By Francesc Borrull · October 14, 2024

The Chicago Marathon holds a special place in my heart. It was the first and only marathon I’ve run, back in 2004, 2005, and finally, in 2007. This past weekend, I attended the Chicago Marathon Expo on Saturday, and on Sunday, I was out cheering for runners along the course. I supported my friend and countless others at mile 5, then mile 11, and finally at mile 26, right where the sign read ‘800m to go.’ I was yelling, ‘2 minutes! 2 minutes to go!’ as they powered through the final stretch. Watching from the sidelines this year was a surreal experience, as I cheered on a friend who aimed to break the 2:40 barrier—and he did, finishing at an incredible 2:38:19! I was also lucky enough to witness some truly remarkable performances, including Zach Panning’s 2:09:16 and Sara Hall’s 2:30:12. Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya stunned everyone by breaking the women’s world record, crossing the finish line at a mind-blowing 2:09:56. John Korir of Kenya, though falling just short of last year’s world record, put on an unforgettable show with his 2:02:44 finish. Sadly, the 2022 world-record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, who clocked 2:00:35, is no longer with us. His contributions to marathon running remain unmatched, and his legacy will live on as an inspiration to athletes worldwide.

Reflecting on the marathon, it’s clear that the true victory lies not at the finish line but in the journey toward it. The months of preparation, the discipline, the mental fortitude—all shape you far more than crossing the 26.2-mile marker. For me, running has always been a metaphor for life. You face challenges as they come, one step at a time. When the road gets tough, you dig deeper, and when things are easier, you embrace the moment and celebrate the progress. The marathon is about building resilience, embracing both the struggles and the rewards, and in the process, becoming a stronger person physically, mentally, and emotionally.

My journey as a runner began when I was 10 years old. I have fond memories of competing in the Olympic Games at my elementary school, winning gold in the 100m and 400m relays. I was fast—really fast. But when I transitioned to longer distances, like the 5K, I struggled without proper training or coaching. At 16, a serious motorbike accident sidelined me from sports for quite some time. It wasn’t until I moved to the USA in 2002 that I recommitted to being active. I started small with a quarter marathon, then took the leap into the Chicago Marathon in 2004. Over the next few years, I ran half-marathons and more marathons, but by 2007, I decided to step away from full marathons—they were just too long! However, I continued to race in 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons, which became my favorite distance. Now, 20 years later, I’m itching to tackle another marathon. Interestingly, I find myself fitter and faster today, with a deeper understanding of both running and life. Working with a coach has significantly improved my fitness, and I’m hopeful that by next year, I’ll be ready to run another marathon and reach new goals.

In conclusion, while I’d love to run Chicago again—after all, it’s where it all began for me—it’s so challenging to get a spot nowadays. It’s wild to think that 50,000 runners take to the streets of Chicago, along with thousands more spectators filling the city for an entire weekend. Am I too old for those crowds? Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell. If it’s not Chicago, I’ll find another city and another marathon to conquer. Running, after all, has always been about the journey, and I’m excited for whatever lies ahead.

© Francesc Borrull, 2024