Korir, Kiplimo, and Alemu Headline 2025 Chicago Marathon Elite Fields

Korir, Kiplimo, and Alemu Headline 2025 Chicago Marathon Elite Fields

Known for its flat streets and near-perfect layout, the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has long been a magnet for world-class performances. This year’s race carries that same anticipation, featuring a deep men’s field, a new wave of women contenders, and the promise of fast times on one of marathon running’s most reliable stages.

The course stretches north along Lake Michigan for eight miles before looping twice through the heart of the city in its double-L pattern. For a city famous for wind, race day conditions should be cooperative. Forecasts predict mild temperatures, peaking near 67 degrees Fahrenheit, with a light southeast breeze and moderate humidity. Runners will feel some warmth, but not enough to derail ambitions for quick times.

In the men’s division, Kenya’s John Korir returns as defending champion and a man in form. His 2:02:44 win last year was the second-fastest time ever run in Chicago, and he followed it with victory in Boston this spring. At 28, Korir is running with confidence and maturity. He has spoken of lowering his time toward the rarefied sub-2:01 mark, a target only achieved officially by Kelvin Kiptum before his tragic passing. A second straight Chicago title would strengthen Korir’s claim as the sport’s new marathon standard-bearer.

Standing between Korir and another win is Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, whose move up to the marathon has stirred wide intrigue. Kiplimo owns the world half-marathon record at 56:42 and debuted over 26.2 miles in London with an impressive 2:03:37. His range from cross country to the roads is unmatched, and his calm racing style makes him a serious threat. At 24, he appears poised to become the next great distance-running force.

The supporting cast is no less formidable. Kenya’s Timothy Kiplagat, runner-up in Tokyo this year, brings a 2:02:55 best and the ability to push a blistering early pace. Veteran Amos Kipruto, third here in 2024, remains one of the circuit’s most dependable big-race performers, while Bashir Abdi of Belgium arrives fresh off an Olympic silver medal. Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa and Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor add further experience, ensuring the front pack will be crowded with proven winners.

The American storyline centers on Conner Mantz, who has made it clear that he’s chasing the national record. His 2:05:08 performance in Boston earlier this year proved he can handle both pace and pressure. In Chicago’s controlled conditions, Mantz believes Khalid Khannouchi’s long-standing 2:05:38 record is within reach, and perhaps even Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58, which was run on a non-eligible course.

Galen Rupp, the 2017 Chicago champion and two-time Olympic medalist, will also be on the start line. Now 39, Rupp remains committed to elite competition, guided by coach Mike Smith. His preparation has included solid tune-ups, though his goals are more about pride and persistence than podiums.

The women’s race carries a different kind of tension as it is less about record chases and more about opportunity. Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu, third in Chicago last year and winner in Valencia with a 2:16:49 mark, headlines the field. Consistent and patient, Alemu has hovered near the top for several seasons and now looks primed to seize the spotlight. She will be joined by compatriots Hawi Feysa (2:17:00), Bedatu Hirpa, and Haven Hailu Desse, forming a powerful Ethiopian unit that could dominate the front.

All eyes, though, may fall on Ejgayehu Taye, a debutant with the potential to redefine expectations. The 25-year-old owns track personal bests of 14:12 for 5000m and 29:50 for 10,000m, along with a 64:14 half-marathon. If her transition to the full distance is smooth, Taye could deliver one of the season’s most notable performances.

Kenya’s Mary Ngugi-Cooper, long respected for her consistency, represents the main challenge outside Ethiopia. She’s been a fixture in major marathon top tens and believes her experience could finally translate into a win. Great Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery and American Natosha Rogers, who ran 2:23:51 in Nagoya earlier this year, round out a solid group of international hopefuls.

As always, Chicago’s energy will lift the race. While the record books may not be rewritten this year, the field is deep enough, and the course is inviting enough to produce drama from start to finish.

When the last miles unfold along Michigan Avenue, the focus will likely rest on whether Korir can defend his title and Mantz can deliver a new American benchmark. For the women, the question will be who steps into the void left by Chepngetich. Chicago has a habit of producing defining performances, and 2025 looks set to continue that tradition, one smooth stride at a time.