Ethan Woodhead finished the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday in 2:31:31, a personal best. He placed 247th overall and 229th among men, according to Sportsidioten. The Guernsey runner had aimed for a time of roughly 2:30.
Woodhead also has a competitive triathlon background: he was part of Guernsey’s men’s team that won bronze at the 2025 Island Games, reported Bailiwick Express.
Before the race, Woodhead’s uncle, Phil Woodhead, sought support for his nephew in a Facebook group for marathon runners and spectators. NBC 5 Chicago reported that the post drew thousands of likes and hundreds of comments and shares. The station also reported that Megan Arseneau-Schutzbach encouraged people to support Woodhead in an Instagram post.
NBC 5 reported that Woodhead said spectators’ support helped him through the course, and that his uncle later described the response as an act of kindness. These details are from the station’s reporting; no independent interview was conducted for this article.
The Chicago Marathon’s scale provides context for the crowds: organizers estimate that about 1.7 million spectators line the course each year, which passes through 29 neighborhoods, according to the race’s official site.
Permits and street closures
Chicago’s general permitting rules cover outdoor events that close streets. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events says permits are required for outdoor events with street closures, including athletic events, according to its 2025 guide. The guide establishes the permit requirement but does not detail the arrangements for this race.
