MYLAPS BibTag technology captures new World Record at the Chicago Marathon

Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich made history at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon by smashing the world record. She completed the race in an incredible time of 2:09:56, nearly 2 minutes faster than the previous record. The race was timed with the MYLAPS BibTag System and marked the first marathon world record timed with the BibTag Smart Decoder.

The fastest marathon timing system in the industry

MYLAPS partners were in Chicago to capture every second of the race with the BibTag System and it marked the first-ever world marathon record captured using the BibTag Smart Decoder. There were 46 BibTag Smart Decoders used to time the iconic race. The BibTag System is the standard timing solution for mass running events with affordable chips and the highest read rates in the industry. The latest innovation, the BibTag Smart Decoder was developed to make the life of timers easier, with its lightweight, user-friendly interface and optimal performance.

MYLAPS technology was once again used to time this major event and play its part in yet another record. Last year it was used to capture the previous record held by Tigist Assefa at the Berlin Marathon and the men’s marathon record, which is still held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, who ran the Chicago Marathon last year in an incredible 2:00:35.

Timing Setup

Timing checkpoints were positioned at the start line, at each 5K, at the halfway point (13.1 miles), and at the finish line. When participants run over the MYLAPS detection mats at these split points, the ThinTag timing device located on the bib will register split times. Timing Operations & Logistics were led by our MYLAPS US Partner, The Last Mile Racing. Additional timing support was provided by Precision Timing, Appalachian Timing, MTEC Results, Racing Expectations, Last Time Out, Advanced Sports Timing, and Timer Guys.

The fastest marathon course in the world

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and fast course and is officially the world's fastest marathon course holding both the men’s and women’s world records. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. The course has produced world records, national records, and countless personal bests. Runners enjoy the support of 1.7 million spectators as they run through 29 neighborhoods in the city, including Lakeview, Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown, and Bronzeville.

About The Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Bank of Americas Chicago Marathon is one of the six Abbott World Major Marathons and is a World Athletics Platinum Label road race. Known for its flat and fast course, it is one of the most well-renowned marathon courses in the world. The first Chicago Marathon took place in 1977 when it hosted 4,200 local participants. The race has since expanded to more than 50,000 finishers in 2024 and an estimated 1.7 million on-course spectators.

About The Last Mile Racing

The Last Mile (TLM) is a premier race timing company in North America serving races across the US. Headed by Kyle Dunnack, Owner of The Last Mile Racing and Timing Lead for the Chicago, Boston, and Houston Marathons, our team is composed of industry professionals with years of event experience. TLM brings a history of collaborative integration with industry professionals and a reputation of integrity and excellence in timing operations to each event we serve.