Zouhair Talbi claims victory in Bank of America half marathon with stunning time
- The fourth annual Bank of America 13.1 Half Marathon took place in Garfield Park, Chicago, drawing participants nationwide and even internationally.
- Race winners included Zouhair Talbi in the men's division and Meseret Belete Tola in the women's division, both achieving times better than last year's champions.
- The event aims to promote health and wellness on Chicago's West Side while showcasing local businesses, emphasizing community support and engagement.
On June 1, 2025, runners gathered in Garfield Park, Chicago, for the Bank of America 13.1 Half Marathon, a popular annual event that attracts participants from across the country. This year, the marathon showcased the city's West Side community, weaving through historic parks and neighborhoods, providing runners with a scenic view of local historical sites. The race began at 7 a.m. and featured a post-race festival at 8 a.m., further promoting health and wellness in the area. Mayor Brandon Johnson encouraged participants with a speech, emphasizing the pride and spirit of the West Side of Chicago. Eager runners took to the course that included loops through Humboldt and Douglass Parks, all while enjoying the energetic atmosphere from fellow community members. The event saw impressive performances from the athletes, with Zouhair Talbi emerging victorious in the men’s division and overall race, clocking a remarkable time of 1:01:08. His performance surpassed last year's winner, Peter Njeru, who finished at 1:01:46. In the women's division, Meseret Belete Tola secured the top spot with a time of 1:09:36, improving upon Joyline Chemutai's previous year's record of 1:11:45. Daniel Romanchuk continued his winning streak in the men's wheelchair division, securing first place again with a time of 43:43, beating his last year's time by just one second. In the women’s wheelchair division, Susannah Scaroni showcased her talent with a strong finish of 48:50. The day also highlighted inclusivity in sports, with Ricky Gupta winning the non-binary division by recording a faster time of 1:28:22, surpassing last year’s record held by Caleb-Michael Files at 1:32:36. Full results of the event are available on the official Bank of America Chicago 13.1 website, catering to those who want an overview of the day’s achievements. A key aim of the marathon is to promote health and wellness through running and local community engagement, drawing esteemed participation and attention to Chicago’s West Side. The marathon not only offered a competitive environment for seasoned athletes but also enabled varied members of the community, including international participants, to unite for a common goal of fitness and celebration. This community-centered event has been a stepping stone in advancing health initiatives and showcasing local businesses, thereby fostering community spirit. Furthermore, city officials and organizers express hope for future marathons to continue showcasing the vibrancy of West Side Chicago and its historical landmarks, contributing to a growing culture of fitness and wellness in the city.