Runner Has Completed 48 Chicago Marathons

A 76-year-old athlete keeps moving by maintaining his lifelong running streak.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Running

Expressive sports illustration of a runner in motion, captured from the side against a blurred, abstract city background. — Henry Kozlowski has finished his 48th Chicago Marathon, extending a streak he has maintained since the race began in 1977. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you continue using old gear for exercise if it were no longer comfortable to wear?

Henry Kozlowski has participated in his 48th Chicago Marathon, marking a streak that began with the inaugural race in 1977. Alongside Randy Burt, he remains one of only two individuals to finish every event in the city's marathon history.

Why it matters

Staying active well into later life is associated with cardiovascular health and mobility, and consistent exercise goals help stave off physical inactivity. Kozlowski serves as a local example of how setting long-term milestones can provide the motivation needed to maintain a high level of health.

Official records confirm that 76-year-old Henry Kozlowski has completed 48 consecutive Chicago Marathons, a record shared only with Randy Burt. While Kozlowski set a personal best of 3 hours and 50 minutes in 1981, his current focus remains on finishing under the 8-hour mark.

The players

Henry Kozlowski

A 76-year-old athlete and runner from Wilmette who has participated in every Chicago Marathon since 1977.

Randy Burt

A runner from Antioch who is the only other athlete to have finished every Chicago Marathon since the event began in 1977.

The details

Kozlowski utilizes the annual marathon as a structured goal to prevent sedentary habits as he ages. To support this routine, he maintains his gear, including gym shorts issued by Lane Technical High School during the mid-1960s, which he washes after each use. His approach highlights how consistent, low-barrier exercise goals can support long-term physical well-being.

School issued the gym shorts to Henry Kozlowski between 1966 and 1967.
Henry Kozlowski graduated from Lane Technical High School in 1969.
The first Chicago Marathon was held in 1977.
Henry Kozlowski finished his fastest marathon in 3 hours and 50 minutes in 1981.
Henry Kozlowski ran his 48th Chicago Marathon on October 4, 2026.

Health Landscape

The Chicago Marathon remains a primary venue for tracking long-term athletic endurance among older adult runners. This record underscores the historical evolution of the race, which has grown from its 1977 inception into a major event that supports lifelong physical fitness.

Maintaining a consistent exercise schedule can help prevent the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle as you age. If you are interested in starting or maintaining a long-term fitness routine, it is worth discussing appropriate training intensities with your doctor.

The takeaway

Consistent habits are key to long-term health and mobility. Setting predictable, annual fitness goals can provide the necessary structure to keep moving regardless of your age.