Home of the men's former world record and women's world record. The flat Chicago course through 29 neighborhoods is one of the most spectator-friendly marathons in the world.
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Chicago Marathon 2026 features an elite field rated 94/100, with John Korir 🇰🇪 emerging as the clear frontrunner at 87.0% win probability. With a projected finish of ~2:02:20, this could be a statement performance. Tamirat Tola trails at 12.5% and will need a tactical masterclass to contend.
Watch for the head-to-head between John Korir and Tamirat Tola — our model has them separated by only 74.5 points. Jacob Kiplimo 🇺🇬 (0.6%) adds a wildcard element. Course knowledge and pacing strategy will be decisive in the closing stages.
Race day conditions — Partly cloudy, 25°C / 78°F — will test athletes' heat management. Expect conservative early pacing with potential for dramatic surges from athletes who handle the heat best. SSW 9 mph (14 km/h) adds another variable to the closing kilometers.
John Korir to win. Projected finish: ~2:02:20. Early projection — form and fitness closer to race day will refine this call.
Course record: 2:00:35 / 2:09:56. With field strength at 94/100, the record is within striking distance. Chicago, IL, USA hosts this 42.195 km event.