Running News Daily

Canadian distance icon Moh Ahmed launched his 2026 season in style and substance, delivering a composed and confident victory at the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chicago. On a day infused with St. Patrick’s Day spirit, the four-time Olympian embraced the occasion, racing in a striking all-green Nike kit that mirrored both the festive mood and his own vibrant return to competition.

Ahmed crossed the finish line in 22:59, asserting control in the closing stages to secure the win by five seconds in a tightly contested race. His performance combined tactical patience with a decisive late surge—hallmarks of an athlete long accustomed to competing on the global stage.

Behind him, American runner Chandler Gibbens claimed second place in 23:04, while J.P. Flavin rounded out the podium in 23:09, both pushing the pace but ultimately unable to match Ahmed’s finishing strength.

While the 8K distance lacks official Canadian record recognition, Ahmed’s outing offers a strong early-season indicator of his form. His established credentials over more standard road distances—highlighted by a 10K personal best of 28:22—underscore the depth of his endurance and speed, translating effectively even across less conventional race formats.

The day also belonged to the Nike Swoosh Track Club, which secured the mixed team title with a combined time of 1:37:23. The squad delivered a cohesive performance, with Thomas Ratcliffe finishing seventh overall in 23:20, while American standouts Karissa Schweizer and Courtney Frerichs added crucial points with second- and third-place finishes in the women’s race, clocking 24:56 and 26:08 respectively. Fittingly, the team’s unified all-green attire turned their victory into a visual statement as much as a competitive one.

For Ahmed, this performance signals more than just a seasonal opener—it is a reminder of his enduring class and competitive instinct. As the 2026 campaign unfolds, Chicago may well be remembered as the first step in another compelling chapter for one of Canada’s most accomplished distance runners.

On a vibrant Sunday morning in Chicago, the streets pulsed with energy, but it was Emma Grace Hurley who truly stole the spotlight with a performance of rare brilliance. Racing at the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Hurley delivered a masterclass in pace, precision, and resilience, storming to the finish in a stunning 24:29 to set a new American record over the distance.

In her first race since the disappointment at the Atlanta Half Marathon, Hurley’s victory carried deeper meaning—this was redemption wrapped in record-breaking excellence. With authority and composure, she eclipsed the long-standing mark held by Deena Kastor, shaving seven seconds off a record that had stood for over two decades on the same course since 2005. It was more than a statistical achievement—it felt like a symbolic passing of the torch.

From the opening kilometers, Hurley ran with intent, locking into a relentless rhythm that kept her ahead of record pace. Chicago’s iconic streets, lined with roaring fans dressed in green, provided the perfect backdrop for a run that balanced control with bold ambition. Step by step, she edged closer to history, her stride unwavering, her focus absolute.

Behind her, Karissa Schweizer also delivered an impressive performance, finishing runner-up in 24:56—her first race since transitioning from the Bowerman Track Club to new coach Chris Miltenberg. Remarkably, both athletes broke the 25-minute barrier, underlining the depth and rising standard of American women’s distance running.

But the day belonged to Hurley. Crossing the finish line, she didn’t just win—she etched her name into history. Her 24:29 now stands as a testament to her growing stature and signals a powerful new chapter in her career.

Breaking a record set by a legend like Kastor is no small feat. It reflects Hurley’s dedication, evolution, and the quiet confidence of an athlete coming into her prime. More importantly, it offers a glimpse of what lies ahead as she continues to chase even greater milestones on the global stage.

On a day defined by celebration and spirit, Emma Grace Hurley delivered something unforgettable—a performance that redefined excellence, inspired a new narrative of resilience, and announced the arrival of a formidable force on the roads.

The winners of the 2023 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K crossed the finish line Sunday, leading thousands of racers in the unofficial kickoff to outdoor running season in Chicago.

Zach Panning, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, won the race by finishing as the first runner with an unofficial time of 22:48, according to race results.

"It feels good. I was second last year to Tai Dinger, who was second this year, so it’s fun having a little fun rivalry," Panning told NBC 5 at the finish line. "I love Chicago. I ran the marathon last year, and really enjoy it. It’s a beautiful city."

Panning said he plans to focus on the next Olympic trials marathon next year.

Sarah Disanza, who is also from Rochester Hills, Michigan, was the first female finisher in the 8K event, crossing the finish line with an unofficial time of 26:35.

"It’s super exciting. I’ve been coming back from a tendon tear in my foot for a long time, so it was great to get out there and really rip it," she said. "You just have to ask yourself ‘how much do you love it?’ For me, every single day that I was out there cross-training, it was so worth it. It’s my favorite thing in the world, for moments like this and being here with my teammates."

The first to cross the finish line was wheelchair racer and defending champion Samantha Schroth, a Wisconsin native who lives in Chicago.

She finished first in the wheelchair race, with a time of 25:57, faster than her 2022 victory finish. The next wheelchair finisher was Angelo Perez, who crossed with an unofficial time of 40:38.

"Step outside your comfort zone. Everyone has things in their lives they’re nervous about, whether you’re disabled or able-bodied, and you just have to step outside your comfort zone and give it a chance," Schroth told NBC 5 at the finish line. "You never know what’s on the other side. I didn’t think I’d be racing post-injury, but I’m loving every second of it."

