Celebrity Athletes Will Run 2026 Chicago Marathon
Anthony Rizzo and Des Linden will join Chicago residents on the 26.2-mile course this October 11.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Running
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Would you ever train for and compete in a full 26.2-mile marathon?
The 2026 Chicago Marathon will feature appearances by former Chicago Cubs players Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta alongside Olympian Des Linden and Peloton instructor Kirsten Ferguson. The event takes place on October 11, 2026, as runners traverse 29 Chicago neighborhoods.
Why it matters
High-profile participation often boosts local interest in marathon training, which requires significant cardiovascular conditioning and preparation. Runners like Linden also highlight the utility of road marathons as specific training markers for longer ultra-endurance trail races.
The Chicago Marathon follows a standard 26.2-mile distance. While participants like Des Linden have established high-level benchmarks in previous racing, the impact of this specific course on individual amateur performance remains to be seen.
The players
Anthony Rizzo
A former professional baseball player who won the 2016 World Series with the Chicago Cubs and now runs to support his family foundation.
Jake Arrieta
A former professional baseball player on the 2016 Chicago Cubs championship team who is fundraising for the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.
Des Linden
A two-time Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion who incorporates marathons into her training for 100-mile trail races.
Kirsten Ferguson
A professional Peloton instructor who is participating in the 2026 Chicago Marathon.
The details
Running a marathon requires a gradual buildup in weekly mileage to build aerobic capacity and muscular endurance for the 26.2-mile distance. Participants navigating the 29-neighborhood course must focus on hydration strategies and fueling to manage energy expenditure. Athletes often use these events as a high-intensity aerobic training stimulus to prepare for more challenging ultra-distance formats.
Timeline
2016: Rizzo and Arrieta won the World Series with the Cubs.
April 2026: Linden finished third at the Marathon des Sables.
October 11, 2026: The 2026 Chicago Marathon takes place.
Health Landscape
The Chicago Marathon sits within the global framework of the Abbott World Marathon Majors as a premier endurance event. It reflects the broader trend of elite athletes leveraging large-scale public road races to supplement specialized training and promote charitable foundations.
Training for a 26.2-mile marathon requires a consistent, multi-month cardiovascular routine that should be discussed with a doctor to assess heart health. Runners should focus on gradual progression to avoid overuse injuries while monitoring their specific energy needs throughout the event.
The takeaway
Large-scale marathons provide a unique endurance challenge that demands sustained physical preparation and medical clearance. If you are inspired by the event, consult a physician before beginning any new, high-intensity aerobic training program.
Further reading
For more on preparing for long-distance events, see our Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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Would you ever train for and compete in a full 26.2-mile marathon?
