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Mo Farah, the four-time Olympic gold medalist who won the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, will defend his title at this year’s race on Oct. 13.

Marathon officials also announced that American Galen Rupp, who won the 2017 race, will return.

Jordan Hasay, who became the fastest American woman to finish the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:20:57 in 2017, also will be in the field.

In the wheelchair race, defending champions Daniel Romanchuk and Manuela Schar are returning.

“We are thrilled to have so many champions in this year’s field,” marathon director Carey Pinkowski said in a statement. “Mo is an Olympic champion and he put on quite a show here last year, and we are excited that Galen has chosen the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as his comeback race.”

There had been speculation that Farah would leave marathoning and return to running track. He has won four Olympic gold medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters.

“Winning the Chicago Marathon last year was very special for me,” said Farah, who ran the eighth-fastest time in Chicago Marathon history (2:05:11), which also set a European record. “It was my first time to win a World Marathon Major and my time was a European and British record. I am looking forward to returning in 2019 to defend my title on the streets of Chicago.”

Farah, of Britain, finished fifth in the London Marathon with a time of 2:05:39 on April 28.

For Rupp, a two-time Olympic medalist in the marathon (bronze) and 10,000 meters (silver), this will be a significant comeback. He had Achilles tendon surgery after last year’s race.

“I could not be more excited to return to a city and marathon that is so special to me,” Rupp said. “After undergoing surgery following last year’s race, I have been pouring all of my energy into my recovery and returning strong in 2019.”

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Hasay is also on the comeback trail. After the 2017 race, she shut down her 2018 season because of two stress fractures in her foot.

“I am honored to return to the streets of Chicago,” Hasay said. “I love the fast course and exciting atmosphere, which I believe can lead to an attempt at the American record.”

Approximately 40,000 runners from more than 100 countries and 50 states will fill out the race, which courses through 29 city neighborhoods.

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