The 2026 Chicago Marathon Preview: Every Storyline, Every Favorite, American Record Odds

The 2026 Chicago Marathon is on Sunday, October 11th and this may be one of the most exciting in recent history.

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia break down the entire field — both the elite international favorites and the deepest American men's field in a generation — ahead of a race that has produced either a world record or an American record every single year since 2022.

On the women's side: Brigid Kosgei returns to Chicago for the first time since her historic 2:14:04 in 2019, which stood as the world record for several years. Defending champion Hawi Feysa comes in without a tune-up but with the backing of a strong training group. Sharon Lokedi brings her Boston and New York credentials to a flat course for the first time in some time. Loice Chemnung is building off a Chicago fourth and a Boston runner-up. Sutume Kebede returns to the race she almost won in 2024.

On the American women's side: Emma Grace Hurley arrives 19 days after her 1:06:23 half marathon in Copenhagen for her marathon debut, and Dakotah Popehn continues her consistent pursuit of major-field finishes.

On the men's side: Jacob Kiplimo is the clear favorite. He won last year in 2:02:23, then ran 2:00:28 in London for third place behind Sabastian Sawe's 1:59:30. His personal best is a full minute faster than anyone else in the field. The question is who contends.

Amos Kipruto is the only other man in the field under 2:02 (2:01:39 from London 2026). Daniel Mateiko brings a 2:03:44 from Tokyo. South Africa's Adriaan Wildschutt makes his marathon debut after pacing Cape Town to 35K. Ethiopia's Milkesa Mengesha and Tadese Takele both bring sub-2:04 credentials.

And the Americans...

Clayton Young called his shot for Connor Mantz's 2:04:43 American record publicly, then disclosed a 12-centimeter semitendinosus tear sustained in the final 250 meters of the Great North Run. One doctor recommended four weeks off. Clayton chose day-by-day. He is still entered. The record attempt is now a bigger question than ever.

Charles Hicks completed his transfer of allegiance from Great Britain in July, making him eligible for the American record. His 2:04:35 at Boston was the second-fastest marathon ever by an American citizen — on a record-ineligible course. His stated Chicago goal: first American, not the record. He increased peak mileage from 115-120 to 125-130 and did the full build at altitude in Park City. His best workout of the build: 5 miles at 4:48, 4 at 4:44, 3 at 4:39, 2 at 4:34 — 14 miles of work at 4,500 feet.

Vincent Mauri comes in self-coached from Youngstown, Ohio with a 2:05 Toledo debut, no tune-up since, and roughly 20 weeks of training that included seven consecutive 26-plus mile long runs and the already-infamous 45-mile Planet Fitness treadmill day on September 8th. His framing: "Toledo was a debut effort. This is my debut race of the marathon."

Plus Galen Rupp returning to the race he won in 2017 — telling us he's not been this excited for a marathon in years. The U.S. masters record (Elkanah Kibet's 2:10:02) is also in play.

Also previewed: Biya Simbassa, Hafu Knight, Matthew Richtman, Daniel Mesfun, CJ Albertson, Alex Maier, and the rest of the U.S. sub-2:10 club.

Finally, we cover the weather forecast (59°F at 7 a.m., rising to 64°F by 9 a.m. with increasing humidity — manageable for the elites but less margin for records), the course breakdown (three out-and-backs with the only real hill at 800m from the finish), and our predictions for both races.

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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez & Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics

CITIUS MAG in Chicago ⬇️
Friday night: Off The Rails LIVE with Eric Jenkins and Aisha Praught-Leer at Buddy Guy's Legends, presented by Under Armour. Sold out, with limited standing-room spots at the door.

Saturday morning: Join us at the Abbott Chicago 5K as part of a longer lakefront run.

Follow along across our social channels for press conference coverage, prediction contests, and live updates throughout the weekend.