQs

For some of our larger events we run what is called an Official Charity Programme for the race, partnering with charities so they can secure a set amount of places in the event and build a team of supporters. These team places are often in high demand and as the charity has secured the entries ‘upfront’, there is an application process so they can vet and choose their team. The ‘run with realbuzz’ programme, where you as the runner can reserve your entry directly with a fully refundable holding deposit, was designed so that charities of any size can get involved. You choose your event and your charity, and they cover your entry package fee only when you complete your fundraising goal.
We recommend that if you are applying for a team you wait up to two weeks to hear from the charity before choosing to reserve a place as holding deposits are only refundable for a two-week cooling off period or upon hitting the full fundraising target.
If you reserve your entry directly with realbuzz, your place is guaranteed as long as you reach the major fundraising milestone, which is 75% of the total fundraising target. You need to reach this at least 30 days before registration closes for your event which is usually around 60 days before your event takes place (although this does differ by event). When applying for an Official team, your charity will vet your application and let you know the fundraising target you’ll need to achieve to guarantee your place. Either way you get full support, throughout your journey, to maximise your fundraising, all the way to race day.

Chi-town has landed. Secure your entry now.

How to enter

We offer two options to get involved.

Many of our charity partners have official teams in the event so you can be part of a squad taking on the event for amazing causes – you can apply to join any of those teams here. Your application will go the charity via our dedicated system, and they will be in touch directly.

Ready to run? You can reserve an individual entry directly through our ‘run with realbuzz’ programme which allows charities of all shapes and sizes to raise funds through amazing events like this for a fully refundable holding deposit.

Once your spot is reserved or your application has been accepted it’s all about fundraising, as you’re running for charity. Realbuzz has over 20 years of fundraising experience under our belt to support amazing runners like you as you make your miles mean more so you’ll be supported all the way.