It's one of the six marathon wonders of the world. More accurately, it's one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and part of thousands of runners' journeys towards their coveted Six Star Medals.

It's where Steve Jones set a world record (2:08:05) in 1984 and Paula Radcliffe achieved her first world record (2:17:18) in 2002, and where Sir Mo Farah won with a European and still current British record (2:05:11) in 2018.

Chicago's course records are held by Kenyan athletes: Dennis Kimetto with 2:03:45 in 2013 and 2:14:04 by Brigid Kosgei in 2019 – still the current world record. Last year's winners were Kenya's Benson Kipruto (2:04:24) and Ruth Chepngetich (2:14:18) – who was well inside the world record schedule for most of the race before missing out by 15 seconds.

It seems that Chicago's reputation as the "Windy City" is a myth if the five world marathon records set on the famous course are considered. Chicago's marathon dates back to 1905 when 15 pioneers started the first race and just seven finished. It is now one of the best-attended marathons in the world, with a record 45,956 finishers in 2019.

This popularity also makes Chicago one of the hardest marathons in which to secure an entry so why not guarantee your place on the start line in Grant Park by joining Marathon Tours UK for the 45th Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday 8 October 2023?

Marathon Tours UK are part of the official Chicago Marathon Tours Program and are therefore authorised to offer guaranteed entries to the race (without the usual lottery) to everyone who books an accommodation tour package with them.

Marathon Tours UK Chicago Marathon packages include four-star accommodation at Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel just 15 minutes walk from the start and finish; complimentary use of the hotel fitness centre and indoor pool; welcome meet and greet; guided orientation run; escorted visit to the Marathon Expo & Registration; pre-race pasta dinner; post-race celebration and full guidance and support from the Marathon Tours team in Chicago.

So, if you want to be part of one of the world's greatest marathons that truly has six appeal you know what to do. Visit the Marathon Tours Chicago Marathon website now for full details.

runABC South race listing has a handy link to previous race results here.

Image courtesy Marathon Tours UK