Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place in Chicago, United States, one of America's great running cities. The event unfolds across the urban landscape where runners experience the energy of a major metropolitan area, passing through diverse neighborhoods and along the city's waterfront. The flat terrain and modest elevation changes, ranging only between 179 and 184 meters above sea level, mean that the setting itself won't demand extra effort from your legs, allowing you to focus on the run and the atmosphere around you. The course is refreshingly straightforward for a full marathon. Runners will find themselves on a predominantly flat to gently rolling route with only about 6 meters of elevation gain across the entire 42.2 kilometers. The trail surface offers a different feel from typical road marathons, which can be easier on the joints over the long distance. With minimal climbing and no significant descents to worry about, this is a course where fitness and pacing strategy matter more than technical footwork or steep hill management. It's the kind of route where steady effort and smart energy distribution typically pay off.