Running News Daily

The 2025 Chicago Marathon, set for October 12, promises one of the deepest men’s fields in recent history. Featuring Olympic medalists, World Marathon Majors champions, and promising debutants, this year’s race could produce a historic performance on the streets of the Windy City.

Leading the field is defending champion John Korir of Kenya, who owns a personal best of 2:02:44. He will be challenged by countryman Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Amos Kipruto (2:03:13), both proven contenders on the global stage. Adding to the Kenyan firepower are Cyprian Kotut (2:03:22), Philemon Kiplimos (2:04:01), and former World Half Marathon record-holder Geoffrey Kamworor(2:04:23).

International stars include Olympic marathon champion Bashir Abdi (2:03:36) of Belgium, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo (2:03:01), and Ethiopia’s Huseydin Mohamed Esa (2:04:39).

The American contingent is particularly strong this year, led by Conner Mantz (2:05:08), Daniel Ebenyo (2:06:04), and Galen Rupp (2:06:07). Other top U.S. names include Matt Richtman (2:07:56), Ryan Ford (2:08:00), Rory Linkletter (2:08:01), and CJ Albertson (2:08:17). The lineup also features debut marathoners Casey Clinger and Tai Dinger, both looking to make their mark.

With such a talent-packed field, the 2025 Chicago Marathon could see not only a thrilling battle for the win but also a possible course record — and perhaps another sub-2:03 clocking on American soil.

The flat, fast Chicago course combined with October’s typically cool running conditions make this race a prime stage for history. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see which athlete emerges victorious in what promises to be one of the most competitive marathons of the year.

On March 16, 2025, Matt Richtman stunned the running world by becoming the first American man in 31 years to win the Los Angeles Marathon. His time—2:07:56—was not only a personal best, but also the seventh-fastest marathon time in U.S. history. What made the victory even more remarkable was how he got there: no professional training group, no high-profile coach, just relentless work, self-belief, and a deep-rooted passion for the sport.

Humble Beginnings in a Running Family

Born on January 13, 2000, in Elburn, Illinois, Richtman was raised in a family where running was part of the fabric of life. His parents, Tom and Karen, along with his sisters, Rebecca and Rachel, were known locally as “The Running Richtmans.” Inspired by that environment, Matt began running competitively in middle school and quickly rose through the ranks.

In 2017, as a senior at Kaneland High School, he won the Illinois Class 2A cross-country state title. From there, he ran at Bradley University before transferring to Montana State University, where he earned All-Big Sky honors and became a standout on the cross-country and track teams. He graduated in 2023 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

A Blue-Collar Approach to Greatness

After college, Richtman returned to Illinois to work with his father’s carpentry business and volunteered as a coach at his former high school. Though his path diverged from the traditional elite training pipeline, he continued to train with quiet intensity.

In October 2024, Richtman made his marathon debut at the Twin Cities Marathon, finishing fourth in 2:10:47. That performance earned him a sponsorship from ASICS, allowing him to train full-time. Still, he remained self-coached and based in Bozeman, Montana, where he trained with a small group that included former Montana State teammates.

His training emphasized consistency over flash: weekly mileage exceeding 100 miles, long progression runs, and mile repeats with short recovery. No altitude camps. No super team. Just hard work.

Making History in Los Angeles

At the 2025 LA Marathon, Richtman took control in the late miles and never looked back. He crossed the finish line alone, arms raised, breaking a 31-year drought for American men at this race. It was a breakthrough not just for Richtman, but for American distance running.

In post-race interviews, Richtman humbly credited his support system and years of preparation. His father, watching from the finish line, said it best: “Matt trains every day, rain or snow. He earned this.”

What’s Next?

With his sudden rise to national prominence, Richtman now has his eyes on the global stage. He hopes to represent the United States at future World Championships and at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics—poetically, back where it all started.

Whether or not he joins a professional group or continues to go it alone, one thing is certain: Matt Richtman has proven that there’s more than one path to greatness. His win in LA was more than just a race—it was a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity.

Matt Richtman has arrived and put the U.S. distance running world on notice with his historic win at the Los Angeles Marathon. In a stunning performance, Richtman became the first American man to win the LA Marathon since 1994, finishing the 26.2-mile race in a personal best time of 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 56 seconds.

Early Life and High School Achievements

Born and raised in Elburn, Illinois, Richtman displayed exceptional running talent during his time at Kaneland High School. He clinched the Illinois Cross Country Class 2A Championship in 2017 and earned all-state honors in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Richtman set a school record at the state cross country meet with a time of 14:21 and achieved personal bests of 4:17 in the 1,600 meters and 9:14 in the 3,200 meters.

Collegiate Career and Development

Richtman began his collegiate journey at Bradley University, where he was named the 2019 Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Freshman of the Year. He later transferred to Montana State University, emerging as a standout performer for the Bobcats. As a junior in the 2022-23 season, he earned All-America honors, finishing 26th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships—the fourth-best finish by a Montana State runner in program history.

Marathon Success and Future Prospects

Richtman’s marathon debut came last fall at the Twin Cities Marathon, where he finished fourth with a time of 2:10:47. Building on that experience, his recent victory in Los Angeles not only ended a three-decade drought for American men at the event but also signals a promising future for U.S. marathoning. As he continues to build on his early successes, the running community will be watching closely to see how he shapes the landscape of men’s marathoning in the years to come.