The Chicago Marathon is back for 2022. Nearly 40,000 runners will race to the finish for victories, new best times, or personal achievements. Both defending champions are back on the starting line, as well as a handful of strong American contenders. So in preparation for this year’s event, let’s take a look back at all the fantastic races from 2021.
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Click here for 2021 Chicago Marathon results.
Ruth Chepngetich Dominates Women’s Race
After going out under world record pace, Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya held on to take the women’s title.
The heat and early pace took its toll on Chepngetich, who finished in 2:22:31 after a difficult positive split. U.S. women had a phenomenal day by finishing in the next three spots, led by Emma Bates. Bates ran a personal best of 2:24:20 to finish second place. Sara Hall finished in third, her second podium finish in back-to-back World Marathon Majors. Kiera D’Amato finished fourth in 2:28:22.
Shalane Flanagan, in her quest to complete all six marathon majors in six weeks, finished 25th in 2:46:39. She will race the Boston Marathon tomorrow.
Seifu Tura Holds Off Galen Rupp to Take First World Major Marathon Title
Seifu Tura broke away from the pack at 25K to secure his first World Marathon Major title in 2:06:12. The Ethiopian came into the race with a personal best of 2:04:29 set in Milan earlier this year.
American Galen Rupp tried to close the gap over the last few miles, but had to settle for second place, running 2:06:35, just 28 seconds off his personal best.
Tatyana McFadden Wins Chicago, Prepares for Boston
The most decorated U.S. women's wheelchair athlete of all time, Tatyana McFadden, took the victory at Chicago this morning, finishing in a time of 1:48:57. The win is her ninth in Chicago.
The race is her first of the weekend, as she will face more competition tomorrow at the Boston Marathon.
Daniel Romanchuk Secures Third Chicago Title
Daniel Romanchuk of the U.S. is your men’s wheelchair Chicago Marathon champion, beating two-time champion Marcel Hug to finish in 1:29:06.
On a hot Chicago morning, the wheelchair athletes took off in a tight race that saw four men stick together until the final miles. Behind Romanchuk, three athletes finished under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
2022 Chicago Marathon Race Preview
Tura and Chepngetich are back in the Windy City to take back their crowns.
Tura broke away from the race with a big surge last year, but doesn’t quite expect that to work again. “There are different athletes here. I’m still going to be waiting until later in the race, but I believe it could be different from last year,” he said. “I’ll be deciding as I go along.”
Chepngetich doesn’t rule out a world record: “The weather is good and the people of Chicago are supportive, they cheer you on in the race so you get motivated. So, I can say, I can challenge it. It’s possible for me.”
After a close loss last week in London to Marcel Hug, Romanchuk is back to earn his Chicago Marathon wheelchair title. McFadden has won nine Chicago Maraathon women’s wheelchair titles and hopes to make it 10.
American half-marathon record holder Emily Sisson takes aim at the American marathon record of 2:19:12 set by Keira D’Amato earlier this year.
“My main goal is to try to break 2:20 and if I’m feeling good and the records like within striking distance, I'll take a stab at it,” Sisson said. “I had a really good build up, no setbacks, and weather this weekend looks great. I don't know how many times I'll have that. So I might as well take a big swing at it.”
On the men’s side, eyes are on American debutant Conner Mantz, who has the potential to break the American marathon debut record of 2:07:56 set by Leonard Korir in 2019.
Mantz didn’t make guarantees, but is excited to try: “I need to remember it’s my first marathon so there’s a little bit of unknown when I’m running this distance.”
