2016 Chicago Marathon to feature 5 past champions
Five world-class champion runners - led by marathon world record-holder Dennis Kimetto and last year's Chicago Marathon winner Florence Kiplagat - will compete in Chicago this fall, officials for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon announced Tuesday.
Kimetto, the 2013 Chicago Marathon champion, and Kiplagat will be challenged by a field of runners that includes the most returning champions (five) in Chicago Marathon history. The 39th annual races takes place on Oct. 9 along Chicago's lakefront.
Joining Kimetto (Kenya) in the men's race will be former champs Dickson Chumba (2015) of Kenya and Tsegaye Kebede (2012) of Ethiopia. Ethiopia's Atsede Baysa (2010, 2012 champion) will challenge Kenya's Kiplagat for the women's crown.
"Dickson, Tsegaye and Atsede have run their fastest career marathons in Chicago, and both Tsegaye and Dennis have experienced the thrill of breaking our course record," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. "To have so many past champions in one competition is thrilling. And there is depth on the American side as well; without pacesetters, we could see a new champion emerge from this talented field."
For more on the elite field, visit chicagomarathon.com.