Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon, established in 1977, is a cornerstone of the World Marathon Majors, renowned for its flat and fast course that attracts elite runners and amateurs alike. Held annually in October, the race offers participants a scenic tour through Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, starting and finishing in Grant Park.

The 2024 Chicago Marathon, held on October 13, was marked by historic performances. Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich shattered the women’s marathon world record, finishing in 2:09:56. This achievement made her the first woman to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 10 minutes, breaking the previous record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa.

In the men’s race, Kenyan runner John Korir secured his first major marathon title with a personal best of 2:02:43, the second-fastest time in the event’s history. Both Chepngetich and Korir dedicated their victories to the late Kelvin Kiptum, the men’s world record holder who tragically passed away earlier in the year.

The 2024 event continued the Chicago Marathon’s legacy of record-breaking performances and international participation, reinforcing its status as a premier race in the global marathon calendar. The combination of a world-class course, enthusiastic spectators, and a vibrant city backdrop makes the Chicago Marathon a sought-after experience for runners worldwide.