GUYANESE athletes, Vaughn Felix and Moen Gafoor, recently achieved impressive finishes at the prestigious Chicago Marathon, a well-known event in the world of long-distance running.
The marathon, which spans 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers) through the vibrant streets of Chicago, attracted a staggering 120,000 applicants in 2024, with 51,150 runners ultimately crossing the finish line.

This year’s participation set a new record for finishers, surpassing the previous high of 48,398 from the prior year, highlighting the marathon’s growing popularity and the increasing interest in long-distance running.
Vaughn Felix completed the marathon with a time of 3 hours, 43 minutes, and 39 seconds (3:43:39), marking a significant improvement from his previous performance of 3:49:41 at the London Marathon in May.
His dedication to training and persistence in the sport were evident as he pushed himself to achieve a better time in Chicago.

On the other hand, Moen Gafoor also had a remarkable race, finishing with a time of 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 16 seconds (4:29:16), which was a new personal best for him.
This achievement not only reflects his hard work and commitment to the sport but also showcases the potential for further growth as he continues to compete in future marathons.
The Chicago Marathon is recognised as one of the six major marathons in the world, alongside the Berlin, Boston, London, New York City, and Tokyo marathons.

The event is renowned for its enthusiastic crowds, and this year was no exception, with approximately 1.7 million spectators lining the streets to cheer on the participants.
The vibrant atmosphere created by the fans undoubtedly contributed to the athletes’ performances, motivating them to push through the challenging course.
Looking ahead, Felix is expected to contest the Tokyo Marathon in 2025, where he will aim to build on his recent successes.

Meanwhile, Gafoor is set to take his talents to Berlin, where he will hopefully continue to improve and set new personal records.

Both athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, making them promising representatives of Guyana in the global marathon community.