Galen Rupp wins Chicago Marathon, Jordan Hasay places third

You knew it was only a matter of time before Galen Rupp, the newest star on the marathon circuit, would notch his first victory in a non-trials race. That moment came on Sunday when Rupp broke the tape at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in a time of 2:09:20.

Rupp became the first American male to win the Chicago Marathon since Khalid Khannouchi did so in 2002. He’s the first American-born male to win there since Greg Meyer won in 1982.

On the women’s side, Jordan Hasay had quit the day herself, finishing third in 2:20:57, the second-fastest time by an American woman ever. She also set the Chicago Marathon women’s course record, one that previously stood for 32 years. Hasay is now just over one minute behind Deena Kastor’s American record of 2:19:36, set at the 2006 London Marathon.

During the first half of the race, the men’s pace was “only” about 5:03 per mile, which allowed Rupp to tuck in comfortably with the leaders. Rupp’s patience paid off and he broke free from the pack late, clocking mile times of 4:39, 4:35 and 4:31 from miles 21-23.

Hasay took a slightly more aggressive approach, going out at a 5:12 pace in the first five kilometers, which equates to a 2:16:20, a time that would be the second-fastest ever. Hasay faded as the race went on, but was able to hang on for a third place finish.

Both Hasay and Rupp have a bright future in the marathon, and it wouldn't surprise me if one day, the Oregon duo both held their respective American records at the distance.