The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, set for Sunday, October 12, is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in the global athletics calendar. Renowned for its flat and fast course, the Chicago Marathon has become a magnet for elite long-distance runners chasing both records and rewarding paydays. This year’s edition offers a staggering prize pool exceeding KSh 65 million, making it one of the most lucrative marathons in the world.
Winners of the men’s and women’s open divisions will each take home KSh 13 million, underlining the financial allure of this world-class event. The runners-up in both categories will earn KSh 9.8 million, while third-place finishers will claim KSh 6.5 million. Fourth and fifth positions will be rewarded with KSh 3.9 million and KSh 3.2 million, respectively.
The Wheelchair division also features generous payouts, with both male and female winners pocketing KSh 5.2 million each. Second-place finishers will receive KSh 3.9 million, while third to sixth positions will earn KSh 2.6 million, KSh 1.9 million, KSh 1.3 million, and KSh 650,000. In the T51/T52 category, the top three athletes will collect KSh 195,000, KSh 130,000, and KSh 65,000, respectively.
In addition to the open competition, the American Open division will honor the top U.S. finishers. The first-place athlete will earn KSh 1.9 million, followed by KSh 1.6 million for second place, with the rest of the top five receiving between KSh 1.3 million and KSh 650,000. The Masters category will also recognize veteran athletes, awarding KSh 260,000 for first place, KSh 195,000 for second, and KSh 130,000 for third.
Adding to the anticipation is a massive KSh 6.5 million bonus for any athlete who breaks the course record. The men’s benchmark stands at 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, while the women’s record of 2:09:56 was achieved by Ruth Chepng’etich in 2024.
Kenya’s dominance in marathon running remains a focal point, with Chepng’etich returning to defend her title and a strong contingent of Kenyan runners aiming to uphold the nation’s proud legacy. As the world turns its attention to Chicago, expectations are high for another thrilling showcase of endurance, speed, and determination — where world-class performance meets equally impressive rewards.
