The Chicago Marathon 2025 is all set to bring excitement and energy to the streets of the Windy City. As one of the six World Marathon Majors, this iconic event attracts the world’s fastest runners and thousands of enthusiastic participants every year. With top athletes, a fast flat course, and a massive crowd, the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most thrilling races in recent memory.
When is the Chicago Marathon 2025?
The Chicago Marathon 2025 will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025, starting and finishing at Grant Park, the heart of downtown Chicago. The scenic course will lead runners through the city’s most famous neighborhoods and landmarks, including the Loop, Lincoln Park, Pilsen, Chinatown, and the Magnificent Mile, before returning to the park for a spectacular finish.
This marathon is the penultimate World Marathon Major of the year, following the Berlin and London Marathons, and just before the New York City Marathon.
Race Day Schedule and Start Times
The marathon day begins early, with elite athletes and wheelchair racers leading the way. Here’s the official schedule for Chicago Marathon 2025:
- 7:20 a.m. – Men’s Wheelchair Start
- 7:21 a.m. – Women’s Wheelchair Start
- 7:23 a.m. – Handcycle Start
- 7:30 a.m. – Wave 1 Start (Elite & Corrals A–E)
- 7:45 a.m. – Wave 2 (Blue) Corrals Close
Runners are encouraged to arrive well in advance to allow for security screening, warm-ups, and line-up times.
How to Watch the Chicago Marathon 2025
Fans around the world can tune in to watch the Chicago Marathon live. The event will be streamed globally through FloTrack, available in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and Ireland.
- Coverage begins at 1:15 p.m. BST (7:15 a.m. local Chicago time).
For local spectators, the streets of Chicago will transform into a festival of running, music, and community spirit — a celebration that captures the essence of one of the world’s greatest marathons.
Elite Men’s Field: All Eyes on John Korir
The men’s race features one of the strongest line-ups in marathon history. Kenya’s John Korir, the defending champion, leads the field after his stunning 2:02:44 victory last year — the second-fastest time ever recorded in Chicago. Korir, who is also a Boston Marathon winner, is aiming for an even more ambitious target in 2025: breaking the 2:01 barrier, inspired by the late Kelvin Kiptum, who set the world record of 2:00:35 at this very race in 2023.
Among his toughest challengers will be:
- Timothy Kiplagat (Kenya) – 2:02:55, Tokyo 2024
- Amos Kipruto (Kenya) – 2:03:13, Tokyo 2023
- CyBrian Kotut (Kenya) – 2:03:22, Berlin 2024
- Bashir Abdi (Belgium) – 2:03:36, Rotterdam 2021
- Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – 2:03:37, London 2025
Other notable entries include Geoffrey Kamworwor, Conner Mantz, Galen Rupp, and Rory Linkletter, representing a mix of experienced marathoners and rising stars.
For American fans, Galen Rupp — the two-time Olympic medalist — and Conner Mantz are expected to deliver strong performances, adding local excitement to the international showdown.
Elite Women’s Field: A New Champion Awaits
The women’s race is equally fascinating, featuring fresh faces and top talent. With defending champion Sifan Hassan not returning, the door is open for a new titleholder.
Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu, winner of the Valencia Marathon and third in Chicago last year, leads the women’s elite field. She’s joined by her compatriot Hawi Feysa, the Frankfurt champion, making her debut in Chicago. Both athletes have personal bests under 2:17, marking them as serious contenders for the top spot.
Other elite women include:
- Irine Cheptai (Kenya) – 2:17:51, Chicago 2024
- Bedatu Hirpa (Ethiopia) – 2:18:27, Dubai 2025
- Haven Hailu Desse (Ethiopia) – 2:19:17, London 2025
- Mary Ngugi-Cooper (Kenya) – 2:20:22, London 2022
- Calli Hauger-Thackery (Great Britain) – 2:21:24, Berlin 2024
British fans will also be watching Calli Hauger-Thackery, currently the second-fastest British woman of all time, alongside Marc Scott, who leads the men’s UK contingent.
Several promising American runners such as Lindsay Flanagan, Natosha Rogers, and Gabi Rooker are also expected to make headlines, continuing the strong U.S. presence in the marathon scene.
Prize Money and Record Bonuses
The Chicago Marathon 2025 offers one of the most lucrative prize pools among major marathons, rewarding both excellence and record-breaking performances.
Elite Prize Money (Men & Women)
- 1st place: $100,000
- 2nd place: $75,000
- 3rd place: $50,000
- 4th place: $30,000
- 5th place: $25,000
Total prize purse: $560,000 ($280,000 for men and $280,000 for women).
Record Bonuses
- Men’s course record (2:00:35): $50,000 bonus
- Women’s course record (2:09:56): $50,000 bonus
If the record is broken in 2025, the total earning potential for the winner could exceed $150,000, making the event even more competitive.
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What Makes the Chicago Marathon So Special
The Chicago Marathon is known for its fast and flat course, which consistently produces record-breaking times. The city’s supportive atmosphere, enthusiastic crowds, and cool October weather create ideal conditions for both professional and amateur runners.
Since its inception in 1977, the race has grown into one of the most prestigious running events in the world, with over 45,000 participants from more than 100 countries. The marathon not only celebrates athletic achievement but also contributes millions of dollars to charity each year.
Key Storylines to Watch in 2025
- Can John Korir break the 2:01 barrier?
The Kenyan champion aims to set a new benchmark and possibly challenge the late Kelvin Kiptum’s world record. - Who will rise in the women’s division?
With multiple sub-2:18 runners, the competition is tighter than ever. - Will an American podium finish happen this year?
Eyes will be on Conner Mantz, Galen Rupp, and Lindsay Flanagan to see if they can bring home top honors. - New records, new legends:
With perfect weather and world-class pacing, another record-breaking day could be on the horizon.
Conclusion: Chicago Awaits Another Historic Marathon
The Chicago Marathon 2025 is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of human endurance, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of runners worldwide. From elite champions to everyday athletes chasing personal bests, every participant contributes to the magic of this remarkable event.
As the countdown begins for October 12, 2025, all eyes will turn to Grant Park, where records may fall and history may be written once again.
