2025 Chicago Marathon: John Korir and Jacob Kiplimo Chase Records

This Sunday, October 12, the Chicago Marathon will once again become the stage for one of the biggest celebrations in global running. Nearly 53,000 runners will take to the streets of the Windy City in an electric atmosphere. Among them will be the world’s best marathoners, including John Korir, chasing glory, a record or simply their place in history. His duel with Jacob Kiplimo, the half-marathon world-record holder, promises to be epic. After editions defined by extraordinary performances, 2025 looks set to be explosive.

A city, a history, a marathon culture

Since 1977, Chicago has established itself as one of the monuments of global marathon running. With its flat course, flawless logistics and raucous atmosphere, the race has become an unquestioned benchmark. It soon joined the ranks of the World Marathon Majors alongside giants New York, Boston, London, Berlin and Tokyo.

The starting line is in Grant Park, the green heart of the city. From there, runners set off over 42.195 km through 29 neighborhoods: from the Loop and the downtown skyscrapers to Chinatown, Pilsen, Little Italy and Lincoln Park. Each area has its own identity, music and cheers. The course is a living postcard of Chicago, driven by tireless spectators.

And every year, when the first rays of sunlight hit Lake Michigan, we find ourselves thinking the same thing: here, the marathon is a celebration of sport, diversity and pushing your limits.

Legends and records

Chicago has not merely hosted the best. It has often revealed them. In the 1990s, Khalid Khannouchi dominated the race, with multiple victories and times that were already flirting with world records. On the women’s side, icons such as Paula Radcliffe, Joan Benoit Samuelson and Liliya Shobukhova left their mark on the event’s history.

More recently, the city witnessed two moments that changed the face of the modern marathon. In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum stunned the world with a stratospheric 2:00:35, a new world record. The following year, Ruth Chepngetich pushed the limits of what seemed possible by becoming the first woman under 2:10, running 2:09:56. Those two performances confirmed Chicago as the fastest proving ground on the circuit, capable of turning a beautiful autumn day into a page of history.

2025: a dream field and a huge challenge for Korir

Once again, all eyes will be on Grant Park. And for good reason: the 2025 field has all the makings of a blockbuster. Defending champion John Korir is living up to his name and putting his crown on the line. Winner in 2024 in 2:02:44, he is aiming higher. Much higher. There is already talk of an attempt on the course record, perhaps even the world record if conditions are perfect. Korir knows how to handle pressure: he has already won Boston this year, and his consistency is impressive.

Facing him is a Kenyan and Ethiopian armada ready for battle. Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55), Amos Kipruto (third last year), Cybrian Kotut and Belgium’s Bashir Abdi, a two-time Olympic medalist, make up a formidable field. The slightest mistake will be costly. Always elegant in his stride and dangerous when he changes pace, Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, the half-marathon world-record holder with his 56:42 in Barcelona in 2025, chose not to compete at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships and will also be one to watch closely. His recent performances suggest he could play a decisive role in the final script. In Chicago, the slightest pacing error can ruin a marathon built around the clock. A time under 2:02 is within reach.

Ethiopia’s women arrive in force, with Mélody Julien lying in wait

On the women’s side, the throne is vacant: Ruth Chepngetich, the world-record holder, has been suspended for doping since July. Her absence opens up the race and gives the Ethiopians extra impetus. Megertu Alemu, third here in 2023, is showing outstanding form. Hawi Feysa (2:17:00) and Bedatu Hirpa are also among the contenders. Another spectacular Kenya–Ethiopia duel is in store.

Among the entrants, Mélody Julien will carry French hopes. Untouchable from start to finish, the distance runner from Association Multisports Montredonnaise dominated the royal avenues of Paris-Versailles two weeks ago. The Frenchwoman, who ran a solid 2:25:00 in Valencia in 2023, is once again aiming to lower her personal best on a course built for fast times. After a serious preparation and several convincing half-marathon outings, she arrives in Chicago with ambition: break 2:25 and establish herself among Europe’s best. At 25, Mélody Julien is confirming her status as a marathoner with a bright future, race after race.

A course made for records

Chicago’s secret is its flat, flowing profile, a loop perfectly calibrated for maintaining a steady pace. The first half is often fast and lets runners settle into the race; the second, more exposed to the wind, separates the good from the very best. The final miles on Roosevelt Road feature that famous short climb before the sprint back to Grant Park, a brief but brutal rise known to every finisher.

With temperatures often on the cool side, around 8 to 12 degrees, and organization down to the last detail, Chicago remains one of the fastest marathons in the world. Records fall here more often than almost anywhere else, but nothing is guaranteed: the wind off Lake Michigan can be fickle, reminding even the champions that nature always gets a say.

What to expect from this year’s race

Several scenarios are possible for this 2025 edition. If Korir finds the right conditions and a strong pacemaker, the 2:02 barrier could come under threat. On the women’s side, a tactical race is likely: without Chepngetich, the favorites may cancel one another out before an explosive finish over the final kilometers.

The context adds a powerful emotional dimension. Chicago still remembers Kelvin Kiptum’s record, set only months before his tragic death. His mark is everywhere: on the banners, in the conversations and in the runners’ emotions. The 2025 marathon will inevitably carry the feeling of a tribute.

How to watch the Chicago Marathon

For anyone who lives for the 42.195 km, missing the favorites’ performances is not an option. Eurosport channels will broadcast the race this Sunday, October 12, from 2:15 p.m.

An operation running like clockwork

If there is one marathon where everything seems under control, this is it. Bib pickup at McCormick Place runs incredibly smoothly, security is worthy of a rock concert, aid stations come every two kilometers, and volunteers are everywhere. Chicago is the marathon in its “American efficiency” edition.

The runner experience is at the heart of everything: a lively finish village, a fired-up crowd and a city that literally lives to the rhythm of the marathon for three days. Even cafés open earlier to welcome supporters, while the skyscrapers are draped in “Go runners!” banners.

The whole city comes together for a race like no other

The next day, Chicago’s streets fill with everyday heroes, medals around their necks and tired but proud smiles on their faces. Here, every finisher is celebrated like a champion. Locals bring out their flags, musicians play the previous day’s anthems again, and every conversation circles back to the same subject: the marathon. Chicago has a rare gift for turning running into a shared bond.

What sets Chicago apart is its perfect blend of performance and emotion. An incredibly fast race that remains deeply human. A marathon where the world record and a first-time marathoner’s dream share the same starting line. And in this city with its contagious energy, you know that something unforgettable will happen at every edition.

Our predictions: will the wind blow a record into town?

At Marathons.com, we like to put our necks on the line. So there was no escaping the predictions game. In the men’s race, John Korir looks like the man to beat. His experience and confidence could help him run around 2:02:10 if the wind stays favorable. Amos Kipruto and Bashir Abdi should complete the podium, unless Timothy Kiplagat uses a cautious start to surprise everyone.

On the women’s side, Megertu Alemu has everything it takes to claim her first major victory. Her comfort on flat courses and meticulous race management could take her to 2:16:30, just ahead of Irine Cheptai and Hawi Feysa.

As always in Chicago, certainties last about as long as a breath. The wind can turn, and the magic can strike somewhere else. Maybe that is why we love this marathon so much: it always keeps a little unpredictability, poetry and breathless drama.

✔ All the information is available on the official website of the Chicago Marathon.