In a move that is being hailed as "unprecedented", participants for the 2025 Chicago Marathon have already been notified of their selection. This early announcement, a break from the traditional practice, is largely attributed to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused a number of disruptions in major marathon events, leading to the adjustment of standard operating procedures.
Runners who had their applications accepted for the 2020 Chicago Marathon, which was cancelled due to the pandemic, were given the option to defer their entry to one of the next three years—2021, 2022, or 2023. However, an email from the marathon’s organizers has informed selected participants they have also been granted an entry into the 2025 race, a move that has surprised many as it's far ahead of the usual marathon planning timeline.
The email also detailed that those selected for the 2025 race will not have to pay an additional entry fee. This decision has been well received by the running community. Participants have been appreciative of this gesture, considering the financial implications of marathon participation including training, travel, and accommodation expenses.
The Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, alongside New York, Boston, London, Berlin, and Tokyo. It is known for its fast, flat course that starts and finishes in Grant Park, traversing 29 neighborhoods throughout the city. The marathon, which typically attracts runners from all corners of the globe, is a key event in the global running calendar.
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated changes in many sectors, and sports, especially marathon running, is no exception. The early notification for the 2025 Chicago Marathon is a clear example of how organizers are adapting to these changing circumstances. While it is an unusual step, it provides certainty to runners and allows them ample time to prepare for what is one of the most significant races in the running world.