Mary Ngugi pulls out of Chicago Marathon

In a disappointing turn of events for her fans, Mary Ngugi has announced her withdrawal from the highly anticipated Chicago Marathon, scheduled for October 13.

The Kenyan long-distance runner, known for her impressive performances on the world stage, was expected to be a key contender in the elite women’s field. However, she cited an injury sustained during the AJ Bell Great North Run, held on Sunday, September 8.

Ngugi won that thrilling women’s race, which saw six athletes battling in a dramatic sprint finish. Despite the rainy conditions, she crossed the line in 67:40, becoming the 11th consecutive Kenyan winner of the women’s event.

In an update on her social media handles, Ngugi expressed gratitude to her fans for their support and promised to return stronger after recovering from the injury.

“Update: No Chicago Marathon for me. Unfortunately, I picked up a small injury that will mean I won’t be heading to Chicago this year. I did not want to go if I was not at my best, so my team and I decided to withdraw from this year’s event. Thanks to everyone who supported me on this journey, and I wish everyone on the start line all the best. See you again real soon,” she said.

The 35-year-old started her year on a high note, winning the Roma-Ostia half marathon in March, crossing the line in 1:07:38, marking a lifetime best in the Italian city. The last time she surpassed that record was eight years ago during the Houston Marathon, where she claimed top honors in 1:06:29.

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Ngugi hoped to carry that momentum into the Boston Marathon, but her opponents proved superior. She finished sixth in 2:24:24, approximately two minutes behind the winner, Hellen Obiri.

Her most recent triumph was at the AJ Bell Great North Run, and her fans were hopeful she would carry that form into the Chicago Marathon.

Ngugi also has a Boston Marathon silver medal in her glittering cabinet. Her best Boston result came in 2021 when she was initially placed third but moved up to second after fellow Kenyan and champion Diana Kipyokei was retroactively disqualified and handed a six-year suspension for doping.

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2024 Chicago Marathon Women’s Elite Field (Personal Bests)

Ruth Chepngetich, KEN, 2:14:18 (Chicago, 2022)

Sutume Kebede, ETH, 2:15:55 (Tokyo, 2024)

Joyciline Jepkosgei, KEN, 2:16:24 (London, 2024)

Degitu Azimeraw, ETH, 2:17:58 (London, 2021)

Ashete Bekere Dido, ETH, 2:17:58 (Tokyo, 2022)

Hiwot Gebrekidan, ETH, 2:17:59 (Valencia, 2023)

Irine Cheptai, KEN, 2:18:22 (Hamburg, 2024)

Keira D’Amato, USA, 2:19:12 (Houston, 2022)

Betsy Saina, USA, 2:19:17 (Tokyo, 2024)

Dorcas Tuitoek, KEN, 2:20:02 (Amsterdam, 2023)

Sara Hall, USA, 2:20:32 (Chandler, 2020)

Emma Bates, USA, 2:22:10 (Boston, 2022)

Buze Diriba, ETH, 2:23:11 (Toronto, 2023)

Sara Vaughn, USA, 2:23:24 (Chicago, 2023)

Susanna Sullivan, USA, 2:24:27 (London, 2023)

Gabi Rooker, USA, 2:24:35 (Chicago, 2023)

Lindsay Flanagan, USA, 2:24:43 (Gold Coast, 2022)

Nell Rojas, USA, 2:24:51 (Boston, 2023)

Stacey Ndiwa, KEN, 2:25:29 (Los Angeles, 2024)

Laura Thweatt, USA, 2:25:38 (London, 2017)

Lauren Hagans, USA, 2:25:56 (Duluth, 2023)

Annie Frisbie, USA, 2:26:18 (New York, 2021)

Jackie Gaughan, USA, 2:27:08 (Berlin, 2023)

Dominique Scott, RSA, 2:27:31 (Chicago, 2023)

Diane Nukuri, USA, 2:27:50 (London, 2015)

Makena Morley, USA, 2:30:25 (Los Angeles, 2024)

Anne Marie Blaney, USA, 2:30:43 (Orlando, 2024)

Andrea Pomaranski, USA, 2:31:06 (Houston, 2023)

Amy Davis-Green, USA, 2:33:09 (Orlando, 2024)

Aubrey Frentheway, USA, Debut

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