Not all marathons are created equal, and for runners seeking fast times, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a fan favorite.
While every marathon measures the same distance, course conditions can dramatically impact race-day performances. Climate, incline, elevation and more are all considered when determining which race courses lend themselves to fast times and personal records.
The International Olympic Committee calls the Chicago Marathon “a historical world record course.”
The race, starting and ending in Grant Park, boasts a slew of national and international records, making it one of the fastest marathons in the world.
According to Runner’s World, the marathon world record for both men and women were set at the Chicago Marathon. The American record for women was also set in Chicago.
Compared to other major marathons, the Chicago Marathon has some of the fastest times.
Last year, the top men’s finisher was John Korir, with a time of 2:02:44, and the top women’s finisher was Ruth Chepngetich with a time of 2:09:56.
Korir also won the Boston marathon April 21, finishing with a time of 2:04:45. The top women’s finisher, Sharon Lokedi, finished with a time of 2:17:22. In the 2024 New York City Marathon, the top times were 2:07:39 for men and 2:24:35 for women.
The Chicago Marathon also leads other major U.S. marathons in course records. Below are the course records for the Chicago, Boston and New York City marathons, according to The Running Channel.
Chicago Marathon:
- Women’s record: 2:09:56
- Men’s record: 2:00:35
Boston Marathon:
- Women’s record: 2:17:22
- Men’s record: 2:03:02
New York City Marathon:
- Women’s record: 2:22:31
- Men’s record: 2:04:58
Runners will again take to a start line in Grant Park on Oct. 12. The marathon expects 53,000 finishers, and Conner Mantz, the reigning U.S. Marathon champion, has already announced he intends to attempt to break the U.S. record during this year’s race.
The marathon has not yet announced the full list of professional athletes competing in this year’s race. Last year’s results are available on the marathon’s website.
