Chicago Marathon: Preview, Time and Where to Watch as John Korir Targets Historic Sub-2:01 Finish

Chicago Marathon: Preview, Time and Where to Watch as John Korir Targets Historic Sub-2:01 Finish

Abigael Wafula 14:28 - 11.10.2025

John Korir heads into the 2025 Chicago Marathon eyeing a groundbreaking sub-2:01 finish in what promises to be a record-chasing showdown.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is set for another electrifying edition on Sunday, October 12, 2025, but this year’s narrative transcends a mere race for the title, as John Korir chases a mark under 2:01.

Reigning champion John Korir returns to the flat, fast streets of the Windy City with a singular, audacious goal, looking to become only the second man in history to run a legal sub-2:01 marathon.

He will be out to threaten the late Kelvin Kiptum’s phenomenal world record of 2:00:35, set on this very course in 2023.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Chicago Marathon Preview: A Star-Studded Field and a Sub-2:01 Ambition

Chicago Marathon
John Korir claims the 2025 Boston Marathon. (Photo Courtesy).

John Korir, the eighth-fastest man in history, has established himself as the premier marathoner of the moment.

His triumphant 2:02:44 victory in Chicago last year was followed by a convincing win at the Boston Marathon, cementing his status as the man to beat.

The 27-year-old has been vocal about his ambition, setting his sights on the rarefied air beneath the 2:01 barrier. While he has not explicitly targeted Kelvin Kiptum's world record, running a sub-2:01 would put him within striking distance of the mark that reshaped the world of distance running.

However, Korir will not have an easy path to defending his title. The men’s elite field is stacked with serious contenders, promising a thrilling duel on the notoriously rapid course.

Leading the charge is Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, the half-marathon world record holder, who is running only his second full marathon.

Jacob Kiplimo’s debut saw him finish second in a blistering 2:03:37 in London. With his explosive track speed and increased mileage, Jacob Kiplimo is a significant threat, believed by many to be capable of a historic time on Chicago's flat asphalt.

The Kenyan contingent is formidable, including Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55 personal best), last year’s third-place finisher Amos Kipruto (2:03:13 PB), and Cybrian Kotut.

Two-time Olympic marathon medallist Bashir Abdi of Belgium also adds international pedigree, ensuring a frantic pace from the gun.

Chicago Marathon Preview: Ethiopian Powerhouses Lead the Pack

The spotlight falls heavily on two Ethiopian stars, Megertu Alemu and Hawi Feysa, who possess the fastest personal bests in the field.

Megertu Alemu, the reigning Valencia Marathon champion, arrives with the quickest time of 2:16:34 set last year in London. A familiar face in Chicago, she finished third in the 2023 edition and has openly expressed her desire to step up to the top of the podium this year.

"The course is very flat and fast, and with my good training this year, I feel that I am fit to run better this time in Chicago and move higher up," she stated ahead of the race.

Providing stiff competition will be her compatriot, Hawi Feysa. Feysa, the Frankfurt Marathon champion, clocked her personal best of 2:17:00 earlier this year in Tokyo.

She will be making her Chicago debut, bringing fresh legs and momentum from a year that has already seen her land a major podium finish.

The Ethiopian threat extends deeper with two more sub-2:20 runners: Bedatu Hirpa (2:18:27) and Haven Hailu Desse (2:19:17).

Furthermore, all eyes will be on marathon debutante Ejgayehu Taye, the 2023 world 10,000m bronze medallist, as she transitions to the 26.2-mile distance.

Looking to disrupt the Ethiopian dominance is a strong Kenyan and American contingent. Kenya’s hopes rest largely on Mary Ngugi-Cooper, a veteran of the Major circuit with a PB of 2:20:22.

Also returning is fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who secured a podium spot last year and has the experience to challenge the leaders again.

The American field is led by Dakotah Popehn, a Paris 2024 Olympian, and Natosha Rogers (2:23:51). They will be chasing personal bests and looking to make a statement in front of the home crowd.

With four women under the 2:20 mark and a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting debutantes, the women’s race is set to be a fascinating contest, potentially pushing the limits of the clock once again.

Chicago Marathon: Time and Where to Watch

For fans across East Africa, the action begins on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The elite men's and women's races start together in the first wave.

The official start time for the Chicago Marathon (US Central Time, UTC-5) is 7:20 a.m., translating to an afternoon start for viewers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African Time (EAT) zones (UTC+3). The wheelchair races will kick off at 3:20 p.m. EAT, followed by the elite races at 3:30 p.m. EAT.

In the United States, the race will be broadcast live on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago. Internationally, however, a range of options are available for live streaming.

In Mexico, the 2025 Chicago Marathon will be streamed live on Peacock and Roku, as well as on nbcchicago.com, telemundochicago.com, and through the NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago apps.

International viewers can tune in through a range of global broadcast partners, including Eurosport, Eurosport India, SMG China, FloSports, ESPN Brazil, and ESPN Latin America.