Bashir Abdi Will Miss 2026 Chicago Marathon

The record-holding marathoner withdrew from the race due to a calf injury sustained in training.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Running

Expressive editorial sports illustration depicting a runner in mid-stride with motion blur and vibrant blue and orange hues. — Marathoner Bashir Abdi has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Chicago Marathon scheduled for October 11 following a calf tear sustained during training. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bashir Abdi will not compete in the 2026 Chicago Marathon, scheduled for October 11, following a training injury. The elite athlete sustained a small calf tear during a session in Flagstaff.

Why it matters

Abdi chose to withdraw to avoid compounding his injury, prioritizing long-term recovery over participation in the high-profile Chicago event. His absence marks a significant shift for the race field.

Abdi currently holds the European marathon record with a time of 2:03:36. He has secured two Olympic marathon medals, including a bronze from Tokyo and a silver from Paris.

The players

Bashir Abdi

He is an elite marathon runner who holds the European marathon record and has earned Olympic medals in the event.

The details

The decision to pull out was made after Abdi consulted with his medical team and coach regarding the severity of the tear. He aims to ensure his fitness is not compromised for future competitions.

2002: Bashir Abdi moved to Ghent, Belgium.
2011: Abdi's mother died from cancer.
2021: Abdi set a European marathon record in Rotterdam.
2025: Abdi missed much of the year due to injuries.
October 11, 2026: The Chicago Marathon is scheduled to occur.

Season Trajectory

Abdi's withdrawal alters the competitive landscape of the 2026 major marathon season. His absence leaves a void in the starting lineup that reshapes the expected pace and podium dynamics for the Chicago event.

The withdrawal removes a primary contender from the Chicago Marathon starting grid, impacting pre-race projections for podium finishers. Fans tracking elite runner performance will see a change in the field composition for the October race.

The takeaway

Maintaining long-term physical health is critical for elite athletes, even when it means missing highly anticipated competitive events. Proper recovery protocols are essential for sustained success in high-impact sports like marathon running.