Njeru, Romanchuk log fastest finish times in event history
CHICAGO – A sold-out field of 10,000 participants gathered under clear skies for the third annual Bank of America Chicago 13.1. With community-focused wellness events on Saturday and a half marathon course that traced through Garfield, Douglass and Humboldt Parks on Sunday, the event welcomed participants of all ages and abilities to the West Side to reimagine what running can look like in Chicago. Peter Njeru and Joyline Chemutai broke the tape in the professional men’s and women’s running open divisions, respectively. Daniel Romanchuk continued his undefeated streak with his third Bank of America Chicago 13.1 victory in the wheelchair competition. Caleb-Michael Files claimed victory in the non-binary competition.
“We are thrilled to return to the West Side for the third annual Bank of America Chicago 13.1,” said Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Shamrock Shuffle and Chicago 13.1. “Collaborating with the community makes this event what it is, and we deeply appreciate the insight provided by those who live, work and run in the neighborhoods where this event takes place. We look forward to continuing to grow the Chicago 13.1 in the years to come.”
The lead pack in the men’s race whittled down to four by the 8K mark, with 2023 champion Reed Fischer setting the pace. Peter Njeru pulled away at Mile 8 and crossed the finish line in 1:01:46, a course record. Fischer followed 12 seconds later, taking second in 1:02:58, while Zouhair Talbi finished third in 1:02:53.
In the women’s race, 2023 runner-up Joyline Chemutai took a commanding lead early on and never looked back. Chemutai broke the tape in 1:11:45, nearly a full minute ahead of second place finisher Jackie Gaughan’s 1:12:41 finish. Mao Kiyota rounded out the podium in 1:13:00.
The wheelchair race featured tight competition, with Daniel Romanchuk narrowly defeating Aaron Pike by one second. Romanchuk’s 43:44 winning time was the fastest finish in event history. Grant Pierce finished third in 58:50.
Caleb-Michael Files took the title in the non-binary competition, clocking in at 1:32:36. Juan Martinez and Johnny Pliego took second and third, finishing in 1:34:59 and 1:37:33, respectively.
Full results from the 2024 event are available at chicago13point1.com.
The fourth annual Bank of America Chicago 13.1 will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025. More information about the 2025 race will be available this fall at chicago13point1.com.
About the Bank of America Chicago 13.1
The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 offers runner a unique experience, bringing a world-class half marathon to the neighborhoods of Chicago’s West Side. The fourth annual event will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The event brings a new kind of racing experience to the Chicago running community featuring a mix of fitness and lifestyle activations designed to inspire runners to connect with the communities where we live, work and run. A two-day packet pick-up will be held on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31. The weekend celebrations will culminate with the half marathon on Sunday, June 1. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicago13point1.com.
