Lokedi, Kosgei among elite field for Chicago Marathon
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 25.07.26. | 07:15
The race will also feature defending champion Hawi Feysa of Ethiopia
Kenyan runners Sharon Lokedi and Brigid Kosgei will headline the Bank of America Chicago Marathon set for Sunday, 11 October, after being named as part of the elite field on Thursday, 23 July.
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The pair are among a list of seven Kenyans who will look to wrestle away the title from defending champion Hawi Feysa, who returns to the place she won the crown in commanding fashion last year, crossing the line more than two minutes ahead of the field.
Feysa, despite having a quiet start to the 2026 season, which has been highlighted by a second consecutive third-place finish at the Tokyo Marathon, knows another victory will not come easily.
Among her biggest challengers is former world-record holder and two-time Chicago marathon champion Kosgei, who returns to Grant Park for the first time since her dominant victory in 2019.
A five-time major marathon winner, Kosgei has already laid bare her intents this year, having taken a win in Tokyo in March, clocking 2:14.29.
Lokedi, meanwhile, will be making her debut in Chicago, as part of what feels like her pursuit to conquering flat Majors courses.
In fact, her first appearance in Chicago will provide her with a first flat Majors race, this coming on the back of her memorable wins in Boston (twice) and New York.
Other Kenyans who will join the race for the top prize will include: World Half Marathon Championships silver medalist Mary Ngugi-Cooper, reigning Athletics Kenya (AK) national 10,000m champion Loice Chemnung, who famously gave up her place on the Commonwealth Games team to prepare for this marathon, Brillian Kipkoech, Magdalyne Masai, and Joan Kilimo.
As for rivals Ethiopia, the duo of Sutume Kebede and Megertu Alemu will also return aiming to build on consistent performances on the streets of Chicago and compete for the win.
Leading the American woman are Susanna Sullivan, and 2025 top American Natosha Rogers. Both Sullivan and Rogers have history in Chicago, having set their personal bests there in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
