Chicago Marathon makes history with world record, thrilling finishes and more than 54,000 runners

Amos Kipruto of Kenya claimed the men's title in 2:01:09, the second-fastest marathon time ever recorded on U.S. soil. Ethiopia's Hawi Feysa successfully defended her women's crown in 2:13:33, becoming the fourth-fastest woman in marathon history. And in the professional wheelchair competition, Switzerland's Catherine DeBrunner set a world record of 1:33:16, the first wheelchair world record ever recorded at the Chicago Marathon.

The race also produced a memorable American debut. Emma Grace Hurley finished seventh overall in the women's competition in 2:20:47, breaking the American record for a debut marathon. On the men's side, Clayton Young ran a personal-best 2:05:23, becoming the second-fastest American man in history.

For the thousands of spectators lining the course, the performances were only part of the story. The marathon once again transformed Chicago into a citywide celebration, with crowds cheering runners from the starting line in Grant Park through neighborhoods across the city and back to the finish on Columbus Drive.

Kipruto takes the men's crown

The men's race opened at a blistering pace, with the leaders initially chasing the late Kelvin Kiptum's course record of 2:00:35. The lead pack, which included defending champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda and Kipruto, reached the halfway point in 1:00:21.

By 25 kilometers, the contenders had narrowed to four. The decisive battle ultimately came down to Kiplimo and Kipruto, who exchanged the lead before Kipruto made his move after mile 21 and pulled away.

Kipruto crossed the finish line in 2:01:09.  of Ethiopia placed second in 2:02:56, followed by compatriot Milkesa Mengesha in 2:03:46. Kiplimo finished fourth.

For Kipruto, the victory marked the culmination of three years of determination in Chicago. He finished third in 2024 and runner-up in 2025 before returning to claim the title in 2026.

The American men's competition delivered its own drama. Young finished first among the Americans in 2:05:23, with Charles Hicks close behind in 2:05:35. Vincent Mauri placed third among the Americans in 2:06:45 despite late-race cramping. Galen Rupp followed in 2:06:55, setting an American Masters record by more than three minutes, according to race organizers.

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Feysa defends her title

The women's race was equally compelling, with Feysa facing a formidable field that included two-time Chicago champion Brigid Kosgei of Kenya and two-time Boston Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi, who was making her Chicago debut.

Feysa and Kosgei initially followed the pacemakers at an aggressive pace, while Lokedi held back and conserved energy. Around the 20-kilometer mark, Lokedi caught the leaders, setting up a three-way contest that eventually narrowed to Feysa and Lokedi.

The two remained close until the closing miles, when Feysa found another gear and pulled away with approximately one mile remaining. She finished in 2:13:33, followed by Lokedi in 2:14:07 and Kosgei in 2:14:55. All three recorded times among the five fastest women's performances in Chicago Marathon history.

Hurley supplied another major highlight for American distance running. The 2026 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle champion and American 8K record holder stayed near American record pace early in the race before digging deep over the final miles to establish the new American debut record.

Dakotah Popehn finished as the second American woman in 2:24:00, followed by Elena Heyday in 2:24:57.

The marathon also gave American athletes an opportunity to pursue qualifying standards for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon. Ten American men ran 2:16:00 or faster, while 12 American women met the 2:37:00 standard.

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Wheelchair racers make history

DeBrunner delivered one of the day's most significant achievements in the women's professional wheelchair division, winning her third Chicago Marathon and breaking her own world record by 60 seconds with a time of 1:33:16.

The Swiss athlete built an early lead and raced uncontested to the finish, despite initially doubting that Chicago's technical course would be conducive to a record.

American wheelchair racing star Tatyana McFadden and Switzerland's Manuela Schär battled for second in a photo finish, with McFadden taking the runner-up position in 1:42:01 and Schär finishing third in the same time.

In the men's wheelchair race, Switzerland's Marcel Hug, known as the “Silver Bullet,” claimed his seventh Chicago Marathon victory in 1:21:34, setting a new course record. Hug raced against the clock after taking an early lead, holding off the pressure of chasing his own record-setting pace to secure another Chicago win.

Lito Anker of the Netherlands finished second in 1:30:11, followed by Britain's David Weir in third.

Winter Parts of the United States again won the nonbinary division, finishing in 2:28:16.

A weekend of running and community

The marathon weekend began Saturday, October 10, with the Abbott Chicago 5K, which drew more than 10,000 participants to downtown Chicago.

Daniel Docherty won the men's race in 15:19, followed by Sam McCool in 15:36 and Samuel Blake in 15:44. Abby Kohut-Jackson won the women's race in 16:50, with Marina Trave Ferrer second in 17:33 and Kaitlyn Trombatore third in 17:53.

Beyond the elite competition, the Chicago Marathon continued its tradition of bringing together runners from around the world, including first-time marathoners, returning participants and athletes running to support charitable causes. Its course through 29 neighborhoods offers a distinctive tour of the city, while the crowds that line the streets have become as much a part of the event's identity as the race itself.

The marathon also generates an estimated $756 million in annual economic impact for Chicago and helps raise millions of dollars for charitable organizations.

Looking ahead to 2027

The 49th Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 10, 2027, when Chicago will also host the USATF Marathon Championships. The championships will feature 20 American men and 20 American women competing for national titles, with prize money awarded through 10th place in both divisions.

Race organizers also plan to expand the High Performance Program to 300 participants, creating additional opportunities for American athletes pursuing 2028 Olympic Trials qualifying standards.

Applications for guaranteed and non-guaranteed entry to the 2027 marathon are now open. The deadline is 2 p.m. Central time Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Registration is also open for the 2027 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K, scheduled for March 21, and the Bank of America Chicago 13.1, scheduled for June 6. Together with the marathon, the events form the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. Participants who complete all three races in 2027 will receive an exclusive series medal and guaranteed entry to the 50th Chicago Marathon in 2028.

For registration and additional information, visit chicagomarathon.com.