Chicago Marathon 2023 promises fierce competition

The Chicago Marathon organizers have just announced three superstars confirmed to participate in this year's race - who are expected to create a fierce competition on October 8.

Ruth Chepngetich - the Kenyan runner aiming for a third consecutive Chicago Marathon title - will face fierce competition from London Marathon champion Sifan Hassan and American marathon record holder Emily Sisson.

Last year, Chepngetich won the Chicago Marathon for the second time in a row, clocking 2 hours, 14 minutes and 18 seconds, just 14 seconds off compatriot Brigid Kosgei's marathon world record. This year, she is determined to break Kosgei's record and assert her dominance with a third consecutive gold medal. "There is no race in the world better than the Chicago Marathon," said the 28-year-old.

From left, Chepngetich, Hassan and Sisson are the first three female elites confirmed to participate in the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Photo: NBC Chicago — From left, Chepngetich, Hassan and Sisson are the first three female elites confirmed to participate in the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Photo: *NBC Chicago*

To achieve this goal, Chepngetich will have to overcome Hassan - a formidable opponent who won two gold medals in the 5,000 m and 10,000 m events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Last April, in his first marathon, the Ethiopian-Dutch runner won the London Marathon with a time of 2 hours 18 minutes 33 seconds and set a national record.

Hassan's summer plans include ambitions to win a double gold medal in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest at the end of August, just six weeks before the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

According to Canadian Running Magazine , performances after short preparation periods, such as leading the world in the 10,000m just six weeks after the London Marathon, demonstrate Hassan's ability to adapt quickly.

"I'll see how my body reacts and how my mind handles the challenge," Hassan said of the two big tournaments ahead. "The good thing is I have experience from London, so I'm looking forward to seeing what I can learn from Chicago."

The other strong contender is Sisson - who holds the US marathon record with a time of 2 hours 18 minutes 29 seconds at Chicago 2022. "I'm really looking forward to coming back for another great race in October," the 31-year-old runner said, eager to compete in front of a home crowd.

According to Canadian Running Magazine , although the list of elite female runners at the 45th Chicago Marathon has not been revealed, the presence of the defending champion, Olympic record holder and fastest American runner on record ensures that the race will be fierce.

The Chicago Marathon, founded in 1977, is one of the six most prestigious races on the planet in the World Marathon Majors (WMM) system, along with races in Boston, New York City, London, Berlin and Tokyo. The current men's record is 2 hours 3 minutes 45 seconds, held by Kenyan runner Dennis Kimetto in 2013. The women's record is 2 hours 14 minutes 4 seconds, set by Kosgei when she won the championship in 2019.

Hong Duy

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