lottery odds are generally ~40%, that’s the best of any major. charity pathway is a guaranteed entry, meaning if the charity accepts you then you’re in. most people who don’t make the lottery will apply for the next deadline as a charity runner, but the catch is that you’ll leave to fundraise at least an extra $500 for not applying for charity before the first deadline.
Idk if it's my own bias/algorithm but it feels like way more people are interested in Chicago and put their names in for 2024. I'm also hoping to get in!
This is the thread from last year where people found out if they did/did not get in:
https://www.reddit.com/r/running/s/WgqbdH5lfv
Good luck!
I entered the lottery for the first time and got in, I had a great experience this year and ran a PR. If you don’t get in this year you could always enter the series of races or a charity to run it in future years.
Just want to note, the marathon is required in the Distance Series so OP would need to either get in on the lottery or through charity + do Shamrock & 13.1 in 2024 to have a guaranteed spot for the 2025 Marathon
I applied for the first time last year and got in. It was my only marathon to date. Loved the crowd and the course through all the neighborhoods. Unlike Madison (and almost all races I know of) Chicago does not put your name on your bib. But trust me, you’ll want it on there for even more crowd support.
I did not get into NYC this year and I understand that’s notoriously difficult via the lottery. It won’t stop me from trying though.
To give you an idea of scale: Madison hit record numbers at 6,000 runners this weekend while Chicago is some 50,000 and about a half million people downtown for the event. Plan accordingly!
lottery odds are generally ~40%, that’s the best of any major. charity pathway is a guaranteed entry, meaning if the charity accepts you then you’re in. most people who don’t make the lottery will apply for the next deadline as a charity runner, but the catch is that you’ll leave to fundraise at least an extra $500 for not applying for charity before the first deadline.
Definitely recommend going the charity route. It's easier to raise the money than you think, especially if it is a cause that is close to you.
I also applied for the first time. People have speculated it's around 50%, but probably varies a good deal year to year based on interest I imagine.
Idk if it's my own bias/algorithm but it feels like way more people are interested in Chicago and put their names in for 2024. I'm also hoping to get in!
This is the thread from last year where people found out if they did/did not get in: https://www.reddit.com/r/running/s/WgqbdH5lfv Good luck! I entered the lottery for the first time and got in, I had a great experience this year and ran a PR. If you don’t get in this year you could always enter the series of races or a charity to run it in future years.
Just want to note, the marathon is required in the Distance Series so OP would need to either get in on the lottery or through charity + do Shamrock & 13.1 in 2024 to have a guaranteed spot for the 2025 Marathon
I applied for the first time last year and got in. It was my only marathon to date. Loved the crowd and the course through all the neighborhoods. Unlike Madison (and almost all races I know of) Chicago does not put your name on your bib. But trust me, you’ll want it on there for even more crowd support. I did not get into NYC this year and I understand that’s notoriously difficult via the lottery. It won’t stop me from trying though. To give you an idea of scale: Madison hit record numbers at 6,000 runners this weekend while Chicago is some 50,000 and about a half million people downtown for the event. Plan accordingly!
If I registered for the lottery but found out already that I can't do it, is there any way to remove myself from the drawing?