Seifu Tura Abdiwak wins the 2021 Chicago Marathon

By Associated Press
Seifu Tura, of Ethiopia
Seifu Tura, of Ethiopia, crosses the finish line to win the men's Chicago Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. Paul Beaty / Associated Press
Seifu Tura, of Ethiopia
Seifu Tura, of Ethiopia, crosses the finish line to win the men's Chicago Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. Paul Beaty / Associated Press

Seifu Tura Abdiwak wins the 2021 Chicago Marathon

By Associated Press
WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

Seifu Tura Abdiwak of Ethiopia and Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya won Sunday in the return of the Chicago Marathon, which was scrapped last year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Abdiwak, who placed sixth in the Chicago race in 2019, finished in 2 hours, 6 minutes, 12 seconds. Galen Rupp was second in 2:06:35, followed by Kenya’s Eric Kiptanui with a time of 2:06:51.

Rupp won the Chicago title in 2017, becoming the first American man to accomplish the feat in 15 years.

Chepngetich took the women’s race, finishing in 2:22:31. Emma Bates of the U.S. was second at 2:24:20.

Around 35,000 runners competed in Sunday’s 26.2-mile event. Organizers canceled last year’s race due to health concerns for runners, spectators and volunteers. Registered participants had to provide either proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results.