The 2027 USA Track & Field Marathon Championships will be held in conjunction with the Chicago Marathon, the USATF announced on Wednesday. This event, set for October 10th, will see the nation’s top distance runners competing on one of the sport’s most iconic courses as Olympic qualifying intensifies.
Chicago’s marathon course holds a significant place in American women’s marathon history, notably as the venue where Emily Sisson established the national record with a time of 2:18:29 in 2022. The upcoming championship is expected to attract a highly competitive field as athletes vie for the national title.
Chicago Marathon Doubles as 2027 USATF Championships
Next year, the championship will feature 20 women and 20 men racing the full 26.2 miles through Chicago’s 29 neighborhoods. The event is known for its electric atmosphere, drawing crowds exceeding one million spectators along the route. USATF plans to award nearly $110,000 in prize money to the top 10 finishers in both the men’s and women’s competitions, underscoring the significance of the event within the national running calendar.
The championship arrives at a particularly dynamic period for American women’s marathon running. At the 2026 Boston Marathon, Jess McClain set a new US course record with a 2:20:49 finish, placing fifth overall. That race also saw strong performances from American runners including Annie Frisbie, Emily Sisson, and Carrie Ellwood, all finishing within the top 10.
More Olympic Qualifying Opportunities for Marathon Runners
As the Olympic qualifying season heats up, the 2027 USATF Marathon Championships in Chicago will provide a critical opportunity for athletes aiming to secure their spot on the national team. Competing on a course with a proven record of fast times and high stakes, runners will be under the spotlight, navigating both the physical demands of the race and the pressure of Olympic ambitions.