The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, set for Sunday, October 12, has once again drawn the world’s top long-distance runners not only for its reputation as one of the fastest courses on the planet but also for its lucrative prize purse that promises life-changing rewards.

Winners of the men’s and women’s open divisions will each take home KSh 13 million, solidifying Chicago’s status as one of the most financially rewarding marathons globally.

The race’s prize structure extends well beyond the champions, ensuring a broad spread of rewards for elite performers.

Runners finishing second and third will earn KSh 9.8 million and KSh 6.5 million, respectively, while fourth and fifth places will receive KSh 3.9 million and KSh 3.2 million.

In the Wheelchair division, both male and female winners will pocket KSh 5.2 million, with prize money awarded to the top six athletes.

The runner-up receives KSh 3.9 million, while subsequent finishers take home KSh 2.6 million, KSh 1.9 million, KSh 1.3 million, and KSh 650,000. In the T51/T52 category, the top three athletes will earn KSh 195,000, KSh 130,000, and KSh 65,000.

The American Open division will reward the top U.S. finishers with KSh 1.9 million for first place, KSh 1.6 million for second, and between KSh 1.3 million–KSh 650,000 for the remaining top five.

The Masters category will also recognize the best veteran athletes with payouts of KSh 260,000, KSh 195,000, and KSh 130,000.

Adding to the financial excitement, a KSh 6.5 million course record bonus awaits any athlete who breaks the event’s existing marks both of which are also world records.

The men’s benchmark of 2:00:35 was set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, while Ruth Chepng’etich holds the women’s record at 2:09:56, set in 2024.

The Kenyan presence in Chicago remains strong, with eyes on whether the country can extend its dominance in the World Marathon Majors.

With the memory of Kiptum’s record-breaking run still fresh and Chepng’etich returning to defend her crown, Kenyan fans will be watching closely to see if the nation’s athletes can once again turn Chicago into a showcase of speed and supremacy.

In total, the marathon’s prize and bonus pool surpasses KSh 65 million, reinforcing Chicago’s reputation as a race where speed, stamina, and financial stakes collide at the highest level.

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