Bank of America Chicago Marathon Start Corral Qualifying Standards (Explained)

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has started to email its participants their preliminary corral assignments.

Thousands rushed to their computers to the race's Runner Status page to see what lettered corral they will be starting the race in. For a lot of first timers, all of the corral letters can be quite confusing.

No, the race directors aren't just going through the alphabet, these letters actually mean something. Here's the breakdown.

The race uses start corrals that are designated start areas designed to facilitate a more efficient and convenient race start for all participants. Start corrals are not guaranteed and are made on a first-come, first-serve basis until the corrals fill up.

The race is broken down into two Waves. Wave 1 Start Corrals (American Development, A, B, C, D, and E) are assigned based on a verified qualifying time and have a 7:30 a.m. start time. Wave 2 Start Corrals (F, G, H, J and K) are assigned based on the estimated finish time you entered on your race application and will have a 8:00 a.m. start time. The lower the letter("A" being the lowest), the faster the predicted finish time and pace. 

If you're not satisfied with your preliminary corral assignment, you have the opportunity to request a change to your assignment either by providing proof of a new qualifying time (American Development, Corrals A, B, C, D or E in Wave 1) or by updating your estimated finish time (Corrals F, G or H in Wave 2 and J, K or L in Wave 3).

The deadline to update or request a change to your start corral assignment is Tuesday, August 14th (5 p.m. U.S. Central Time). Final corral assignments will be posted Tuesday, August 21st.

Take a look at some of the more frequently asked questions regarding start corrals taken from the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon website below.

Are start corrals guaranteed?

No. Assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis until the corrals reach their respective capacities.

I have been automatically assigned to a Wave 1 start corral. How did this happen?

Some participants are automatically assigned to a start corral based on their qualifying performance at the 2015-2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon or based on information from our third-party race results vendor.

How can I qualify for a Wave 1 start corral?

Wave 1 start corrals (American Development, A, B, C, D, and E) are assigned based on a verified qualifying time. If you wish to be assigned to a Wave 1 start corral, you will need to submit proof of a qualifying time achieved since January 1, 2015 on a certified course. This may be submitted to startcorrals@chicagomarathon.com in the form of an official finisher’s certificate or a link directly to your results. The deadline to update or request a change to your start corral assignment is 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 15.

My relative, friend has been assigned to a different start corral. How can we run together?

If a relative or friends is assigned to a Wave 1 start corral, you must have a half marathon or marathon time that qualifies you for that corral. If you do not have a time that qualifies you for a Wave 1 start corral, both of you can request a Wave 2 start corral assignment by emailing startcorrals@chicagomarathon.com.

I submitted a qualifying time by email. Will I receive confirmation that my start corral has been changed?

No. Participants will receive an automatic response only, indicating that the email was received. Runners will be responsible for checking any changes on the event website.

Can I switch from one start corral to another on race day?

No. All participants must start in their assigned start corral on race day. All start corral changes must be made prior to the deadline at 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 15.

Can I be reassigned to a different start corral at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo?

No. The deadline to request a change is 5 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 15. No reassignments will be made following this deadline.

I missed qualifying for a Wave 1 start corral by a few seconds. Will you make an exception?

No. Start corral qualifying standards are strictly adhered to.

Any other specific questions regarding the Bank of America Chicago Marathon start corrals can email startcorrals@chicagomarathon.com