Catherine Debrunner breaks women's wheelchair marathon record in Chicago

On October 11, 2026, Catherine Debrunner broke her own world record in the women’s wheelchair division of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The Swiss Paralympic champion finished the race in 1:33:16, which was exactly one minute faster than the 1:34:16 she recorded at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. This victory marks Debrunner’s third title in Chicago, following her previous wins in 2023 and 2024. Her performance highlights her consistency in the sport and the ongoing development of elite para-athletics.

The Chicago Marathon has a long history of hosting elite wheelchair racing, using a course designed to test the specific abilities of these athletes. Debrunner took advantage of the flat and fast layout, which allowed her to make the most of her training and the clear conditions on race day. She also commented on the energy of the event, noting that the crowds provided steady encouragement from the start to the finish line.

Debrunner established a clear advantage early in the race, leading the pack by 48 seconds at the 5km mark. While the course includes several technical twists and turns, she used these features to her advantage throughout the morning. Tatyana McFadden, a local favorite, finished the race in second place, while Manuela Schaer secured the third spot on the podium.

In the men’s wheelchair division, Marcel Hug earned his seventh Chicago Marathon title. He finished with a course record of 1:21:34, further cementing his place in the history of the event. Hug relied on his experience to navigate early challenges from the field before focusing on the record-breaking pace that defined his performance. His success reinforces the standing of the Chicago race as a primary event for international para-sport.

Looking ahead, both Debrunner and Hug are expected to continue their participation in major marathons, maintaining their positions at the front of the wheelchair racing field. Their recent performances in Chicago serve as a point of reference for their upcoming training cycles. As they prepare for future competitions, their focus on performance will likely keep them as prominent figures in the international marathon circuit.