CHICAGO
MARATHON
2027.
The next summit. One of the six World Marathon Majors. Peter and Piper are going to Chicago — and they're going to finish.
WHY
CHICAGO?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors — alongside Boston, New York, London, Berlin, and Tokyo. It draws over 40,000 runners from around the world and is watched by millions.
For Team Peter Piper, Chicago isn't just a race. It's a stage. A chance to put Rett syndrome awareness in front of the world, to show what a father and daughter can do together, and to prove that love is the most powerful engine there is.
The Chicago Marathon's Para Athletics Program includes a dedicated duo division — for a pusher and a rider with a permanent impairment — exactly what Peter and Piper have been training for across 20+ races and 200+ miles together.
TWO WAYS TO
GET TO CHICAGO
The duo division is a limited-capacity field. Spots are not guaranteed — but there are two legitimate paths in, straight from the official Chicago Marathon Para Athletics Program.
Spots are limited and not guaranteed. The duo division operates as an exhibition event with a capacity-controlled field. When capacity is reached through guaranteed entries, no additional spots are available through the drawing. Peter and Piper are working toward both paths.
HIT A QUALIFYING TIME
The fastest path to a guaranteed spot is a qualifying time. For the duo division, the pusher must meet the time qualifier standard for their gender and age group at a certified marathon completed on or after January 1, 2024.
Hitting a qualifying time puts the team at the front of the line — first in line for one of the limited duo division spots when the application window opens. It's the strongest possible position to be in.
This is exactly why Peter trains. Every race, every mile — building toward the time that gets them to Chicago.
Source: chicagomarathon.com/apply/para-athletics-program — "To apply under the time qualifier method, the participant (pusher) of the duo team must meet the qualifying standard for gender and age group."
APPLY WHEN THE WINDOW OPENS
Once a qualifying time is in hand, the team must apply during the official application window — which typically opens in the fall of the prior year. Qualifying time holders apply for a guaranteed entry on a first-come, first-served basis.
Teams without a qualifying time can still apply for the non-guaranteed drawing, where a separate pool is conducted specifically for duo division applicants. But the qualifying time is the edge — it's what separates hoping from planning.
Source: chicagomarathon.com/apply/para-athletics-program — "Duo teams may apply for a guaranteed entry under any guaranteed entry method for which they qualify."
Stay in the loop. The Chicago Marathon recommends signing up for their Mile by Mile e-newsletter to be notified the moment 2027 applications open. Sign up here →
WHAT IT TAKES
TO APPLY AS A DUO
Straight from the Chicago Marathon's official Para Athletics Program requirements.
Impairment Documentation
The rider (Piper) must have either a national or World Para Athletics classification, or submit an Impairment Documentation Form completed by a physician familiar with her condition.
Duo Terms & Conditions
Both team members must submit a completed and signed Duo Teams Terms & Conditions form, along with a photograph of the racing wheelchair that will be used.
Submit & Wait
Applications are reviewed and verified — a process that can take up to 10 business days. If approved, the entry fee is processed automatically. If not approved, the team is entered in the non-guaranteed drawing.
26.2 MILES THROUGH
THE CITY OF CHICAGO
The race begins in the heart of downtown Chicago, surrounded by the city skyline. Duo teams start at the back of Wave 1.
North side neighborhoods with massive crowd support lining the streets.
The halfway point and beyond — culturally rich neighborhoods with electric energy.
The toughest stretch — where champions are made and the crowd carries you forward.
The finish line. Grant Park. Peter and Piper cross it together.
CHEER THEM
TO CHICAGO.
Follow their journey, share their story, and help put Rett syndrome awareness on the world's biggest marathon stage.