As the Bank of America Chicago Marathon approaches, excitement builds among runners, supporters, and fans worldwide. Scheduled for October 13, 2024, this annual event is not just a race; it’s a celebration of endurance, spirit, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of marathon running. Renowned for its fast and flat course, the Chicago Marathon has gained a reputation as a prime venue for elite runners aiming to set remarkable records. With a few notable contenders on the horizon, many are left wondering: Who is the Fastest Runner?
The Chicago Marathon Course: A Fast Track for Records
One of the Chicago Marathon’s distinguished features is its flat terrain. Athletes consider flat courses ideal for achieving personal bests (PB) and overall record-breaking times. As Ben Parkes from The Extra Mile YouTube channel articulates in his September 27 video, The Chicago Marathon course is incredibly fast, incredibly flat. Huge PB and PR potential. Considering how crucial course profile affects racing outcomes, runners are trained to take full advantage of such conditions. The course’s elevation gain of just 74 meters not only allows athletes to maintain consistent pacing but also minimizes fatigue, consequently opening doors to extraordinary performance.
Honoring the Legacy of Kelvin Kiptum
The running community is mourning the loss of Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon champion who tragically passed away on February 11, 2024. Kiptum had emerged as a trailblazer in marathon running, being the record holder for both the Chicago Marathon and the world marathon record with an astounding time of 2:00:35 set the previous year. His legacy will loom large over the 2024 event, with many runners aiming to honor him through their performances. While it is devastating to lose someone of Kiptum’s caliber, his inspiration remains, commented Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon champion, as he gears up for Chicago 2024. Runners, including Kipruto and others, will not only compete to earn the title of champion but also to pay tribute to the late athlete who profoundly impacted the sport.

Men’s Elite Field: Runners to Watch
As the marathon approaches, several elite male runners are looking to leave their mark on the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Below are the top contenders aimed at crossing the finish line first.
- Kelvin Kiptum
- Amos Kipruto
- Vincent Ngetich
- Zach Panning and CJ Albertson
The Women’s Elite Field
While last year’s champion Sifan Hassan won’t be defending her crown (having won a marathon gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics), the women’s elite field is stacked with potential record-breakers.
- Sutume Kebede
- Joyciline Jepkosgei
- Irine Cheptai

Setting Expectations: Record-Breaking Potential
Considering the remarkable achievements from the previous year and the elite athlete lineup, 2024 promises to deliver thrilling races with vast potential for record-breaking performances. While Kiptum’s world and course records stand as daunting benchmarks, experienced marathoners with proven records are more than capable of breaking through. Kipruto’s ambitions align with not just winning but also surpassing that record time. As he puts it, “My goal is to try to run a personal best.” Kebede shares similar sentiments regarding Hassan’s 2:13:44 course record. “After seeing what my teammate Kelvin Kiptum did last year, I want to come to Chicago to do something great,” she remarked, showcasing her drive to potentially outperform previous records while setting her sights high.
Conclusion
As the countdown continues to the Chicago Marathon 2024, both elite runners and amateur participants prepare for the journey ahead. With the high stakes of legacy, personal ambition, and competition, this year’s marathon will encapsulate the essence of what makes marathons enthralling. With record-breaking performances on the horizon, the sporting world awaits with bated breath to see who will etch their name into history this year as the fastest runner at the Chicago Marathon. The story extends beyond just the race itself; it’s an homage to perseverance, resilience, and each runner’s unique narrative. The 2024 Chicago Marathon awaits let the countdown to excitement, inspiration, and triumph begin!