Can you walk the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon? What the rules say

2 mile race, which winds through more than two dozen neighborhoods, takes place Sunday, Oct. 11. A record number of people more than 200,000 applied to be part of the marathon for 2026, but only 55,000 were selected to participate. The race also includes push-rim wheelchair and handcycle racers that will kick off Sunday. Unlike some races, the Chicago Marathon is walker-friendly, and many people who prefer a slower pace turn out year after year. According to the website Marathon Guide, it stands among the races in the United States with the most walkers. Still anyone who participates must follow the same rules whether they walk or run. Before the race steps off, participants will be assigned to designated start corrals, with time qualifying standards established each year by organizers. Assignments will be based on verification of qualifying performances submitted or performed by participants or the performance indicated at the point of registration, the site said. According to the marathon website, participants must be capable of completing the full distance, start line to finish line, within the required time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. Participant net times that exceed the Event time requirement (6 hours, 30 minutes) may not be recognized as official finishers, the site said. How to watch the race live Extensive coverage of the Chicago Marathon begins at 7 a.m. on race day and can be viewed right here in the player above, as well as on NBC 5, NBC Chicago s YouTube channel and on NBC Chicago s 24/7 streaming channel, NBC 5 Chicago News, available on Peacock, Roku TV, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Local Now, Pluto, Google TV, TCL, Xfinity, and FreeVee. A Spanish-language broadcast of the race can be found on TelemundoChicago.com and in the Telemundo Chicago app. After the elite field finishes the course, an exclusive finish line camera will stream on NBCChicago.com, and on the NBC 5 Chicago News Streaming Channel from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing loved ones to watch their friends and family cross the iconic finish line on Columbus Drive.