Every October, the streets of Chicago transform into a moving celebration of the human spirit. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon returned this Sunday, October 12, 2025, marking its 47th edition. This historic race began its journey back in 1905. But it was later in 1977 that the marathon was properly established in its present edition. And since then, the Chicago Marathon has evolved into one of the world’s most celebrated marathons. But every year, it is not just elite athletes chasing glory.

Many popular faces from different fields and professions join hands to be a part of the legendary 26.2-mile run through the Windy City. The Chicago Marathon has been one of the most important pivot points in global distance running. It earned the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in 2024 for its “outstanding contribution to the history and development of road running.” Gradually, as the event gained popularity, notable personalities began to grace the occasion.

From reality stars to retired NFL players, the 2025 edition is set to feature an eclectic group of personalities. Among the notable entrants is Bryan Arenales. The famous television personality won Season 7 of Love Island USA just months back. Interestingly, this will not be the first instance of Arenales participating in a marathon. He last completed the Miami Marathon in February with a time of 4:00:52.

Next up, former NFL center Justin Britt, known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans, has turned to running as a means of reflection and recovery since retiring from professional football. Chicago will mark his first marathon, and his words offer a glimpse into his mindset. “Every mile has been a lesson. Every setback—a mirror. Every step—a reminder that growth takes time, patience, and faith,” Britt wrote recently. “I paused today just to take it all in…because moments like this don’t come often.” 

The course will also see local chefs Ben Lustbader and Sarah Mispagel, partners in both life and business, taking on the challenge together. Known for their Avondale bakery Loaf Lounge, the couple is running in memory of Mispagel’s mother, who passed away from Alzheimer’s. “When she was her best self, she was an avid runner. It brought her so much joy. So after she passed, I picked it up in an attempt to keep us linked together,” Mispagel wrote in a heartfelt post. “The amount of miles and tears I have given her in the last 14 years are too great to count. So here I am. Running another marathon for her.” Their participation on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association ties deeply to the emotional fabric of the event.

They will be joined by another former NFL player, Otis Hudson, who represented the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs. Hudson began running after retirement to stay healthy and reconnect with his Chicago roots. Completing the celebrity lineup is Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners. He will be competing in Chicago as his fourth World Marathon Major. Coached by Peloton instructor Becs Gentry, Simmelkjaer will run on behalf of NYRR’s Team for Kids. Interestingly, this includes a program that supports youth and community initiatives. And that’s not all. Even the culinary genius, Gordon Ramsay, too, secretly tested his limits as a marathon runner.

How Gordon Ramsay traded the kitchen for the marathon track? 

Gordon Ramsay, celebrated globally for his Michelin-starred restaurants and commanding television presence, pursued a markedly different challenge beyond the culinary arena. In his youth, Ramsay had ambitions of playing professional football with Scottish club Rangers. Unfortunately, injuries curtailed his dreams. 

But Ramsay did not give up. He redirected his discipline toward marathon running. And he soon got his reward too. In 2004, he completed the London Marathon in a personal best of 3:30:37. Ramsay described the physical and mental toll of the marathon with precise attention to its structure. “The hardest part for me personally is when you get to mile 20,” he admitted before the 2003 race. 

He recognized the distinctive stages of exertion, noting, “I’m great up to 15-16 miles and that’s where I really need the crowd to help me because 16 miles to 20 miles is tough, and then 20 miles to 26.2 is sort of dig in and hope for the best.” Surely, beyond the mere act of finishing, Ramsay’s engagement with marathons revealed an appreciation for the discipline demanded by sustained effort.