In the world of elite marathon racing, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon stands as a prominent stage, hosting some of the most remarkable runners of our time.
On 13th October, a dramatic showdown is set to unfold, as Ruth Chepngetich, Sutume Kebede, and Joyciline Jepkosgei prepare to clash in a high-stakes competition that promises to captivate running enthusiasts worldwide.
Ruth Chepngetich, a formidable force in women’s marathon running, is returning to Chicago with a singular mission: to secure her third victory and complete a coveted hattrick.
Chepngetich’s history at the Chicago Marathon is a testament to her prowess. She claimed victories in both 2021 and 2022, demonstrating her dominance on this fast course.
However, her streak was interrupted last year when she finished as a runner-up to Sifan Hassan. Now, the 2019 world champion is determined to reclaim her throne and add another triumph to her illustrious career.
Standing in her way are two formidable adversaries: Joyciline Jepkosgei and Sutume Kebede. Jepkosgei, a fellow Kenyan, boasts an impressive marathon resume, having won the 2019 New York City Marathon and the 2021 London Marathon.
With a personal best (PB) of 2:16:24 set in London in April, she is a serious contender in this elite field. Jepkosgei’s fourth-place finish in Chicago last year has undoubtedly fueled her desire to improve her standing and vie for the top spot.
On the other hand, Sutume Kebede of Ethiopia enters the race with the distinction of being the fastest women’s marathon runner in the world this year.
Her stellar performance at the Tokyo Marathon in March saw her set a new PB of 2:15:55, catapulting her to eighth place on the women’s world marathon all-time list.
Kebede’s achievements have positioned her as a major threat to Chepngetich’s aspirations, and her determination to make a mark in Chicago is palpable.
“I am extremely happy to come back to Chicago and run on a course that has proven to be very fast,” said Kebede. Her statement reflects both her respect for the Chicago Marathon and her ambition to achieve something extraordinary in this race.
Kebede’s journey is also marked by a poignant motivation to honor her late teammate Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically passed away in a road traffic accident earlier this year.
Kiptum had set a world marathon record in Chicago last year, and Kebede, along with her compatriot Amos Kipruto, is determined to honor his legacy with their performances.
The elite women’s field in Chicago is not limited to Chepngetich, Jepkosgei, and Kebede. It includes other sub-2:18 runners like Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw, Ashete Bekere, and Hiwot Gebrekidan, who all bring their unique strengths and ambitions to the race.
The presence of Keira D’Amato and Betsy Saina, the second and third fastest U.S. women’s marathon runners respectively, adds an exciting dynamic to the competition.
For Chepngetich, the path to a hattrick will not be easy. Her PB of 2:14:18, set in Chicago in 2022, places her fourth on the women’s world marathon all-time list. She must summon every ounce of her strength and strategy to fend off her rivals.
Joyciline Jepkosgei’s consistency and Kebede’s remarkable speed present significant challenges, but Chepngetich’s experience and familiarity with the Chicago course could prove to be decisive factors.
The men’s race also promises to be an exciting affair, with Amos Kipruto, Vincent Ngetich, and debutant Daniel Ebenyo leading the charge.
Kipruto, the 2019 world bronze medallist, aims to honor Kiptum’s legacy and showcase his own capabilities. Meanwhile, Ngetich, with an identical PB of 2:03:13, is hungry for his first major victory, making him a formidable competitor.
As the countdown to October 13th continues, the anticipation builds. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will not only be a test of speed and endurance but also a stage for stories of resilience, ambition, and legacy.
Chepngetich, Jepkosgei, and Kebede are set to deliver a thrilling spectacle that will leave a lasting impression on the world of marathon running. The clash of these titans promises to be a defining moment in their careers and a highlight in the annals of the Chicago Marathon.
Source: World Athletics
