Chicago Marathon 2025: John Korir and Jacob Kiplimo Eye Records

This Sunday, October 12, the Chicago Marathon will once again host one of the biggest celebrations in global running. Nearly 53,000 runners will take to the streets of the “Windy City,” immersed in an electric atmosphere. Among them, some of the world’s top marathoners, including Kenya’s John Korir, will be chasing glory, records… or simply a slice of history. His showdown with Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, the world record holder in the half-marathon, promises to be epic. After past editions marked by extraordinary performances, 2025 is shaping up to be explosive.

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| A City, a History, a Marathon Culture

Since its inception in 1977, Chicago has established itself as one of the pillars of the global marathon scene. Its flat course, flawless organization, and electric atmosphere have made it a reference point among the World Marathon Majors, alongside New York, Boston, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

The race starts at Grant Park, the city’s green heart. Runners cover 42.195 km (26.2 miles) through 29 neighborhoods, from the Loop and downtown skyscrapers to Chinatown, Pilsen, Little Italy, and Lincoln Park. Each district has its own identity, music, and crowd energy. The course is a living postcard of Chicago, powered by tireless spectators.

And each year, when the first rays of sun hit Lake Michigan, one thing is clear: the Chicago Marathon is a celebration of sport, diversity, and personal limits.

| Legends and Records

Chicago hasn’t just hosted the best—it has often revealed them. In the 1990s, Khalid Khannouchi dominated with multiple wins and times flirting with world records. On the women’s side, icons like Paula Radcliffe, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Liliya Shobukhova left their mark.

More recently, two historic performances reshaped the modern marathon: in 2023, Kelvin Kiptum stunned the world with 2:00:35, a new world record. The following year, Ruth Chepngetich pushed the boundaries by becoming the first woman under 2:10, clocking 2:09:56. These feats cemented Chicago as one of the fastest courses in the world—a place where a crisp autumn day can become a historic moment.

| 2025: A Dream Field, a Monumental Challenge for Korir

All eyes will again turn to Grant Park. The 2025 edition features a star-studded lineup. Defending champion John Korir is back after his 2:02:44 win in 2024, and he’s aiming even higher—whispers suggest he may attempt the course record, or even a world record if conditions are ideal. Korir thrives under pressure: he already triumphed in Boston this year, and his consistency is impressive.

Facing him is a formidable Kenyan and Ethiopian contingent. Names like Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55), Amos Kipruto (3rd last year), Cybrian Kotut, and Belgium’s Bashir Abdi, a double Olympic medalist, complete a highly competitive field. Every misstep will be costly.

Jakob Kiplimo of Uganda, elegant in stride and explosive in acceleration, is a key contender. The half-marathon world record holder (56:42 in Barcelona, 2025) skipped the Tokyo World Championships to focus on Chicago, and his recent performances suggest he could shape the race’s final scenario. On this fast, precise course, a sub-2:02 finish is within reach—but any pace mistake can be fatal.

| Ethiopian Women Lead, Mélody Julien Lurks

On the women’s side, the throne is open: Ruth Chepngetich, the world record holder, remains suspended. Her absence boosts the Ethiopian contenders. Megertu Alemu, third in 2023, is in Olympic form. Hawi Feysa (2:17:00) and Bedatu Hirpa are also among the favorites. The Kenya–Ethiopia duel promises to be spectacular.

France’s Mélody Julien carries the tricolor hopes. Unstoppable at the Paris-Versailles 2025, she dominated the race from start to finish. Julien, who clocked 2:25:00 in Valencia in 2023, aims to improve her personal best on this fast course. After solid preparation and strong half-marathon performances, she eyes breaking 2:25 and cementing her status among Europe’s elite marathoners. At 25 years old, she continues to confirm her potential with every race.

| A Course Made for Records

Chicago’s secret lies in its flat, fluid profile, perfectly designed for steady pacing. The first half is often fast, while the second, more exposed to wind, separates the good from the great. The final meters on Roosevelt Road include a short but cruel uphill before the sprint to Grant Park, familiar to all finishers.

With cool temperatures (8–12°C / 46–54°F) and meticulous organization, Chicago remains one of the world’s fastest marathons. Records fall here more than elsewhere, but nothing is guaranteed: the Lake Michigan wind reminds even champions that nature calls the shots.

| What to Expect in 2025

Several scenarios are possible. If Korir finds the right conditions and a strong pacemaker, the 2:02 barrier could crumble. On the women’s side, without Chepngetich, the favorites may neutralize each other before an explosive finish.

The emotional backdrop adds depth. Chicago still remembers Kelvin Kiptum’s record, tragically cut short months after his feat. His presence is everywhere—in banners, conversations, and runners’ emotions. The 2025 marathon will carry the essence of tribute.

| How to Follow the Chicago Marathon

For those watching from home, the Eurosport group will broadcast the race in France on Sunday, October 12, from 2:15 PM.

| Flawless Organization

Chicago is the marathon where everything seems under control: ultra-smooth bib pickup at McCormick Place, rock-concert-level security, aid stations every 2 km, volunteers everywhere. The runner experience is central: a lively finish village, passionate crowds, and a city that lives marathon-time for three days. Even cafes open early for supporters, and skyscrapers sport “Go Runners!” banners.

| A City United by the Race

The next day, Chicago’s streets are filled with everyday heroes, medals around their necks, tired but proud smiles. Every finisher is celebrated. Locals wave flags, musicians replay the previous day’s anthems, and conversations revolve around one topic: the marathon. Chicago has a rare gift of making running a collective bond.

What sets Chicago apart is the perfect mix of performance and emotion. A fast race, yet deeply human—a marathon where world records and first-time finishers share the same starting line. In a city with contagious energy, something unforgettable always happens.

| Our Predictions: Will the Record Fall?

At Marathons.com, we like to take a stand. Among men, John Korir seems the one to beat. With his experience and confidence, he could target around 2:02:10 if the wind plays nice. Amos Kipruto and Bashir Abdi should round out the podium, unless Timothy Kiplagat surprises with a cautious start.

For the women, Megertu Alemu has what it takes for her first Major victory. Her flat-course prowess and precise pacing could bring her to 2:16:30, just ahead of Irine Cheptai and Hawi Feysa.

As always in Chicago, certainty lasts only as long as a breath. The wind can shift, magic can strike elsewhere. Perhaps that’s why we love this marathon: it keeps an element of unpredictability, poetry, and breathless excitement.

✔  For full details, visit the official Chicago Marathon website.

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