Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering sports News
The world's most iconic roads are abuzz with one of the world's most celebrated sporting events: the Chicago Marathon.
This marathon course is famous for its flat and fast route, yet draws thousands of runners each year from all corners of the globe. In 2024, over 45,000 runners gathered from every corner of the world at the starting lines to witness a great intermixture of experienced athletes, emerging talents, and amateurs seeking to push limits and be part of history. Eyes were on two standouts of female podium: Keira D'Amato and Betsy Saina.
Women's Elite Field: Keira D'Amato and Betsy Saina
Keira D'Amato, one of the most promising female American distance runners, was on the list of all hot contenders for the women's race. D'Amato's rise in the marathon world has been nothing short of phenomenal. Having taken time off from competitive running to focus more on family and real-estate work, D'Amato returned to the game stronger than ever. She broke the American women's marathon record of 2:19:12 at the Houston Marathon in 2022, instantly catapulting her into international fame. It has been a long journey from amateur to record-breaker; hence she is a fan favorite in Chicago Marathon. As she sets her target for Chicago, many wonder if she can once again bring a performance that will leave the distance running world shaken.
Another of the favorites is American-Kenyan Betsy Saina. Saina started out an NCAA cross-country champion at Iowa State University but has somehow acclimated to longer distances with great success. Her high-altitude training in Kenya and extensive marathon background ensured that she was quite serious in Chicago. Aggressive running style and competitive instincts have been winning Saina scores of laurels. Therefore, she has had another opportunity to add to the growing list of successes at this marathon.
What's interesting here is that both of them come from different strengths on the course. D'Amato, on one hand, brings experience and strategic running. While Saina can boast about his strong finishing power. In itself, that was already a thrilling narrative going to the race, but every fan of both athletes was going to be eager for results because knowing full well that the competition was going to push each runner to his or her limits.
It will be all about Men's Race, Amos Kipruto, and Vincent Ngetich.
As exciting as the women's race promised to be, the men's side of competition also did because of elite Kenyan runners Amos Kipruto and Vincent Ngetich, set to battle for top honors. Kipruto enjoyed very strong career as a marathoner with a victory in the 2022 London Marathon and took bronze at the 2019 World Championships, and he arrived in Chicago looking for more accolades on yet another prestigious stage.
The second favorite at the time was rising star Vincent Ngetich of Kenya, who had been consistent in performances in the circuit. He was bound to push Kipruto to the limit with every step of his marathon career.
The two athletes from a country that has been one of the big producers of world-class marathoners intended to be among the victors.
Fast Course of Chicago and Global Attraction
This is one other aspect that continues to make the Chicago Marathon popular with elite runners. The marathon pass through 29 neighborhoods and does provide fantastic scenic tours of the city while offering favorable conditions to people trying to achieve personal bests or break records. Over the years, the race has witnessed several records being set by individuals, with Dennis Kimetto setting a men's course record in 2013 at 2:03:45, and Paula Radcliffe doing the same in 2002 for the women's course record, cutting the tape at 2:17:18.
The course, which starts and ends in Grant Park, provides runners with a mix of city views, waterfront stretches, and enthusiastic crowds. Its reputation as one of the fastest marathons in the world has made it a target for elite runners trying to rack up competitive times. But beyond the elite field, the Chicago Marathon represents a triumph of personal achievement. Some 45,000 participants come from diverse backgrounds and experiences: from running their first marathon in life to simply being a seasoned veteran. Such an event holds the essence of endurance and perseverance, witnessing the runners push through 26.2 miles toward their goals.
Impact of the Marathon Beyond the Running
Beyond all the personal athletic accomplishments, the Chicago Marathon has a strong economic and charitable effect on the city. With so many dollars generated, it boosts the local economy and increases local spending and drives tourism dollars in the city. Last but not least, the marathon has been linked with multiple charitable causes, with runners drawing in funds for organizations that make differences in their lives and in their communities.
This year, as the 2024 edition comes to a close, the Chicago Marathon stands tall as a premier event on the global athletics calendar. The legacy that these elite athletes Keira D'Amato, Betsy Saina, Amos Kipruto, and Vincent Ngetich build gives rise to future generations of runners who get inspired to chase their dreams.
In a nutshell, the Chicago Marathon is a race but also a joyful celebration of the spirit of man in endurance, determination, and pursuit of excellence.
