This year’s lineup in The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the most illustrious in the marathon’s history, featuring all reigning champions, ready to showcase their prowess on Sunday, October 8.
Benson Kipruto of Kenya, a consistent top finisher in the Abbott World Marathon Majors in recent years, will be back to defend his men’s title. Last year, Kipruto’s impressive sprint in the 25th mile secured him a win with a time of 2:04:24, ranking as the fourth quickest in Chicago’s history. A win this year would make him the first consecutive men’s champion since Sammy Wanjiru in 2010.
Kipruto, known for his blistering speed in the final stages, will face stiff competition, especially from Kelvin Kiptum, another Kenyan. Kiptum, who recently clinched the 2023 London Marathon title in just his second marathon attempt, will be making his U.S. marathon debut in Chicago.
Bashir Abdi of Belgium, the 2020 Olympic and 2022 World Championships bronze medalist, is also in the mix. Seifu Tura of Ethiopia, the 2021 Chicago champion, is set to compete for the third year in a row.
Conner Mantz, after recording one of the fastest marathon debuts by an American in Chicago, will be back to lead the U.S. contingent. Joining him will be Galen Rupp, the 2017 Chicago Marathon winner and a standout in American marathon history.
Other notable male participants include Dawit Wolde (ETH), Daniel Do Nascimento (BRA), John Korir (KEN), and Americans Matt McDonald, Frank Lara, and Chicago’s Colin Mickow.
The women’s elite category will be headlined by 2022 Chicago Marathon winner Ruth Chepngetich (KEN), Emily Sisson, and 2023 London Marathon victor Sifan Hassan (NED). Other prominent names include Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya and Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia.
The U.S. women’s lineup is equally strong, featuring Molly Seidel, Des Linden, Emma Bates, and Aliphine Tuliamuk.
The 45th Bank of America Chicago Marathon is set for Sunday, October 8, 2023, with over 45,000 participants expected. For updates and more information, visit chicagomarathon.com.
Running Shoes in the 2023 Chicago Marathon
On the men’s side, we see three different shoe brands among the early favourites. Kelvin Kiptum, with an impressive personal best of 2:01:25, is expected to wear the prototype of the new Nike Alphafly 3.
Benson Kipruto, for his part, will use the newly released Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1.
We will also see another expected super shoe in action as Bashir Abdi will likely wear the Asics Metaspeed Sky+, the same running shoe that Vincent Kipkwmoi wore when he finished second in the Berlin Marathon a few weeks ago.
On the women’s side, it will mainly be a battle between Nike and Adidas super shoes. Both Ruth Chepngetich and Genzebe Dibaba wear Nike, while Joyciline Jepkosgei wears Adidas.
In the women’s race, the battle is expected to be between the Nike Alphafly 3 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1. Another early favorite, Sifan Hassan, will wear the Nike Alphafly3 – just as she did when she won the London Marathon earlier this year.
Participants Chicago Marathon Men’s Elite Field
| Name | Country | Personal Best |
|---|---|---|
| Kelvin Kiptum | KEN | 2:01:25 |
| Bashir Abdi | BEL | 2:03:36 |
| Kinde Atanaw | ETH | 2:03:51 |
| Benson Kipruto | KEN | 2:04:24 |
| Dawit Wolde | ETH | 2:04:27 |
| Seifu Tura | ETH | 2:04:29 |
| Daniel Do Nascimento | BRA | 2:04:51 |
| John Korir | KEN | 2:05:01 |
| Galen Rupp | USA | 2:06:07 |
| Huseydin Mohamed | ETH | 2:05:05 |
| Milkesa Mengesha | ETH | 2:05:29 |
| Leonard Korir | USA | 2:07:56 |
| Conner Mantz | USA | 2:08:16 |
| Yuki Matsumura | JPN | 2:09:01 |
| Takashi Ichida | JPN | 2:09:15 |
| Kei Katanishi | JPN | 2:09:27 |
| Masashi Nonaka | JPN | 2:09:47 |
| Matt McDonald | USA | 2:09:49 |
| Mick Iacofano | USA | 2:09:55 |
| Daniel Mesfun | USA | 2:10:06 |
| Masaki Tuda | JPN | 2:10:40 |
| Mizuki Higashi | JPN | 2:11:04 |
| Colin Mickow | USA | 2:11:22 |
| Frank Lara | USA | 2:11:32 |
| Dan Kremske | USA | 2:14:53 |
| Daniel Mateiko | KEN | Debut |
| Wesley Kiptoo | KEN | Debut |
Chicago Marathon Women’s Elite Field
| Name | Country | Personal Best |
|---|---|---|
| Ruth Chepngetich | ETH | 2:14:18 |
| Joyciline Jepkosgei | KEN | 2:17:43 |
| Genzebe Dibaba | ETH | 2:18:05 |
| Sutume Kebede | ETH | 2:18:12 |
| Emily Sisson | USA | 2:18:29 |
| Megertu Alemu | ETH | 2:18:32 |
| Sifan Hassan | NED | 2:18:33 |
| Tigist Girma | ETH | 2:18:52 |
| Ababel Yesheneh | ETH | 2:20:51 |
| Des Linden | USA | 2:22:38 |
| Emma Bates | USA | 2:23:18 |
| Aliphine Tuliamuk | USA | 2:24:37 |
| Nell Rojas | USA | 2:24:51 |
| Molly Seidel | USA | 2:24:42 |
| Dakotah Lindwurm | USA | 2:25:01 |
| Sara Vaughn | USA | 2:26:23 |
| Rose Harvey | GBR | 2:27:20 |
| Gabriella Rooker | USA | 2:27:38 |
| Diane Nukuri | USA | 2:27:50 |
| Maggie Montoya | USA | 2:28:07 |
| Stacy Ndiwa | KEN | 2:31:53 |
About the Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and is renowned for its flat and fast course, making it a favorite among elite runners aiming for personal bests and world records.
The Chicago Marathon was first held in 1977, with a modest participation of around 4,200 runners. Since then, it has grown exponentially in popularity and prestige. By the 21st century, the event regularly attracted over 40,000 participants, making it one of the largest marathons in the world.
The marathon course winds its way through 29 of Chicago’s neighborhoods, providing runners with a scenic tour of the city. Starting and finishing in Grant Park, participants pass through a diverse range of neighborhoods, including the downtown Loop, the upscale Gold Coast, the historic Chinatown, and the vibrant Pilsen.
The flat nature of the course has led to numerous world records being set at the Chicago Marathon. Both men and women elite runners have achieved some of the fastest marathon times in history on this course.
Beyond the competition, the Chicago Marathon serves as a significant fundraising event. Thousands of runners participate on behalf of charities, raising millions of dollars for various causes each year.
The marathon also has a substantial economic impact on the city of Chicago. Every year, it attracts numerous international participants and spectators, leading to increased tourism and business for local establishments.
The Chicago Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of human endurance, community spirit, and the vibrant culture of the Windy City.
Read more: Marathon and Half-Marathon Race Calendar
