13 October 2026 — The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon delivered one of the deepest women’s races in history on Sunday, 11 October, as Hawi Feysa retained her title and Amos Kipruto claimed a commanding men’s victory.
For the first time at a marathon, three women broke 2 hours 15 minutes in the same race. Ethiopia’s Feysa won in 2:13:33, with Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi second in 2:14:07 and former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei third in 2:14:55. The results were confirmed in World Athletics’ race report and the organiser’s post-race coverage.
Feysa finds another gear in the closing kilometres
The women’s contest remained remarkably close deep into the final stages. Feysa and Lokedi ran together through 35km in 1:50:23, with Kosgei pursuing behind. Neither leader managed to establish a meaningful advantage until Feysa accelerated late in the race, turning a close duel into a 34-second victory.
Feysa’s winning time improved her personal best by 84 seconds and placed her fourth on the women’s all-time marathon list, according to World Athletics. Lokedi moved to eighth on that list. Their performances, alongside Kosgei’s sub-2:15 finish, made the women’s podium a significant moment for distance running rather than simply another fast set of winning times.
Kipruto takes charge after an ambitious opening
The men’s front group reached halfway in 1:00:21, with defending champion Jacob Kiplimo and Kipruto among the runners setting a demanding pace. Kiplimo forced the tempo after halfway, but Kipruto stayed with him before opening a gap beyond 20 miles.
Kipruto crossed the line in 2:01:09, improving his personal best by 30 seconds. World Athletics lists the performance as equal fifth on the men’s all-time marathon ranking. Ethiopia’s Tadese Bikila took second in 2:02:56, followed by compatriot Milkesa Mengesha in 2:03:46. Kiplimo ultimately placed fourth in 2:04:18.
The organisers also highlighted notable performances among the American runners: Clayton Young finished seventh overall in 2:05:23, while debutant Emma Grace Hurley ran 2:20:47, setting a new American marathon-debut mark.
Why Chicago 2026 matters
Chicago has long been associated with fast marathon racing, but the defining statistic this year was the unprecedented depth of the women’s podium. Three performances under 2:15 on the same day underline the exceptional standard now required to contend for victory at the top of the sport.
Original sources: World Athletics race report (11 October 2026); Bank of America Chicago Marathon official post-race release (11 October 2026).
