Six-Figure Payouts Await Top Finishers at 2025 Chicago Marathon

The 2025 edition of the Chicago Marathon has attracted the planet's elite long-distance runners, not only for its fast, flat course but also for its substantial and competitive prize purse that athletes will be fighting for on Sunday, October 12.

The race's financial incentives provide life-changing compensation and bonuses that drive runners to push the boundaries.

The victor of the open division in the men’s and women’s races at the Chicago Marathon claims a significant six-figure sum, solidifying the race as a major payday.

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In recent years, the first-place prize for both the male and female champions has been $100,000. The prize money extends deep into the top finishers, ensuring that numerous elite runners are well-rewarded for their efforts.

The runner-up will walk away with a substantial $75,000, with third place typically earning $50,000. Those who finish fourth and fifth will pocket $30,000 and $25,000.

In the Wheelchair division (men and women), the winners will take home $40,000, with prize money awarded to the top six finishers. Second place earns $30,000, while third through sixth places receive $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000, respectively. In the T51/T52 category, the top three athletes will be awarded $1,500, $1,000, and $500.

In the American Open division (men and women), the first-place American finisher will receive $15,000, second place $12,000, and third through fifth places $10,000, $7,000, and $5,000. The Masters division (men and women) will award the top three finishers $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000.

While the $100,000 prize for the top finishers in the Open Division captures the most attention, the true financial drama of the Chicago Marathon often lies in its array of substantial bonuses.

The most electrifying of these is the course record bonus. Offered to both the male and female winners, this massive $50,000 windfall is awarded to any athlete who breaks the existing event record.

The men’s course record, and current world record of 2:00:35, was set by the late Kelvin Kiptum on October 8, 2023. The women’s course record, also a world record, was set by Ruth Chepng’etich at the 2024 edition of the event, and it stands at 2:09:56.

Furthermore, additional bonuses may be available for time standards below certain thresholds, and for top Masters runners, ensuring that various levels of elite competition are recognised financially.

In total, the prize money and bonus structure for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon frequently amounts to well over half a million dollars, reflecting its status as one of the most important races in the world.