Race day 10 Oct 2027

When to Start Training for the Chicago Marathon 2027

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is on Sunday 10 October 2027. An 18-week plan starts on Monday 7 June 2027.

12-week plan
19 Jul
Monday 2027
14-week plan
5 Jul
Monday 2027
16-week plan
21 Jun
Monday 2027
18-week plan
7 Jun
Monday 2027
20-week plan
24 May
Monday 2027
24-week plan
26 Apr
Monday 2027

Use your own numbers: open the training start date calculator →

Training start dates for Chicago 2027

PlanWeek 1 startsPeak week (3-week taper)Taper starts
12 weeksMon 19 Jul 2027Mon 13 Sep 2027Mon 20 Sep 2027
14 weeksMon 5 Jul 2027Mon 13 Sep 2027Mon 20 Sep 2027
16 weeksMon 21 Jun 2027Mon 13 Sep 2027Mon 20 Sep 2027
18 weeksMon 7 Jun 2027Mon 13 Sep 2027Mon 20 Sep 2027
20 weeksMon 24 May 2027Mon 13 Sep 2027Mon 20 Sep 2027
24 weeksMon 26 Apr 2027Mon 13 Sep 2027Mon 20 Sep 2027

Week 1 starts on a Monday so race day falls at the end of the final week (for a Monday race such as Boston, on the day after it).

Qualifying for Chicago

Runners who meet the standard can apply through the time-qualifier process during the application window. Only full-marathon results on a certified course count, and no allowance is made for weather or course conditions. See the full Chicago qualifying standards for your age group.

Other majors

Build a custom calendar with the training start date calculator and set paces with the Pfitzinger or Hansons calculators.

Last reviewed: October 2026 · Health disclaimer

FAQ

Chicago training: questions

For an 18-week plan, start on Monday 7 June 2027; for a 16-week plan, on Monday 21 June 2027. Race day is Sunday 10 October 2027.

Most runners use 16–20 weeks; beginners often prefer 20–24 and experienced runners 12–16, provided they already have a solid base.