Hawi Feysa, the defending champion, returns to the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 11. Feysa, 27, won last year's race in 2:14:57, the fourth-best time in history.

Feysa, raised in Ambo, Ethiopia, switched to road running after frequent injuries. She won the Frankfurt Marathon in 2024, setting a new personal best of 2:17:25. Read more culture coverage.

Feysa faces a strong field, including Brigid Kosgei, who has beaten her in their last two meetings. Despite this, Feysa aims for a personal best and a podium finish. Related: Des Linden Returns to Chicago Marathon for 100-Mile Race Preparation.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.