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Chicago Marathon 2025: 53,000 Runners, Doping Ban Impact

10/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on October 12, 2025, at 7:20 a.m. in Grant Park.
More than 53,000 runners will traverse a flat course through 29 neighborhoods, with staggered starts and road closures from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Catherine Debrunner and Marcel Hug competing in the wheelchair division.
Defending women's champion Ruth Chepng’etich is absent due to a doping ban.

History

Historical Context

The Chicago Marathon began in 1977, attracting 4,200 runners and quickly establishing itself as a premier urban marathon. Known for its flat course, it has hosted six world records, including a women's record of 2:14:04 set by Brigid Kosgei in 2019. The event's growth reflects broader trends in competitive running and ongoing scrutiny regarding athlete integrity, highlighted by Ruth Chepng’etich's doping ban.

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Story summary

The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on October 12, 2025, at 7:20 a.m. in Grant Park.
More than 53,000 runners will traverse a flat course through 29 neighborhoods, with staggered starts and road closures from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Catherine Debrunner and Marcel Hug competing in the wheelchair division.
Defending women's champion Ruth Chepng’etich is absent due to a doping ban.

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