Course
The start and finish lines are at the Meadows Pavilion in Millennium Park. The course consists of 6- 4.05 mile loops, plus an approximately 1 mile long "tail" at the start and the end. Each loop has approximately 70 feet of elevation gain.
The course is USATF certified (MI18031MN). This means that if you run a Boston qualifying time, it IS valid and can be used to register for the Boston Marathon.
Entry Standards
There are NO entry standards for the 2026 race - registration is open to all.
If you are hoping to run between 3:20 - 4:00 in the marathon this fall, this is the race for you. We will have pace groups set for 3:25, 3:35, 3:45 and 4:00. Additional pace groups may be added if the field requires it. The race directors will stay in communication with all participants regarding pace group availability as we get closer to the race.
On race day, simply join the pace group that fits your goal. There is no need to "prove" your fitness prior to entry.
Deferrals and Refunds
Deferrals to the 2027 event will be permitted pending race director approval. Deferral requests must be submitted no later than 08/01/26. To request a deferral, send us an email.
No refunds are allowed.
Marathon Awards
Finisher's Medal
The Micro: Breaking 4 has a cutoff time of 4:30:00. Every runner who finishes inside of this time will receive a finisher's medal to celebrate your achievement!
Limited Edition Achievement Tee for All Sub-4 Finishers
We’re celebrating the 4 hour breakthrough with an exclusive Achievement Tee designed specifically for Breaking 4. But this ain't your normal race tee - no itchy tech fabric, no obnoxious neon, not a single sponsor advertisement in sight.
The Achievement Tee is a premium heavyweight oversized tee, designed by Lousy Running specifically with the mission of creating a race t-shirt that runners will actually want to wear. A t-shirt that says "ask me about the kickass marathon I just ran" not "bow down to Bank of America and the rest of our corporate overlords."
This limited edition tee will be given out to all runners who finish under the 4 hour mark (chip time). T-shirt design will be revealed on March 29th.
Bib Pickup
Bib pickup details coming soon.
Bottle Dropoff
Every participant who plans to use personal bottles (and we hope that is all of you) will be required to drop them off at the aid station on race morning. There will be volunteers to assist you in getting your bottles to the correct table and location. You are allowed to have a friend or family member drop your bottles off for you.
If you would prefer to have us handle your bottle setup on race morning, we do offer a VIP Bottle Service as an add-on. This can help eliminate stress on race morning and gives you more time to get to the start line. With VIP Bottle Service, you will drop off your prepared bottles at bib pickup and let us do the rest! Your bottles will be waiting for you on course in your designated position.
Spots are limited - VIP Bottle Service is capped at 75 total participants.
If you have already registered but are now interested in adding VIP Bottle Service, send us a message.
Race Day Logistics
Parking
There is plenty of free parking near the start. Please park in the "The Meadows at Millennium Park" parking area near Grant Pavilion. Parking map will be distributed to participants prior to race weekend.
Bathrooms
There will be 8 portable toilets near the Start/Finish area at Grant Pavilion, and 2 portable toilets near the aid station on the main loop. Runners will pass the aid station 6 times during the race. The permanent restroom facilities in the park are not guaranteed to be open on race morning, so please plan accordingly.
Gear Check
There will be no gear check for the race. Anything left behind in the staging area at the start will be disposed of. Parking is directly adjacent to the start and finish area, so please leave all valuables in the car!
Small, but Not Lonely
The Micro: Breaking 4 marathon has a 300 athlete cap. It's a small race, but not a lonely one. When you're in a group of runners with the same goal and dedicated pacers all following the same pacing plan, you simply hop in line and hang on for as long as you want. Many previous The Micro participants have said that our marathon is the first time they DIDN'T end up running solo in the second half of a race!
Our course layout also makes spectating incredibly easy for your friends and family. Every loop is 4.05 miles, so you'll be able to see your crew every 35-40 minutes.
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about the race, send us a message:
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