The Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and a prestigious race that attracts runners from all over the world. The 2023 edition of the race, which took place on Sunday, October 8, 2023, was a historic and thrilling event, with two new course records and a new world record being set. Here are some of the highlights of the race:

1. Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum set a new marathon world record, winning the race with a time of 2:00:35, and beating the previous world record of 2:01:09, set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, by 34 seconds.
2. Dutch runner Sifan Hassan set a new course record by finishing the race with a time of 2:13:44, running the second-fastest marathon by a woman, in what was her second marathon.
3. Swiss wheelchair athletes Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner both set course records with their victories, finishing with times of 1:22:37 and 1:38:44, respectively.
4. U.S. runner Jake Caswell claimed victory in the non-binary division with a time of 2:38:05.
5. A total of 48,398 runners and 45 wheelchair athletes finished the marathon.
6. First-time marathon runner Allison Naval of Evanston, Illinois, was celebrated as the millionth finisher of the Chicago Marathon since the modern incarnation’s inaugural race in 1977.

The weather for the 2023 Chicago Marathon was ideal for running, with mostly cloudy skies and cool temperatures. According to the WGN Weather Center1, the race started with a temperature of 46°F (8°C) and a humidity of 68%. There was a slight breeze from the west-northwest at 7 mph. The temperature rose to 54°F (12°C) by the end of the race, with a 20% chance of some light showers and sprinkles2.

Most runners were happy with the weather conditions, as they helped them avoid overheating or dehydration. Some runners, however, found the weather too cold or windy, and had to wear extra layers or adjust their pace. The weather for the Chicago Marathon can vary greatly from year to year, so runners should always check the forecast and prepare accordingly.

The race was very competitive, with many elite runners vying for the podium and the prize money. The men’s race was especially close, with Kelvin Kiptum breaking away from a pack of four runners in the final mile to set a new world record. The women’s race was also impressive, with Sifan Hassan dominating the field and setting a new course record by over a minute.

The race was also very inclusive, with runners of all ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds participating. The race featured a non-binary division for the first time, as well as a wheelchair division and an age group world championships. The race also celebrated diversity and culture, with runners wearing flags, costumes, and messages of support for various causes and communities.

The race was also very inspiring, with many runners overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. The race featured many stories of courage and perseverance, such as Allison Naval, who became the millionth finisher of the Chicago Marathon, or Jake Caswell, who won the non-binary division after transitioning from female to male. The race also showcased the power of running as a way of improving health, happiness, and well-being.