In perfect weather the 2013 Bank of America Chicago Marathon hit the streets of Chicago for what was expected to be a fast race. Kenyan Dennis Kimetto 
claimed his 2nd World marathon Major win for 2013 in a course record time of 2:03:45. The record time, knocking almost a minute of last years record, backs up his strong win in Tokyo in February. Kimetto finished ahead of compatriots Emmanuel Mutai (2:03:52) and Sammy Kitwara (2:05:16). Australian marathoner Michael Shelley finished in 12th place in 2:13:09 to gain an A-qualifier for next year’s commonwealth games. After his impressive silver medal run in the Delhi games in 2010 he’ll certainly be one to watch again next year in Glasgow.
In the womens race Rita Jeptoo of Kenya ran a strong race with a big negative split to finish in 2:19:57, the fastest time for 2013, to beat home fellow Kenyan Jemima Sumgong Jelegat (2:20:48) and Russian Maria Konovalova (2:22:46). Jeptoo, who was pipped at the post in last years race to finish 1sec behind Ethiopian Atsede Baysa, improved her time 
by more then 2minutes in 2013.
More then 40,000 runners took part in the race that ran through 27 Chicago neighbourhoods full of bands, screaming fans and great spirit & support.
The #OUTFITrunners also had a successful race with 2 PB’s for Bob & I. It was a great race and a fantastic atmosphere in Chicago. Bob had to overcome some tough conditions but I was blessed with a near perfect run. It’s rare that everything falls into place but a combo of good weather, a flat course & a solid effort bought out a 4min PB for me. Actually one thing definitely didn’t go to plan. Minutes before the race started my Garmin watch froze so I couldn’t track my pace & timing for the run. Being in a starting corral with similar paced runners I was able to ask other around me what they were aiming for & try to keep a few recognisable people in sight as I tried to run by feel. It was a bit risky, & I certainly went out faster then i’d hoped to, but at about half way I was still feeling good and I thought i’d keep pushing & see if I could hang on. Thankfully it all worked… I was hoping to run a new PB (sub 2:57), and the stretch goal of 2:55… so 2:53 is a great result. It’s not often a marathon will fall into place like this so i’ll definitely appreciate this one.
I think the great atmosphere in Chicago definitely helped. The cheering, high fives & bands certainly kept the energy levels high as the km ticked by. Some of the best
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