The top finishers paved the way as thousands of runners took over Chicago streets on a colder spring day.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon announces the planning of the 43rd running of the event with the goal of returning to the streets of Chicago on Sunday, October 10, 2021. Event organizers are working closely with the City of Chicago on race weekend plans that align with Chicago’s public health and safety guidance.

The participant field for the 2021 event will be built through a tiered application process, which opens to a limited group of eligible individuals today.  A second application window is set to open to the public in January.

“We are moving forward with hope and optimism,” said Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon executive race director. “The health and safety of participants, volunteers, spectators and the Chicago community remain at the forefront of our planning, and we are doing everything we can to safely bring the Bank of America Chicago Marathon back to our city streets.”

Race officials are working in partnership with the City of Chicago, including the Chicago Department of Public Health, to safely produce the event for both runners and spectators. Preparations for the event will be in accordance with Chicago’s re-opening framework, including the requirement for event attendees to adhere to local and state coronavirus guidelines.

“The Chicago Marathon is one of our city’s most beloved events and we are excited to be doing everything we can to ensure our race can safely return in the coming year,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Throughout this unprecedented crisis, we have been grateful to collaborate with dynamic partners, like the Chicago Marathon, who have stepped up to find safe, data-based solutions to our challenges, helping us lay the groundwork for our broader, citywide recovery that will follow in the months and years to come.”

Registration for the Sunday, October 10, 2021 event will be conducted through a tiered application process. A limited application window is open now to participants who deferred their 2020 entries to a future event (2021, 2022 or 2023) in response to the cancellation of the 2020 race, as well as individuals interested in running and fundraising on behalf of an event charity partner.

A second application period (to be announced in January) will open to the general public and include access for guaranteed and non-guaranteed entries.

The cost of an entry is $205 for United States residents and $230 for participants residing outside of the United States.

Guaranteed entry

Interested individuals can qualify for an entry into the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon through several guaranteed entry opportunities:

Individuals who deferred their 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon place and entry fee to a future event (2021, 2022 or 2023).

Charity runners who are fundraising for an official charity as part of the Chicago Marathon Charity Program.

Time qualifiers who have met the event’s age-graded qualifying standards or the event’s American Development Program standards.

Legacy finishers who have completed the Chicago Marathon five or more times within the last 10 years. 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience finishes will not be eligible.

International runners (non-U.S.) participating in the International Tour Group Program.

Individuals who have completed the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K four or more times since 2008 and have signed up for the 2021 Shamrock Shuffle (registration for a virtual race will open in December).

Non-guaranteed entry drawing

Individuals who do not qualify for a guaranteed entry can apply for the non-guaranteed entry drawing. The event organizers will select names from the full pool of non-guaranteed entry applicants and notify individuals of their selection status in March 2021.

The Abbott Chicago 5K will take place in advance of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Saturday, October 9, 2021. This event is the perfect way for marathoners, fans of the sport, and friends and family to experience Chicago and take part in the excitement of race weekend. This year marks the first year of Abbott’s title sponsorship of the Chicago 5K, furthering the global health care company’s commitment to helping people live fuller lives through better health.

Additional details about the 2021 event and application, including the 2021 cancellation and refund policy, are available at chicagomarathon.com.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon announced today that two of the fastest women in U.S. history, Amy Cragg and Laura Thweatt, will join previously announced American Jordan Hasay to compete for the top spot on the podium at the 41st annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Cragg, a two-time Olympian, and Thweatt, the 2015 U.S. Cross Country champion and 2018 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K champion, make the 2018 Chicago Marathon the deepest American women’s field in Chicago’s storied history. Hasay currently ranks second on the list of all-time American marathoners with her 2:20:57 run at last year’s Chicago Marathon. Her time was also the fastest American time ever run on U.S. soil. Cragg moved up to the fifth spot in U.S. history earlier this year with her 2:21:42 performance in Tokyo, and Thweatt claimed the ninth spot in London last year after she finished in 2:25:38. The last time three American women finished in the top five in Chicago was 1994, and the last time U.S. women claimed the top two spots was 1992. Chicago’s history could be rewritten with Hasay, Cragg and Thweatt headlining this year’s American field. “There is an American tradition in Chicago of historic performances, competition and developing top talent,” said Executive Race Director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Carey Pinkowski. “Amy and Laura are world-class athletes, and they are fighters. We expect to see them battling up front, and we are thrilled to welcome them to our elite field.” Cragg, a member of Nike’s Bowerman Track Club since 2015, joins this year’s elite field after opening her 2018 season by smashing her personal best to finish third at the Tokyo Marathon in 2:21:42. She competed in Chicago for the first time in 2014, finishing fourth in 2:27:03. Since then, she has experienced global success, winning the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon trials, finishing ninth at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and ending a 34-year medal drought for the U.S. after taking home a bronze medal at the 2017 IAAF World Championships Marathon. She currently sits in 12th place on the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series XI leaderboard, and a strong finish in Chicago could propel her further up the list.