Chicago Marathon Preview and Where To Watch
Birhanu Legese and Mohamed Esa in the men’s race and Degitu Azimeraw in the women’s elite event will lead a strong NN Running Team challenge at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon – the penultimate stop on the 2024 Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
Legese, the sixth fastest marathoner in history following his stunning 2:02:48 clocking for second in the 2019 BMW Berlin Marathon, has all the credentials to produce a strong showing in the ‘Windy City.’
The two-time former winner of the Tokyo Marathon – who claimed back-to-back successes in 2019 and 2020 - more recently revealed his ability with a fourth place finish at the 2023 Amsterdam Marathon, clocking 2:04:44 and earlier this year clinched a podium spot for third in 2:05:16 at the NN Rotterdam Marathon.
In his one previous outing in the race the Ethiopian finished tenth in the 2018 Chicago Marathon and will be seeking an upgrade in the 2024 edition.
Esa, a rising star of the NN Running Team, will look to further build on his huge promise on the streets of Chicago.
On his marathon debut he ran 2:05:05 for fifth in the 2022 TCS Amsterdam Marathon before backing this up to place second (2:05:33) in the 2023 Tokyo Marathon. He then claimed a second Abbott World Marathon Majors podium by finishing second in the Boston Marathon earlier this year in April, posting a mark of 2:06.58. Supremely talented, expect the Ethiopian to be a contender by the shores of the Lake Michigan.
The NN Running Team also boasts a significant presence in the women’s race as “super mum” Degitu Azimeraw looks to further build on her outstanding record over the 42.2km distance.
The 25-year-old Ethiopian won the 2019 TCS Amsterdam Marathon on her debut over the distance clocking 2:19:26 before backing this up with another sub-2:20 clocking when sixth in the 2020 Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich in 2:19:56.
Degitu smashed her lifetime best to run a blistering 2:17:58 for second in the 2021 TCS London Marathon before later taking a break from the sport to give birth to her son in November 2022.
Just 16 months later in her first marathon as a mum, Degitu once again demonstrated her class to clinch victory in the 2024 Barcelona Marathon, posting a slick 2:19:52 and she will be a major podium threat in the Windy City.
Race Details
One of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its fast, flat course and has witnessed four world record performances. Starting and finishing at Grant Park the marathon winds its way past many iconic landmarks in the city situated in Illinois. Competitors for the Chicago Marathon can expect a cool, crisp morning and temperatures of between 8C-13C.
Where and When To Watch
The starting gun will fire on the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon at 7.30am (Central Time Zone) on Sunday 13 October. For more broadcast information go to chicagomarathon.com.