NY World Runners at the 2025 Chicago Marathon!

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2025, was more than just a race; it was a celebration of personal triumphs, incredible endurance, and team spirit for seven of our very own NY World Runner athletes. In a city known for its "Big Shoulders," our team showed they have the even bigger hearts—and lungs—to match!

Some of our athletes treated the Chicago Marathon like a Sunday stroll, though with significantly more sweat and cheering fans.

Dario, in a feat of astonishing stamina, completed his 6th marathon of the year (and we are not counting the ultramarathons)! We're starting to think Dario might be powered by a perpetual motion machine instead of energy gels. Right behind him was Matthieu Blandin, who logged his 4th marathon of the year, including Berlin last month. Are these two collecting medals or building a marathon-themed monument? We need answers!

Annalisa Gozza returned to the Windy City with a mission and accomplished it with flying colors. She not only improved her personal record time but also secured another Boston Marathon qualification! Nothing beats a redemption story, especially one that ends with a shiny new personal best.

The day was filled with personal victories, proving that hard work pays off. Xiomara Lento smashed her personal record (PR), running faster than ever before.

Meanwhile, our very own Amina Garau did the Chicago Marathon for the second time, and she didn't just beat her Chicago time—she also secured a coveted Boston Marathon qualification (BQ)!

Not to be overshadowed, Annalisa Marengo and Cristobal Otero also had incredible runs. They crossed the finish line with smiles and a powerful sense of accomplishment, showcasing the true spirit of marathon running. Their dedication and hard work are an inspiration to us all.

The Crowd's Energy and Post-Race Celebrations

With a record-breaking 53,000 runners and a crowd of enthusiastic spectators, the atmosphere was electric. The roar of the crowd pushed our team through the tough final miles, and the post-race celebrations were a much-deserved reward. From the finish line in Grant Park to the city streets, our team celebrated their incredible achievements, proving that the finish line is just the beginning of the real party.

Congratulations to all our runners! We are so incredibly proud of your determination, hard work, and good humor throughout the season. Here's to more PRs, more marathons, and more unforgettable memories on the road!

Chicago Marathon Quick Facts

• Course: Flat and Fast. The course is famous for its minimal elevation change, making it a world-renowned route for setting Personal Records (PRs) and world records. The only notable incline is the "Mount Roosevelt" bridge ramp near the finish line.

• Participant Size: One of the Largest. It is consistently among the top World Marathon Majors for finisher count, 54,351 runners in 2025.

• Fluid/Aid Stations: Excellent and Frequent. Chicago is often praised for having long, frequent, and well-organized aid stations offering both water and a sports drink (Gatorade Endurance Formula) throughout the course.

• Start Line Logistics (Toilets): Notoriously Lacking in Corrals. While there are portable toilets in the pre-race secured area, runners frequently report a noticeable lack of sufficient toilets inside the secure starting corrals, leading to long lines and frustration.

• Finish Line Experience: Fantastic Post-Race Party. The event is well-known for its vibrant Post-Race Party in Grant Park, which often includes music, recovery amenities, and the perk of free beer for finishers (typically a special edition brew).

• Crowd Support: Great Energy, The course is lined by a massive and energetic crowd (often cited at 1.7 million spectators). 

• Fun fact: the Official T-shirt was so ugly this year that runners thought it was an April Fool's.