Two returning champions, a former world record holder and a host of major marathon winners will line up in Chicago tomorrow, Sunday October 11th, for an elite contest with plenty of potential.
Jacob Kiplimo and Hawi Feysa lead the defence of their respective titles, but both face serious opposition. Amos Kipruto heads the challengers in the men’s race, while Brigid Kosgei and Sharon Lokedi bring considerable pedigree to the women’s field.
The elite men and women start at 1:30pm Irish time, making Chicago a convenient Sunday afternoon watch for running fans at home.
Kiplimo returns with good reason to be confident. The Ugandan won last year’s race in 2:02:23 and took another substantial step forward when finishing 3rd at this year’s London Marathon in 2:00:28. That combination of speed and previous success on the course makes him the obvious man to beat.
Kipruto, however, has been getting closer to the Chicago title. The Kenyan finished 3rd in 2024 and 2nd in 2025, and arrives with a personal best of 2:01:39 from London this spring. A former London champion himself, he has the experience to make this more than a straightforward title defence.
Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha, with a best of 2:03:17, and Tadese Takele Bikila, who has run 2:03:23, add further strength. Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko, a 2:03:44 performer, is another contender worth watching if the leading group remains together deep into the race.
There will also be considerable home interest in Charles Hicks, who ran 2:04:35 in Boston earlier this year. That performance came on a course which is not eligible for records, adding interest to what he can produce on Chicago’s record eligible route. Clayton Young, with a best of 2:05:41, is another prominent American entry.
The women’s race offers an equally compelling contest. Feysa returns with a listed personal best of 2:14:57 from her victory here last year, but Kosgei is the fastest entrant on paper thanks to her 2:14:04 performance in Chicago in 2019. That was a world record at the time, and the Kenyan now returns to the scene of one of her greatest performances.
Lokedi brings a different strength to the contest: a formidable record of winning major races. The Kenyan won New York in 2022 and Boston in both 2025 and 2026. Her Chicago debut presents an intriguing opportunity to see how that racing ability translates to a flatter course and a potentially quicker early pace.
Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, with a best of 2:15:55, and Megertu Alemu, who has run 2:16:34, ensure the race extends well beyond the headline trio. Kenya’s Brillian Kipkoech is also entered with a best of 2:17:05. Among the American women, Sara Hall and Susanna Sullivan bring experience, while Emma Grace Hurley makes her marathon debut.
Irish interest includes Patrick Monahan of Le Chéile AC in the men’s wheelchair race. He joins a field featuring Marcel Hug, Daniel Romanchuk and David Weir. The women’s wheelchair entries include Catherine Debrunner, Manuela Schär and Tatyana McFadden.
For viewers in Ireland and the UK, FloTrack has announced live coverage beginning at 1:15pm Irish time, ahead of the elite running races at 1:30pm. With Kiplimo defending his title and a particularly competitive women’s field assembled, there should be plenty to keep an eye on throughout the afternoon.
