Race the Chicago Distance Series in 2026 with Read & Run Chicago
by Allison Yates
While at Read & Run Chicago our events primarily use casual running (and reading) as a tool to explore Chicago and to better understand ourselves, each other, and our built environment, many of our community members are part of the broader Chicago running community and participate in organized races.
The most important racing series in the Windy City is the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, three races of varying—and building—distances throughout the year, starting with the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K in March, the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 in June, and the culminating event, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.
This year, Read & Run Chicago was again one of the chosen Chicago running communities to take part in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Entries for Equity program. As part of this program, organizations that support the running, sport and movement community and have values around diversity, equity and inclusion were allotted five complimentary entries to each of the three Chicago races in this series.
Read & Run Chicago is honored and thrilled to be recognized as an organization creating a positive community impact and be able to support readers & runners as they tackle these races in 2026.
[Related: Meet the Readers & Runners Racing the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon]
Who is eligible to apply to be on Read & Run Chicago’s Entries for Equity team?
Those who apply to race the Chicago Distance Series with Read & Run Chicago must:
Be familiar with Read & Run Chicago and have been previously involved in our programming or community events
Identify as a first-time marathoner
Be available to participate in all three races in the Chicago Distance Series:
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K on Sunday, March 22, 2026
Bank of America Chicago 13.1 on Sunday, June 7, 2026
Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2026
Preference will be given to applicants that fit the following criteria:
Current Read & Run Chicago attendee, member, or volunteer
Runners who have not participated in formal races (outside of 5Ks)
Runners who have experienced financial barriers to previously participating in organized races
Runners who are from the South and West Sides
Runners who identify as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or other marginalized community
What are the requirements to participate in Read & Run Chicago’s Entries for Equity team?
If chosen, runners on Read & Run Chicago’s Entries for Equity team must agree to:
Consent to share their first and last name publicly
Participate in interviews and photoshoots for Read & Run Chicago’s social media and blog
Purchase Read & Run Chicago merch (if they don’t already own it) or get their own pre-approved clothing with Read & Run Chicago’s logo to wear while training for the marathon
Post a reel, grid post, or story at a minimum monthly on social media (Instagram and Facebook) about their training journey, specifically mentioning and tagging Read & Run Chicago
Wear an article of Read & Run Chicago merch at all three races (or make their own with approval from Read & Run Chicago)
Attend Read & Run Chicago events and meetups at least once per month as an attendee or volunteer
Direct friends and family to cheer for them at all three races at Read & Run Chicago’s designated cheer zones
Volunteer before and/or after each race to help with course flyering and plogging.
2025 Volunteers of the Year Tahnee Lacey and Cynthia Chen at the 2025 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle.
[Related: Guide to Chicago’s Running Community 2025]
What will Read & Run Chicago give Entries for Equity runners?
Read & Run Chicago will support runners throughout the year with the following:
Professional photoshoot
Host a team WhatsApp chat to share information, training tips, and encouragement
Guidance on training programs
Cheer zones at all three races with signs, snacks, and photos/videos when possible
Giveaways, discounts, and other opportunities when possible
How do readers & runners apply?
Any interested applicants should subscribe to Read & Run Chicago’s newsletter to access the application.