Can I get into the Chicago Half Marathon without the ballot?

Yes. Besides the ballot there are 2 other ways in. Charity place: Charity running has become an important part of the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K; help support and run with a charity you are passionate about. Other: Deferral: guaranteed spot in the following year's race with a new registration including 50% entry fee; deferral deadline September 20, 2026 (11:59pm CT).

How to get into the Chicago Half Marathon 2027.

All 3 ways into the Chicago Half Marathon in Chicago, with the ballot dates.

Race details Official site

Ways in

There are 3 ways into the Chicago Half Marathon, each with what it involves and, where we have it, the organizer's own detail.

01
Ballot
Apply while the ballot is open. Places are then drawn at random from everyone who applied, and those drawn are invited to pay the entry fee.
At this race: Official entry waitlist open August 14 through September 18, 2026; selections by lottery from September 1, 2026 on a rolling basis until spots filled
Organizer's details
02
Charity place
Take a place from a partner charity and commit to raising a minimum amount for it. Charities usually ask you to apply and choose their runners.
At this race: Charity running has become an important part of the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K; help support and run with a charity you are passionate about.
03
Other
Another route the organizer offers.
At this race: Deferral: guaranteed spot in the following year's race with a new registration including 50% entry fee; deferral deadline September 20, 2026 (11:59pm CT)

Ballot dates

The organizer hasn't announced the ballot dates for the 2027 race yet. Add it to your Radar and we'll tell you when they're out.

Ballot opens
TBA
Ballot closes
TBA
Draw
TBA
Results
TBA

Charity places and tours

Both are guaranteed places. A charity place asks you to raise a minimum amount; a tour package bundles entry with travel and a hotel.

Charity places

No charity places listed yet.

We're gathering them from organizers. Until then, the official site lists its charity partners.

FAQ

When does the Chicago Half Marathon ballot open?: The organizer hasn't announced the ballot dates for the 2027 race yet.
Can I get into the Chicago Half Marathon without the ballot?: Yes. Besides the ballot there are 2 other ways in. Charity place: Charity running has become an important part of the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K; help support and run with a charity you are passionate about. Other: Deferral: guaranteed spot in the following year's race with a new registration including 50% entry fee; deferral deadline September 20, 2026 (11:59pm CT).

Looking for other ballots? See every ballot opening soon.