More than 55,000 runners took to the streets of the Windy City on Sunday, October 11, for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, in a race that brought together elite athletes, amateur runners and supporters from around the world.
This year’s marathon featured the largest field of entrants ever assembled for a World Marathon Major, according to race organizers. Despite warm temperatures above 60 degrees and high humidity, runners delivered impressive performances across the elite and wheelchair divisions.
Kenya’s Amos Kipruto won the men’s elite race in 2:01:09, finishing ahead of Ethiopia’s Tadese Bikila and Milkesa Mengesha. Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa claimed her second consecutive women’s title, crossing the finish line in 2:13:33.
American runners also made headlines. Clayton Young finished seventh overall in the men’s race with a time of 2:05:23, the second-fastest U.S. marathon performance ever on a record-eligible course. Emma Grace Hurley placed seventh in the women’s race in 2:20:47, setting a record for an American woman making her marathon debut.
Balkan Community Brings the Energy to Chicago
Beyond the elite competition, the Chicago Marathon was also an opportunity for communities from around the world to come together and support their runners.
Among the thousands participating were runners from the Balkans, including members of the Serbian, Macedonian, Croatian and wider Balkan communities. Their supporters gathered at a dedicated Serbian Cheer Station at 744 N. Wells Street, creating a lively atmosphere as runners passed through the city.
With cheers, applause and encouragement, the crowd celebrated the determination of the participants, showing how the marathon brings people together beyond national borders.
Belgrade Comes to Chicago
A special presence at this year’s event was the Belgrade Marathon team, visiting Chicago for the second time to take part in the marathon atmosphere and support the connection between the two cities.
Chicago and Belgrade share a sister-city relationship, and their participation in the event highlighted the importance of international friendship, cultural exchange and mutual support.
The Serbian cheer station became a meeting point for people who wanted to support Serbian and other Balkan runners, while also celebrating the strong ties between the Balkan community and Chicago.
As runners made their way through the course, the cheers from the Serbian station sent a message of encouragement and pride to everyone taking on the 26.2-mile challenge.
More Than a Race
The 2026 Chicago Marathon was not only a major sporting event but also a celebration of perseverance, community and international connection.
From the elite athletes setting remarkable times to everyday runners chasing personal goals, the event brought together people with different backgrounds and stories. The presence of the Belgrade Marathon team and the support of the Serbian and Balkan communities added another meaningful chapter to Chicago’s global marathon tradition.
First Balkan Media was there to capture the atmosphere, celebrate the Balkan runners and share the stories of a community cheering together in the heart of Chicago.
