Chicago Marathon: Vinny Mauri's crazy training, Lokedi vs Kosgei, Kiplimo & are the American men any good?

The 2026 Chicago Marathon is stacked with storylines. On the men's side, Vinny Mauri, a former shoe store employee who ran 2:05 alone at Toledo, has gone viral for jaw-dropping treadmill workouts at Planet Fitness, fueling American record hopes. Rojo sparks heated debate by arguing the US has zero legitimate marathon title contenders despite record depth. The women's field is historically loaded with 12 sub-2:20 runners, led by former world record holder Brigid Kosgei and two-time Boston winner Sharon Lokedi, who's running her first flat marathon. The crew also breaks down Jacob Kiplimo's chances, weather concerns that could derail fast times, and whether super shoes benefit women more than men.

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LINKS

How Fast Can Strava Legend Vinny Mauri Run at the Chicago Marathon? (LetsRun.com)

BetterRunningShoes.com

LetsRun.com Supporters Club

LetsRun.com Homepage

Fast Women by Alison Wade (Substack)

Message Board Thread: Women's vs Men's Marathon World Record Gap

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