Run one of the world’s biggest marathons — and help keep save lives across the North West
Secure your guaranteed charity entry to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026 and take on a world-famous race while supporting North West Air Ambulance Charity.
👉 Limited charity places available — apply today
The Chicago Marathon is an annual race held on the second Sunday of October. It is known for it’s flat and fast course which first began in 1977 and has continued to grow more and more each year. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park which is similar to Central Park in New York. The park holds many attractions such as museums and an Aquarium and is the perfect place to relax after the marathon. You will run through 29 different neighbourhoods in Chicago.
Join #TeamNWAA, raise money and run in one of the worlds most famous races. Why not challenge yourself, experience something new or beat that PB. Running through Chicago with 1.7 million supporters cheering you on to the finish line. You will be surrounded by people from all over the world with a wide variety of cultures. There will be cheer zones throughout the course to keep your spirits up and give you the energy to keep going.
Help keep us flying by taking part in this once in a lifetime opportunity all while raising money for an amazing cause.
When: 11th October 2026
Where: Chicago, America
Registration fee: £75
Minimum fundraising target: £1,995
🧭 How to get a Chicago Marathon Charity Place (UK)
Getting into the Chicago Marathon isn’t easy through the public ballot.That’s why charity places are one of the best and most reliable ways to secure your entry.
Here’s how it works:
- Apply for your charity place
- Pay the £75 registration fee
- Commit to raising £1,995
- Start training and fundraising with our support
👉 We’ll guide you every step of the way
Charity places for the Chicago Marathon are limited and in high demand.
We review applications regularly — and spots fill quickly.
Thank you to the crew at the charity for saving my life, with their quick thinking and performance – in what must have been a very high-pressure situation. I was written off all the way but the decisions they made have given me more time with my family and children.
How we’ll support you
When you run with us, you’ll be fully supported from day one:
🎽 Free branded running vest
📈 Personalised fundraising support
📦 Fundraising pack with proven ideas
💬 Dedicated events team
🙌 Team community & motivation
🎉 Race-day pride knowing you’re making a difference
💡 WORRIED ABOUT FUNDRAISING £1,995?
We understand £1,995 can feel like a big goal — but most runners achieve it with the right support.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- £50 from 40 people = £2,000
- £20 from 100 people = £2,000
We help you with:
- Fundraising ideas that actually work
- Social media templates
- School, workplace, and community support ideas
- Ongoing encouragement from our team
👉 You will not be fundraising alone.
As a member of Team NWAA, we promise to give you lots of support and encouragement along the way. You’ll be offered a fundraising pack filled with hints, tips and ideas to increase your fundraising, a free NWAA t-shirt and supporter signs to cheer you on! Our events team will be there to support all aspects of your fundraising – it is only thanks to your generosity that we can do what we do.
If you have any questions or would like further information, you can get in touch by emailing events@nwairambulance.org.uk.
This is more than a marathon
It’s your chance to:
- Achieve something incredible
- Run on a world stage
- Help save lives
👉 Apply today and take your first step towards the Chicago Marathon 2026
Frequently asked question
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, alongside London, New York, Boston, Berlin, and Tokyo.
What makes it special:
- 🏙 Flat, fast, beginner-friendly course
- 👏 Over 1.7 million spectators
- 🌎 29 vibrant neighbourhoods
- 🏁 Iconic finish in Grant Park
👉 It’s one of the most exciting and achievable World Marathon Majors.
When you run for NWAA, every step helps keep our helicopters flying.
We deliver advanced medical care to people across the North West — bringing the hospital to the patient when every second counts.
Your impact:
🚁 Life-saving emergency response missions
🚑 Critical care at the scene of accidents
❤️ Support for patients and families in crisis
👉 You’re not just running a marathon — you’re helping save lives.
You can apply directly through our charity. If successful, you’ll receive a guaranteed entry in return for a registration fee and fundraising commitment.
The target is £1,995, and we provide full support to help you achieve it.
Yes — many UK runners take part each year through charity places like ours.
As early as possible — places are limited and often fill quickly.
By reading the event day information at on Bank of America Chicago Marathon‘s website.
Book a presentation
We regularly deliver presentations to businesses, clubs, groups, and schools across the North West. It’s our chance to raise awareness and you can find out about our lifesaving service, our patients, and how you can support us.
Make a donation
With no government or NHS funding, it’s your generosity that funds our service.
Volunteer with us
Together we can make a difference.