Kosgei Returns as Kenya Targets Chicago Glory

Former world record holder Brigid Kosgei and seasoned marathon star Amos Kipruto will spearhead Kenya’s challenge at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as organisers unveiled one of the strongest elite fields in the race’s history, featuring defending champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda and several major marathon winners.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Thursday confirmed its elite athlete lineup for the 48th edition of the race, setting up what promises to be another thrilling battle on the fast streets of Chicago on October 11.

Kenyan fans will be eager to see Kosgei make her long-awaited return to one of her happiest hunting grounds, while Kipruto aims to climb to the top step of the podium after finishing runner-up in last year’s race.

The event has assembled an impressive collection of global marathon stars, Olympic medallists and course specialists, reinforcing Chicago’s reputation as one of the fastest and most competitive marathons in the world.

Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo returns as the defending men’s champion after producing the second-fastest winning time in Chicago Marathon history in 2025. Having already conquered the course once, he believes experience gives him an important advantage heading into his title defence.

Kipruto Targets First Chicago Marathon Crown

Kiplimo knows retaining his title will be far from straightforward, with Kenya’s Amos Kipruto among the leading contenders looking to deny him another victory.

Kipruto finished second behind Kiplimo in last year’s race after another consistent marathon performance and now returns with the ambition of going one better. Fellow Kenyan Alex Masai, who completed the podium in 2025, also returns, giving Kenya a formidable presence in the men’s race.

Speaking after the elite field was announced, Kiplimo expressed confidence that he has what it takes to successfully defend his title.

“Winning Chicago was a special moment, but defending the title means even more,” Kiplimo said.

“My preparation has given me a lot of confidence, and having raced this course before is a real advantage. Right now, I believe I’m capable of competing with anyone in the world, and I’m coming to Chicago with the ambition to prove it once again.”

The battle for the men’s title has been strengthened further by the addition of 2024 Berlin Marathon champion Milkesa Mengesha and Tokyo Marathon winner Tedese Tekele Bikila, both of whom have established themselves among the world’s elite marathon runners.

American distance running will be represented by Charles Hicks, whose outstanding performance at this year’s Boston Marathon made him one of the fastest American marathoners in history.

Hicks admitted Chicago has always been a race he wanted to compete in because of its reputation for producing fast times.

“The Chicago Marathon has always captivated me,” Hicks said.

“I love the city, the energy, and so many of my friends and family live there. But most importantly, it’s a place where people run fast, and I want to put myself in a position to be a part of that.”

Kosgei Returns to Familiar Hunting Ground

While the men’s race promises another classic contest, the women’s competition is equally loaded with talent and will see Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei return to the marathon where she cemented her place among the sport’s all-time greats.

Kosgei remains one of the most successful athletes in Chicago Marathon history after winning back-to-back titles before producing her unforgettable world-record performance in 2019. Although the world record has since changed hands, the Kenyan remains one of the biggest attractions whenever she lines up.

Standing between Kosgei and another Chicago triumph is defending champion Hawi Feysa, who dominated the 2025 edition by crossing the finish line almost two minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

Feysa admitted defending her title will be considerably more difficult this year because of the strength of the field but remains confident in her preparations.

“I believe it will be even more difficult this year to repeat, but I am preparing very well and am confident I will arrive at the start line in good form,” Feysa said.

“Chicago is known for being fast and fiercely competitive, so I hope to run a personal best. But the most important thing is to fight for a place on the podium.”

The women’s field also features Sharon Lokedi, who will make her Chicago Marathon debut, alongside experienced marathoners Sutume Kebede and Megertu Alemu. American hopes will rest on Susanna Sullivan and Natasha Rogers, both of whom have previously recorded personal bests on the Chicago course.

Sullivan said returning to Chicago always inspires her because of the unforgettable memories she has built there.

“I’ve made some incredible memories at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” Sullivan said.

“I can’t wait to return and make some more.”

Away from the elite marathon races, the wheelchair competitions are also expected to produce world-class performances.

Swiss great Marcel Hug returns chasing a fifth consecutive Chicago Marathon title after dominating recent editions of the race. His biggest challenger is expected to be American Daniel Romanchuk, the only man to defeat him in Chicago during the past decade.

In the women’s wheelchair division, defending champion Susannah Scaroni will not compete after taking time away following the birth of her first child. That leaves nine-time champion Tatyana McFadden, alongside Manuela Schär and Catherine Debrunner, battling for another Chicago title.

McFadden said the quality of competition continues to make Chicago one of her favourite races.

“I’m really looking forward to racing the 2026 Chicago Marathon. Chicago will always be special to me because it was where I ran my first marathon, and the energy of the city and the fans is unforgettable,” McFadden said.

“Hopefully, I can compete for another major marathon win, but more than anything, it’s the strength of the field and the challenge of racing the best that keeps bringing me back.”

With more than 55,000 runners expected to participate, the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is shaping up to be another spectacular showcase of endurance running. For Kenya, much of the attention will centre on whether Kosgei can reclaim her Chicago crown and whether Kipruto can finally convert his podium consistency into victory against one of the deepest elite fields ever assembled.