L
Larry Eder
Guest
At the presser for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Friday, this writer was fascinated by the three main protagonists: Hawi Feyisa, Sharon Lokedi, and Brigid Kosgei.
Hawi Feysa is an Ethiopian marathoner who moved from cross country (a junior silver in the 2017 WA Cross Country Championships) and track (8th in the 5,000m at the 2019 Doha WC) to road running after several injuries. In 2025, Hawi won the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2:14.57, joining the sub-2:15 club, the elitest of the elite marathoners. Hawi won the Frankfurt Marathon in 2:17:25 and third in the Tokyo 2025 World Championships Marathon. Hawi told RunBlogRun that she is happy with her training and that she wants to defend her title. In my years interviewing Ethiopian athletes, I rarely find anyone prone to hyperbole. My spidey-sense told me that Hawi Feysa is fit.
Hawi Feysa, ETH wins the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2:15:56, photo by Kevin Morris for Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Brigid Kosgei is back! Brigid Kosgei last visited Chicago in 2019, where she broke the mixed-race women’s world record with a 2:14:04. She battled injuries, winning Chicago in 2018 (and 2019). Brigid won London in 2019 and 2020, and Tokyo in 2021 and 2022. In Tokyo in 2026, Brigid ran 2:14.29, her best time since her 2019 glory year. Brigid Kosgei is fit, or she would not be in Chicago. I spoke to her manager, Federico Rosa, who just smiled when I said, “Brigid would not be here unless she was really fit.” I think you might see Brigid Kosgei go to the 2:12-2:13 level. Remember, Brigid Kosgei took the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021).
Brigid Kosgei, Chicago Marathon 2019, by Kevin Morris
Sharon Lokedi is the racer. Sharon Lokedi was a strong collegiate athlete who transitioned to the marathon. She learned several lessons from Hellen Obiri during her marathons, but has also won NYC once and Boston twice, overcoming her fellow Kenyan athlete.
The 2025 Boston Marathon was a clear example. Sharon Lokedi battled Hellen Obiri and Yalemzerf Yehualaw, beating Obiri by 19 seconds. Sharon did that by driving away over the very last miles to make the break and win.
Sharon Lokedi, Kenya, wins back-to-back Boston Marathons, photos courtesy of Boston Athletics Association
In 2026, Sharon Lokedi battled Loice Chemnung and Mary Ngugi Cooper, and Sharon won, with Chemnung 44 seconds back and Cooper one minute and sixteen seconds back!
Who do I think could win the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon? If the weather is warm, Sharon Lokedi. If Brigid Kosgei gets out fast and breaks Hawi and Sharon, then watch for Brigid to make a statement on the Chicago course. Hawi Feysa is tough and will push hard in the final 12 kilometers. Stephen Haas, Sharon Lokedi’s manager/coach, told this reporter that Sharon prepares for tough races from 35k to the finish.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a real race here, come warm or cool weather!
Watch it on Peacock in the US or NBC 5 Chicago! You can watch on Flotrack in the UK.