Marathons in Illinois
Illinois has one marathon in our database in United States, centred on Chicago.
The region hosts an Abbott World Marathon Major — Chicago Marathon — putting it among the most sought-after destinations on the global racing calendar. Chicago Marathon typically draws around 52,000 finishers.
Browse the races below for course maps, elevation profiles, typical weather, and practical race-day detail to help you choose your next start line.
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Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Illinois.
Lakefront Milwaukee Marathon
The Lakefront Milwaukee Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each October along Lake Michigan's western shore. The course passes the Art Museum with its Burke Brise Soleil wings, Veterans Park, and the Oak Leaf Trail on flat lakeside terrain. October's crisp Great Lakes autumn and the iconic Calatrava museum backdrop make it Wisconsin's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
Madison Marathon
The Madison Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each November on a capitol city road in Madison, United States. Running between two lakes gives the race a classic isthmus-city feel that is unique in the Midwest. The route passes the Capitol square, the University of Wisconsin campus, and lakefront stretches between Mendota and Monona. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Friday, 13 November 2026
Grand Rapids Marathon
The Grand Rapids Marathon draws approximately 1,300 finishers each October on an urban road in Grand Rapids, United States. It is known regionally as a dependable Midwest BQ course. The course passes the Grand River, city parks, and long straight sections through neighborhoods built for even splits. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Carmel Marathon
The Carmel Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April on a suburban road in Carmel, United States. It is notable for how smoothly the course runs through Carmel's distinctive roundabout network. The route passes Monon Trail-adjacent streets, roundabout-lined boulevards, and manicured suburban neighborhoods. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Saturday, 17 April 2027
Indianapolis Marathon
The Indianapolis Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Indianapolis, United States. The course starts and finishes at Monument Circle. The route passes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway area and the Canal Walk. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Next race: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Fox Cities Marathon
The Fox Cities Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each September on an urban and suburban road in Appleton, United States. Linking several Wisconsin communities gives the event a bigger footprint than its finisher count suggests. The course passes Fox River communities, tree-lined neighborhood roads, and steady crowd support through the valley cities. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027