by RBR AdminThis is the release from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which holds its event on 10 October, 2021. The top athletes are lead by Getenah Molla (2:03.34) and Ruth Chepngetich (2:17.08) globally and Galen Rupp (2:06.07) and Sara Hall (2:20.32).
The pandemic continues to affect the world of running. We hope runners stay safe.
Galen Rupp, Portland Track Classic, photo by How Lao Photography
August 17, 2021
Top Athletes Headline the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Elite Athlete Field
Event organizers release COVID-19 guidelines to create a safe racing environment for all participants
CHICAGO – The Bank of America Chicago Marathon announced today that it will host some of the world’s best elite athletes as it prepares for the 43rd
“We are excited to welcome so many outstanding athletes to Grant Park this fall,” said Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. “While we expect to see fast times up front, we are focusing on celebrating every athlete in this year’s field – and the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs that they bring with them. This event is special in so many ways because it captures the human spirit – from the first runner across the line to the last.”
This year’s marathon coincides with the elation of an Olympic year and the thrill of a fall racing season that includes all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM). With seven sub 2:06 men in the field vying for their first AbbottWMM victory, the stage is set for a dramatic race up front. Top athletes in the men’s elite field include two-time Olympic medalist Galen Rupp; 2019 Dubai Marathon champion with a personal best of 2:03:34, Getaneh Molla; 2018 Valencia Marathon runner-up with a personal best of 2:04:43, Hassan El Abbassi (BRN); and fourth place finisher at the 2021 Milan Marathon with a personal best of 2:04:29, Seifu Tura. The following four athletes boast 2:05 personal bests: Shifera Tamru (ETH), Joel Kimurer (KEN), Eric Kiptanui (KEN), and Laban Korir (KEN). Naperville native and 2018 USATF Half Marathon champion Chris Derrick (USA) will join five local elites from the Second City Track Club, including Dan Kremske (USA),
“The 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will undoubtedly be a special one,” said Kremske. “I’ve missed the excitement of Marathon Sunday and cannot wait to experience that energy again this October. I look forward to sharing in the joy of my fellow Chicagoans as we make our triumphant return to racing. My hope is that Marathon Sunday will be a celebration of one another, our great city, and the resilience of the human spirit.”
Kenyan sensation Ruth Chepngetich
“I have never raced in the States and making my debut in such a great race like the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is more than a dream to me,” said Chepngetich. “I will give all myself trying to run as fast as possible. The presence of such a wonderful elite field will boost me.”
The elite wheelchair competition includes several athletes competing back-to-back in Chicago (Sunday, October 10) and Boston (Monday, October 11). Daniel Romanchuk, Marcel
“The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is where my Abbott World Marathon Majors journey began back when I was 16 and where I won for the first time, so it’s very special to me,” said Romanchuk. “We’ve all been eagerly anticipating the return of in-person marathon racing, and I can’t wait to get back to the streets of Chicago!”
Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
The event today also shared COVID-19 guidelines to help create a safe racing environment for all 35,000 registered participants. Registered participants are required to provide proof of a complete COVID-19 vaccination series or a negative COVID-19 test result to participate in the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Registered participants who are not fully vaccinated are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result for a test administered within 72 hours of attending the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Sunday, October 10). The event defines “fully vaccinated” as individuals who are two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose vaccine series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
Proof of vaccination (hard copy, photocopy or digital version of an immunization record) or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of attending the event is required for entrance to the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. Individuals unable to prove full vaccination or negative test will be barred from entering the Health & Fitness Expo and unable to pick up the necessary race materials that allow for participation in the event.
This policy recognizes COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Accepted COVID-19 tests are those that have received FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) and include RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, lateral flow, and rapid antigen tests.
All attendees are required to wear face coverings while at indoor event venues, including the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo. Face coverings must be two-ply at a minimum and cover the mouth and nose securely. Single-ply neck gaiters and face shields are not acceptable face coverings.
Participants are encouraged to wear face coverings in Grant Park prior to starting the race. Additional face coverings will be available post-finish for participants.
The 43rd running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 10.
To read about the entire elite fields, please download this pdf: 081721_Bank-of-America-Chicago-Marathon-Press-Release.pdf
