Chicago Marathon Sets Record with Largest Field

The 2026 Chicago Marathon expected over 55,000 runners on October 11, marking the largest field in World Marathon Majors history. Organizers confirmed the event featured competitive elite races despite challenging weather, with morning temperatures above 60 degrees and high humidity. Amos Kipruto of Kenya won the men’s race in 2:01:09 after finishing as the runner-up last year, and Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa clocked 2:13:33 to win her second straight women’s title.

Men’s Race Highlights

Kipruto crossed the finish line in 2:01:09, followed by Tadese Bikila (2:02:56) and Milkesa Mengesha (2:03:46). Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda placed fourth in 2:04:18, with Boki Diriba and Daniel Mateiko both finishing at 2:05:01. Clayton Young recorded the second-fastest U.S. marathon ever (on a record-eligible course) of 2:05:23, joining Charles Hicks (2:05:35) and Akira Akasaki (2:05:48) in the top ten. Galen Rupp and Cj Albertson rounded out the American contingent with times of 2:06:54 and 2:07:19.

Women’s Race Highlights

Hawi Feysa Gejia won the women’s division in 2:13:33, with Sharon Lokedi (2:14:07) and Brigid Jepchirchir Kosgei (2:14:55) placing second and third. Mary Ngugi-Cooper and Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo followed at 2:17:23 and 2:18:39. Isobel Batt-Doyle’s 2:20:38 secured fourth, while Emma Grace Hurley set an American debut record with a seventh-place finish of 2:20:47. Dakotah Popehn and Elena Hayday completed the top 10 for the U.S.

Wheelchair Categories

In the men’s wheelchair division, Marcel Hug (SUI) won in 1:21:34, ahead of Lito Anker and David Weir at 1:30:11. Aaron Pike (USA) and Tomoki Suzuki (JPN) shared fourth place at 1:30:17. Catherine Debrunner (SUI) led the women’s wheelchair race at 1:33:16, with Tatyana Mcfadden and Manuela Schär both finishing at 1:42:01.

While weather conditions tested participants, the race delivered competitive performances across all divisions. Hannah Dederick (USA) and Vanessa Cristina De Souza (BRA) finished sixth and seventh. Jessica Warner-Judd (GBR) and Laura Galvan (MEX) completed the top 10. Sara Hall and Maria Lindberg, both American runners, finished 19th and 20th with times of 2:32:35 and 2:34:18, respectively.

Thirteen U.S. athletes placed in the men’s top 20, including Vincent Mauri (2:06:46) and Thomas Nobbs (2:08:35). Yemane Haileselassie (ERI) and Suguru Osako (JPN) rounded out the top 10. The race also highlighted rising stars like Kieran Tuntivate (THA), who finished 15th in 2:08:01.