Chicago Marathon

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The Chicago Marathon is an annual marathon held in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors, alongside the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, Berlin Marathon, London Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon. The event is held in October and attracts a large number of participants from around the world.

History

The first Chicago Marathon was held on September 25, 1977, and was initially known as the Mayor Daley Marathon. The event was organized by the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) and attracted 4,200 runners. Since its inception, the marathon has grown significantly in size and prestige, becoming one of the most popular marathons globally.

Course

The Chicago Marathon course is known for being flat and fast, making it a popular choice for runners seeking to achieve personal bests or qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course starts and finishes in Grant Park, and it takes runners through 29 neighborhoods, offering a scenic tour of the city's diverse cultural and architectural landmarks.

Participation

The marathon typically has a field of around 45,000 runners, with participants ranging from elite athletes to amateur runners. The event is open to runners of all abilities, and there are various qualifying standards and entry methods, including a lottery system, charity entries, and time qualifiers.

Records

The current men's course record is held by Dennis Kipruto Kimetto of Kenya, who set a time of 2:03:45 in 2013. The women's course record is held by Brigid Kosgei, also of Kenya, who set a time of 2:14:04 in 2019. These records are among the fastest marathon times ever recorded.

Sponsorship

The Chicago Marathon is currently sponsored by Bank of America, which has been the title sponsor since 2008. The sponsorship has helped to enhance the event's profile and provide financial support for its organization and operation.

Charitable Impact

The marathon has a significant charitable component, with many participants running to raise funds for various causes. The event's charity program has raised millions of dollars for local, national, and international charities over the years.

Related Pages

• Marathon
• World Marathon Majors
• Boston Marathon
• New York City Marathon
• Berlin Marathon
• London Marathon
• Tokyo Marathon
• Grant Park
• Chicago Area Runners Association

See Also

• List of marathon races
• Running
• Road running