Catherine Debrunner sets new wheelchair marathon world record

Catherine Debrunner, the Swiss Paralympic champion, won the Chicago Marathon women’s wheelchair race on October 11, 2026, breaking her own world record in the process. Clocking in at 1:33:16, she shaved exactly one minute off her previous best time. The victory marks Debrunner’s third win in Chicago and her fourth title in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, a result that cements her standing at the top of the sport.

The performance was notable for how Debrunner handled the technical demands of the course. She established a dominant lead early on, sitting 48 seconds ahead of the pack by the 5km mark and holding that gap until the finish. Chicago’s fast, flat layout suited her style, helping her lower the T54 category world record she had previously established at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Her consistency across these major events reflects a high level of preparation and athletic skill.

In the men’s division, fellow Swiss athlete Marcel Hug earned his seventh Chicago Marathon title with a time of 1:21:34. This finish set a new course record for the event. Although he faced pressure from competitors in the opening miles, Hug eventually pulled away to focus on his own pace. He used his experience to navigate the turns of the city streets, maintaining his speed through the final stages of the race.

The competition across the field remained high, with local favorite Tatyana McFadden taking second place in the women’s race and Manuela Schaer finishing third. These results highlight the depth of talent currently present in professional wheelchair racing and the growing profile of para-athletics. Debrunner’s victory contributes to a broader recognition of the discipline, bringing more visibility to the technical requirements and achievements of athletes with disabilities.

Following her success in Chicago, Debrunner is expected to maintain her momentum at the highest level of international competition. Having already secured wins this season in Tokyo, London, and Berlin, she is confirmed as the Elite Series champion. Her continued success brings attention to her individual accomplishments and the importance of representation in sports, setting a benchmark for future generations of athletes.