Chepngetich set to lead Kenyan charge in Chicago Marathon

Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich reacts after winning her second consecutive Chicago Marathon women's title in 2021. [AFP] 

A rich field has been assembled for the 2024 Chicago Marathon, with stars setting sights on racing in a course where the late Kelvin Kiptum shattered a World Record in a spectacular fashion last year.

Marathoners who did not secure tickets to represent their respective countries at the Paris Olympics will be looking to impress in Chicago on October 13.

Decorated Kenyan athletes led by former World Champion Ruth Chepngetich and World bronze medallist Amos Kipruto will be headlining the contest.

Both Chepngetich and Kipruto are the fastest in the stellar field expected to produce thrilling speeds two months after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The late Kelvin Kiptum had set a sensational fastest mark of 2:00:35 (World Record) last year.

Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon winner, is heading to Chicago with a 2:03:13 Personal Best.

“I am so excited to be part of the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon” said the Kapsabet-based marathoner.

The Kenyan duo had missed the opportunity to represent Kenya at the Olympics when the Paris-bound marathon team was named on May 1.

And they retreated to the training bases to focus on their World Marathon Major of the year.

A peek into the elite field shows a legion of stars and promises tough contests in the streets of Chicago on Sunday October 13.

Vincent Ngetich, the 2023 Berlin Marathon runner-up and John Korir, who finished fourth in Chicago are among Kenyan men who will also be up against top global marathon guns ready to shine in the October competition.

One Kenyan star, Daniel Ebenyo Simiu – the world 10,000m silver medallist will be a man to watch as he runs his marathon debut in the Chiocago race.

The country’s charges will be facing, among others, Ethiopian marathoners including Dawit Wolde who ran a 2:03:48 as well as his compatriot Amdework Walelegn.

The World Road Running silver medallist will be keen to prove a point after an unsuccessful campaign to fly the country’s flag in 10,000m at the Paris Olympics.

Chepngetich will be lining up in Chicago 85 days from today for a historic third crown.

The former women half marathon World Record holder stormed to two back-to-back victories at the 2021 and 2022 Chicago marathons respectively.

Former London marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei will be targeting her third World Marathon Majors win when she lines up in Chicago after clinching previous victories in London and New York.

Also in the mix are Kenyan women Irene Cheptai, Mary Ngugi-Cooper and Dorcas Tuitoek.

Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who is the fastest marathoner in the world this year after recording 2:15:55 Personal Best in Tokyo was also confirmed for the race. She did not secure a place in the Ethiopian squad to Paris.