The Chicago Marathon is held every October and is one of the six World Marathon Majors. The Chicago Marathon is the fourth-largest race by number of finishers worldwide.

The first race in the present series occurred on September 25, 1977, under the original name the Mayor Daley Marathon, which drew a field of 4,200 runners. It became among the fastest-growing modern-marathon road races in the world, due in part to its largely fast and flat course which facilitates the pursuit of personal records and world record performances.

This year, two Striders made the journey to Illinois to take part; both had a memorable weekend in their own way. Luke Tipping produced a hugely impressive performance to go sub 2 hours 40; it’s a sign of the calibre of the field, that this enabled him to (just) make the top 500 finishers. Nancy Stuart added to her long and impressive list of completed marathons, but her visit was perhaps equally notable for her marriage to a certain Richard Pegg. Congratulations to both Luke and Nancy (and Richard).