RESULTS Chicago Marathon 2021 [+ Photos]

Almost two years have passed since Brigid Kosgei's spectacular world record run at the Chicago Marathon.

After the marathon had to be cancelled last year, Chicago was allowed to celebrate a marathon comeback on October 10, 2021

The course at the Chicago Marathon

The starting signal for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2021 was given at Grant Park at 7:30 a.m. The course led through downtown Chicago, among other places. Beautiful highlights of the course included the Chicago River, Lincoln Park, the United Center, the University of Illinois, Littly Chicago, Michigan Avenue and Museum Park. The finish line was back at Grant Park after 42.195 kilometers

Historical review

Chicago marathons have been run since 1977 before Brigid Kosgei provided the highlight in the 40-plus year history of the Chicago marathon in 2019. With 2:14:04 hours, the runner from Kenya pulverized the previous marathon world record of Britain's Paula Radcliffe by an incredible 81 seconds. The Olympic silver medalist from Japan also won the 2018 Chicago Marathon and had finished second behind Tirunesh Dibaba in 2017. In the men's race, Dennis Kimetto has held the course record in the "Windy City" since 2013 with an equally impressive 2:03:45. Two years ago, the Kenyan Cherono Lawrence triumphed with 2:05:45 hours, after in 2018 still the Brit Mo Farah provided for a European triumph.

Stars from Kenya

With Dickson Chumba, the winner from 2015 was at the start of this year's Chicago Marathon. Japan's record holder Kengo Suzuki and Ethiopian Chalu Deso were also among the favorites for a top spot. The clear favorite, however, was Reuben Kipyego, who ran 2:03:55 in Milan in May. Local hero Galen Rupp and Kenyan Eric Kiptanui, who is one of the fastest half marathon runners in the world, also had outside chances.

Top favorite in the women's race was reigning marathon world champion and half marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich. The Kenyan had pulled out of the marathon distance race early at the Olympic Games in August and was now looking to improve on her personal best of 2:17:08 in Chicago.

US-record?

Also in the spotlight was Sarah Hall, who wanted to attack the US record of Deena Kastor (2:19:36 hours). Kenya's Vivian Kiplagat, who has won six of her seven marathon races since 2018, was also a favorite.

US athletes in 2nd place

Great times were absent this year. In the men's race, Seifu Tura Abdiwak was the man of the day. The Ethiopian tried to break away from the lead early in the race but was caught up again. After 35 kilometers, Abdiwak, Kenyan Eric Kiptanui and Galen Rupp formed the leading group. However, Abdiwak had the best reserves and crossed the finish line first after 2:06:12 hours. Just 23 seconds behind, Galen Rupp followed in second place with 2:06:35 hours, ahead of Kiptanui (2:06:51 hours). In total, only five athletes stayed under 2:10 hours.

In the women's race, top favorite Ruth Chepngetich was not far from the world record until halfway through the race. After 1:07:34 hours over the half marathon distance, however, the Kenyan had to pay tribute to her high initial pace on the second half of the course. With 2:22:31 hours she could still win the race. Emma Bates surprised in second place after a great race to catch up. She was almost five minutes behind first place at the halfway mark and more than three minutes behind second place, but Bates completed the second half of the race faster than the first half of the marathon and finished in a commanding 2:24:20 hours to take second place. Also following behind Bates were two U.S. athletes, Sara Hall (2:27:19 hours) and Keira D'Amato (2:28:22 hours).

One of the biggest marathons in the world

Incidentally, the Chicago Marathon is not only one of the fastest marathons in the world, but also one of the biggest. After all, around 45,000 successfully complete the race over the 42.195 kilometers every year.

Results Chicago Marathon 2021- Men

Results Chicago Marathon 2021 - Women

All results and pictures of the Chicago Marathon