Chicago Marathon launched their 2025 time {qualifications} right this moment and they’re quick, quick, quick. 5 minutes sooner than Boston Marathon qualifying occasions, to be actual.
By means of background, the Chicago Marathon has a myriad of how to realize entry to the race together with charity entry, a lottery system, and incomes a qualifying time at a earlier marathon, which is licensed as a qualifier. In right this moment’s race replace electronic mail, a hyperlink included the newly introduced the 2025 time qualifier chart, which had some dramatic adjustments.
2024 Chicago Marathon Qualifying Occasions
Age group
Males
Ladies
Non-binary
16 – 29
3:05:00
3:35:00
3:35:00
30 – 39
3:10:00
3:40:00
3:40:00
40 – 49
3:20:00
3:50:00
3:50:00
50 – 59
3:35:00
4:20:00
4:20:00
60 – 69
4:00:00
5:00:00
5:00:00
70 – 79
4:30:00
5:55:00
5:55:00
80 and over
5:25:00
6:10:00
6:10:00
2025 Chicago Marathon Qualifying Occasions
Age group
Males
Ladies
Non-binary
18 – 34
2:55:00
3:25:00
3:25:00
35 – 39
3:00:00
3:30:00
3:30:00
40 – 44
3:05:00
3:35:00
3:35:00
45 – 49
3:15:00
3:45:00
3:45:00
50 – 54
3:20:00
3:50:00
3:50:00
55 – 59
3:30:00
4:00:00
4:00:00
60 – 64
3:45:00
4:15:00
4:15:00
65 – 69
4:00:00
4:30:00
4:30:00
70 – 74
4:15:00
4:45:00
4:45:00
75 – 79
4:30:00
5:00:00
5:00:00
80 and over
4:50:00
5:20:00
5:20:00
My time qualifier went from 3:50 for a assured entry in 2024 to three:35 for a assured entry in 2025, a 15-minute bounce.
One of many causes for the dramatic decreases is that the Chicago Marathon additionally modified from a 10-year window to a 5-year window. So, some runners will solely see a 10-minute bounce, however if you happen to’re one of many fortunate ones like me, you higher begin that pace coaching as a result of entry simply obtained much more tough.
The Chicago Marathon is now more difficult to earn a assured entry into than the Boston Marathon, as all occasions require a 5-minute sooner qualifying time. That is unprecedented and will definitely lead to some sad Chicago runners.
Keep in mind that entry via the lottery and thru a charity are each viable choices. The Marathon has acknowledged that entries will nonetheless be a combination of all entry varieties, so presumably the ratios ought to stay the identical for entrants.
One other change to the Marathon admissions is the addition of the “Excessive Efficiency Program”. This program has a capability of 150 runners and presents quite a lot of facilities akin to lowered entry charges, a devoted hospitality tent, and a corral between the professionals and Corral A.
Qualifying requirements
Marathon
Males
sub 2:25:00
Ladies
sub 2:45:00
Non-binary
sub 2:45:00
Masters – Males
sub 2:35:00
Masters – Ladies
sub 2:50:00
Masters – Non-binary
sub 2:50:00
It’s unclear how these new occasions will impression Corral placement and entry numbers, however we are going to inevitably discover out in 2025. If you’re operating the 2024 Chicago Marathon, benefit from the final 12 months of the previous requirements and let’s all begin coaching now for the brand new ones.