Ruth Chepngetich and Sifan Hassan to run 2023 Chicago Marathon

On Wednesday, the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon committee announced the participation of three remarkable women who will be headlining the race on October 8. Ruth Chepngetich, a two-time Chicago Marathon champion, is determined to claim her third consecutive victory in the Windy City. However, she will face fierce competition from London Marathon champion Sifan Hassan and U.S. marathon record holder Emily Sisson, who will both be vying for a spot on the podium.

Chepngetich vs. Hassan

Last year, Chepngetich secured her second consecutive title and came incredibly close to breaking Brigid Kosgei’s marathon world record of 2:14:04, missing it by just 14 seconds. This time around, her goal is to surpass Kosgei’s record and solidify her status as a three-time champion at Chicago. Expressing her confidence, Chepngetich stated, “There’s no better race in the world than the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.”

To claim her third title, Chepngetich will have to overcome the formidable Hassan, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion from the Netherlands. In April, Hassan made a remarkable marathon debut by winning the London Marathon. Despite stopping to stretch twice during the race, she closed a 25-second gap on the leaders and set a new Dutch national record of 2:18:33. Hassan’s summer plans include returning to the track for the 5,000m/10,000m double at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in late August, a mere six weeks before her appearance in Chicago. Hassan’s exceptional performances after short preparation periods, such as her 10,000m world lead just six weeks after the London Marathon, demonstrate her ability to adapt swiftly.

“I will see how my body responds and how my mind handles it,” stated Hassan, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “The good thing is that I have experience from London, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Chicago can teach me this time.”

The @BankofAmerica #ChicagoMarathon is known for competitive elite races and 2023 will be no different. Announcing one of our strongest Women’s Fields yet: Chicago Marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich, London Marathon champion Sifan Hassan, and American Record Holder Emily Sisson! pic.twitter.com/5RaGYz8wGX

— Chicago Marathon (@ChiMarathon) June 21, 2023

Emily Sisson returns to Chicago

Joining Chepngetich and Hassan in the elite field is Sisson, the current American marathon record holder with a time of 2:18:29. Sisson set the record in Chicago last year and is excited to return to the city for another outstanding race. “I am really looking forward to coming back for another great race in October,” expressed Sisson. The collective presence of these accomplished athletes sets the stage for an exhilarating showdown.

While the complete list of elite women for the 45th Chicago Marathon has yet to be disclosed, the inclusion of former champions, a world record holder and the fastest American marathoner in history–a race that will undoubtedly be extraordinary.