The Chicago Marathon is arguably the most ideal course for breaking records among all six World Marathon Majors. With just a 74-meter elevation gain, Chicago features the flattest course of the six. As a result, runners from around the world chase personal bests and even world records at this marathon. However, speed has nothing to do with the records set by Randy Burt, George Mueller, and Henry Kozlowski.

On October 13, 2024, 76-year-old Burt and Mueller will join 74-year-old Kozlowski for the 46th Chicago Marathon. Alongside them will be an estimated 50,000 marathoners, ready to run 26.2 miles on the streets of Chicago. While that alone will break the attendance record, no one else will come close to matching their consecutive appearance streak.

That’s because the Burt, Mueller, and Kozlowski trio have been running the Chicago Marathon since it started in 1977. Yes, you read that right, these three Chicago residents are the only three individuals in the world who’ve run every edition of the iconic course for 45 years without skipping a beat. Now preparing for their 46th year, the trio have no plans to end it anytime soon.

“One of my short-range goals is to do the 50th Chicago Marathon,” Antioch resident Randy Burt told the Chicago Tribune. The 50th Chicago marathon gold is a special one for the 76-year-old as it will mark his 100th marathon, and he’ll be 80. However, all three of them share the same goal of staying fit and active at the age where most people find it hard to walk.

“It’s basically a way to fight my battle against chronology. I intend to live forever or die trying,” said Kozlowski who hails from Wilmette. Besides passing a record no one can touch, Streeterville neighborhood’s Mueller and fellow runners’ dedication has even attracted the Chicago Marathon organizer’s attention.

Chicago Event Management’s Executive Director Carey Pinkowski hailed the trio as the “shining example of the spirit of the marathon.” While they have not won track and field championships or Olympic medals, Pinkowski considered them an inspiration for anyone willing to participate in the World Marathon Majors event. However, this year the event will honor another trailblazer.

The Chicago Marathon will honor another record holder.

In 2023, Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum made history at the prestigious Chicago Marathon. While the World Athletics Label Road Race is known for having some of the fastest courses, Kiptum pushed the boundaries of what was possible in Chicago. The elite long-distance runner completed the 26.2-mile course in 2 hours and 35 seconds, setting both a course and world marathon record in the process.

In fact, the performance immediately put Kiptum in the Olympic gold medalist conversation. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old never got the chance to shine at the Paris Olympics. On February 11, 2024, days before the ratification of his world record, Kiptum perished in a car crash alongside his coach. This year, the Chicago Marathon will honor the fallen champion.

“We challenge you all to set your own record as you run in his footsteps, on a World Record course.” the organizers posted yesterday on Instagram. The Chicago Marathon’s social media handle encouraged participants to pick “memorial stickers” before setting off on the 46th edition of the marathon.

Randy Burt, George Mueller, and Henry Kozlowski haven’t spoken about Kiptum. However, it won’t be a surprise to see them sporting memorial stickers. Yet, what do you think of the trio’s incredible streak? Will you be rooting for them to make it 50? Write your views in the comments.