by Alfonz Juck
Debuting Taye to challenge sub-2:20 rivals
CHICAGO (USA): Fast times are expected at Sunday’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon (WA Platinum Label), with strong fields assembled for both the men’s and women’s race. Ethiopian Ejgayehu Taye headlines the women’s field in her marathon debut, with PBs of 64:14 (half marathon), 14:12.98 (5000m) and 29:50.52 (10000m). She won bronze in the 10,000m at the 2023 World Championships and finished sixth over the same distance at last summer’s Olympic Games. Taye is joined by five women who have run inside 2:20, including fellow Ethiopians Megertu Alemu (third in Chicago in 2023) and Hawi Feysa, and Irine Cheptai of Kenya (2017 World XC Champion and third in Chicago last year). Brit Calli Hauger-Thackery (2:21:24) also competes.
RunBlogRun comments: Ejgayehu Taye may be one of the most exciting marathon debuts to come in several years. This writer watched Ejgayehu Taye race at Ras Al Khaimah half marathon in 2025. Her 10,000m, and 5,000 meter speed gives her some serious fast twitch advantage over her competitors in a close race. However, as all serious fans of the marathon know, the marathon is not a natural event, nor is it an easy event. Eliud Kipchoge took several years to move from the 5,000m to the marathon, among others.
My observations at Chicago presser are that Ejgayehu is quite relaxed, and confident in her training. I think that she can debut at 2:15. She is that good!
