How many people are running the 2026 Chicago Marathon? A record is expected

Organizers said the annual race continues to see unprecedented interest, so much so that 55,000 people are expected to set a finisher record at this year s race. That s out of the more than 200,000 people who applied for the 48th year of the 26.2-mile race. The race is no stranger to records being set, with finisher records, world record finishes and America records broken in each race in recent years. Among the lineup of runners in the 2026 race are not only some of the world s biggest racers, but celebrities and sports legends like former Cubs stars Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta. Last year, the marathon s attendance record was broken at over 50,000 participants from more than 120 countries.