Compare · goal: a Boston qualifier
Too close to call on this goal. BMW Berlin and Bank of America Chicago score within 0.3 of each other — pick on the date, the travel, or which one you actually want to run.
| A fast time / Boston | BMW Berlin | flatter course, cooler typical morning |
| A first marathon | Bank of America Chicago | more forgiving on debut day |
| Easiest entry | Bank of America Chicago | less lottery / qualifier friction |
| Crowd & support | BMW Berlin | bigger field, more on-course energy |
| Lower trip cost | Bank of America Chicago | cheaper all-in from South Florida |
Race-morning figures are 30-year normal normals, not forecasts. Cost and travel are estimated from South Florida; your own origin may flip the trip-cost row. Full method on the methodology page.
| Score (10 = easiest) | BMW Berlin Marathon | Bank of America Chicago Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Green Score (overall) | 7.3 | 8.1 |
| First-timer score | 8.7 | 8.9 |
| Terrain | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| Climate | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Entry | 3.6 | 6.0 |
| Travel | 2.0 | 5.0 |
| Field & support | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Distance | marathon | marathon |
| Date | September 26, 2027 | October 11, 2026 |
| Location | Berlin | Chicago, IL |
| Typical race-day weather (normal) | 58°F / dew 48°F | 56°F / dew 50°F |
| Elevation gain | 240 ft | 243 ft |
| Field size | 55,000 | 52,150 |
| Entry | lottery | lottery |
| Entry fee | $230 | $250 |
| Boston qualifier course | Yes | Yes |
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