Marcel Hug Sets Chicago Marathon Wheelchair Record in 2026

Marcel Hug won the men's wheelchair race at the 2026 Chicago Marathon in Chicago on October 11, 2026, setting an unofficial course record with a 1:21:34 finish, according to NBC Chicago and race results reported by NBC Sports.

Race organizers reported that more than 55,000 runners participated, creating the largest field ever assembled for the World Marathon Major event. According to Runner's World, high humidity and temperatures above 60 degrees affected racing conditions.

According to NBC Chicago, Hug captured his seventh Chicago Marathon men's wheelchair title and his fifth consecutive victory in the race. His 1:21:34 mark surpassed the previous unofficial course record of 1:22:37.

"Today was maybe one of the best performances of my career. … Really, really happy. I mean, also the crowd out there. Without them, I could not make it," Hug said.

Hug said he raced without his strongest expected challenger after Daniel Romanchuk left the course early. NBC Chicago reported that Romanchuk's reason for leaving was not immediately known, with analysts suggesting a possible mechanical issue.

"I was surprised to be alone that early, but I tried to keep up my speed for the course record," Hug said.

According to NBC Sports, the men's wheelchair results were led by Hug, followed by Lito Anker of the Netherlands and David Weir of Great Britain. The complete top-six finishers were:

Catherine Debrunner won the women's wheelchair race and set a world record with a 1:33:16 finish, according to NBC Chicago. The Swiss athlete improved her previous record of 1:34:16 from the 2023 Berlin Marathon by one minute.

"I don't think we have ever seen anything like this," analyst, Olympian and former Chicago Marathon champion Amanda McGrory said during the NBC Chicago broadcast.

Debrunner entered the race after finishing runner-up at the 2026 Boston Marathon and winning her fourth London Marathon title, according to NBC Chicago. She said the Chicago crowd and race conditions helped during her record performance.

"I really gave all I could and when I saw the time at the finish … it felt great. It's unbelievable," Debrunner said.

Debrunner had already won 12 major marathons, including Chicago victories in 2023 and 2024, according to NBC Chicago. She finished ahead of contenders including nine-time Chicago champion Tatyana McFadden and two-time champion Manuela Schär.

"I just wanted to give all I could, and that's what I did," Debrunner said.