Can I Become the 1,000,000th Chicago Marathon Finisher? Chicago Marathon 2023

[@stevez3332]

I was the lucky guy to run with KO from miles 14-26. What a fun guy to be around. Not only did I have a 10 min PR but I had a 5 min negative split. The kofuzi effect 💪

[@irisjacobs6230]

Wow. What a cool experience and you got a PR to show for it. Congratulations!

[@bartekzielinski1645]

Congrats and kudos on the PB Steve! And I'm sure I'm not alone saying, very jealous you got to share those Ks with Kofuzi!

[@stevez3332]

@@bartekzielinski1645 i felt like i was holding him up but he assured me i wasnt so we just kept going

[@runmyworld]

Amazing time Steve. Be proud of yourself 🎉

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for letting me run with you!

[@kerry_runs]

Looks like a party disguised as a long run!

[@kofuzi]

can confirm

[@Veroweithofer]

Yup.

[@Veroweithofer]

That’s how I described it to my non running family. I had such a blast! It was my second marathon ever, and my first Chicago . The crowd s are incredible!

[@GreyJedi17]

Kofuzi always filmed his marathon race like it's a massive party.

[@plion3]

Thank you Chicago. You are awesome!

[@Martin-kc1xj]

"Finish 1,000,000th or get drunk trying". What a great video, and what a refreshing look at people of all shapes and sizes pushing hard!

[@kofuzi]

that is perhaps a better title

[@cjs519]

This is the most unhinged marathon video I’ve ever seen and it’s beautiful. This side of running needs more publicity

[@kofuzi]

I run about half my races and all of my trail runs like this

[@ntom5]

Kofuzi casually chugging beers and taking shots during the marathon, what a goat! Haha!!

[@kofuzi]

people were offering. I didn't want to be rude

[@Mikee013]

I can't stress enough how much I love these types of videos. They always seem to get me emotional. Running isn't always about a PR or a time. We run because we love it and because it brings us joy. I hope you can feel a bit of the joy you give to the world Mike!

[@bjbaumann]

Ko, I just think it's super cool that you ran with some people in a slower corral than you can certainly race. I'm sure you made a ton of people so happy to see you!!! First one in the bag for me in Chicago. 3:54:11 let's gooooooooo

[@kofuzi]

congratulations on finishing your first!

[@jackwright3098]

@@kofuziI am curious why you ran it so much slower than what you’re capable of doing. No hate! Truly curious. I feel like I might get antsy running at such a slow pace during a race (u and I have close PBs). But maybe it’s just a completely fun party pace and I should just relax and enjoy?

[@juliocesarmartinezsilva4395]

Mis respetos para este corredor se metió de todo en la hidratación y todo bien.

[@nickatnite16]

​@@jackwright3098he was trying to become the 1,000,000 finisher. To do that,it required him coming in at a certain time,that time is of course much slower than his pb

[@romrome]

It wasn't crazy until a shot of Malort was taken. You are a legend Mike 🙌🏽

[@kofuzi]

I’ve seen malort on the course for several years. Last year was the first time I’d ever tried it while running

[@romrome]

@@kofuzi Same here but I've never tried it on the course, let alone, outside of it because I've heard the stories. So that must mean, I am a "Non-Legend" lol. Congratulations again Mike, awesome video per usual 💯

[@ed_gaa6289]

In tears watching this, god it’s amazing what joy this sport can bring. From being a collegiate runner, it’s not often to have an experience like this with a race, to throw the time out the window, or place. Just run, enjoy the crowds, embrace each other. It’s a different joy that I hope to one day enjoy as I get older. Anyone can have this experience come to life. Thanks Kofuzi

[@kofuzi]

Thank you for you kind words

[@karatechop]

Impossible to not have a smile on my face watching another partython video. Reminds me that running isn't always about PRs. Sometimes you've just gotta celebrate this thing we do 🍻

[@kofuzi]

cheers!

[@ryandugan8246]

Such an amazing run! Was great seeing you with around 2 miles to go. You helped encourage me to pick up my pace despite how my legs felt and finished 4:40:15 two weeks after doing Berlin in 4:49:04. Neither were a PR, but I am so happy to have done two amazing races so close together!

[@kofuzi]

Great job with two back to back efforts!

[@TravelRunner]

Congrats to the gentleman you were running with who set a 10min PR! And thanks for sharing this video, Mike. Excellent work!

[@stevez3332]

Hey i appreciate the kind words, KO def shaved a few mins off my pace by just talking me through it

[@FordyRuns]

Unbelievable and thank you for including us ❤

[@kofuzi]

looking forward to when you'll be out on this course yourself

[@FordyRuns]

@@kofuzihopefully next year bro 😘

[@omgvics]

Oh man you captured the energy throughout the course perfectly. This was my 3rd Chicago and I felt like the crowd support was UNREAL! Also nice collision with Richard Issa, that guy is a walking party 🎉

[@kofuzi]

he seems to be everywhere, and it's always a pleasure to see him

[@kendraholloway]

This is the best video by far! Thank you for spreading so much love & joy to runners everywhere. Your energy is infectious!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@hahaheslop]

The joy on your face is so great to see, this is why we run! 🏃‍♂️🙂 I'm doing New York in Nocember, I can't wait! 💪

[@RunJLC]

Tbh I’m so impressed by how many drinks you could throw back and only be 133 seconds off from being the 1,000,000th finisher lol. One your best videos hands down…

[@kofuzi]

Hahaha!

[@junie2110]

I got so invested in looking for Steve - so happy he got a PR!!

[@kofuzi]

he ran like a champion

[@stevez3332]

I was beyond happy, sadly got sick for about 2 weeks after that seemed all the runners from Hot weather states did but it was well worth it, thank you.

[@davidfigueroa9115]

Sunday’s Chicago Marathon was my first ever marathon. I can confidently say that it was videos like this that you created in the past that kickstarted my running journey. Thanks for all you do and will continue to do for the running community!

[@nberkel]

I heard there would be the 1 millionth finisher this year, and looked up who it was even. The fact that you made an honest attempt at it is by far the coolest idea for a race vlog I've ever seen!

[@kofuzi]

It’s something I’d been thinking about for over a year

[@runmyworld]

You just keep giving @kofuzi. I don’t know how you do it but you always perfectly capture the real essence of the marathon in both the joyous and dig deep moments.

[@kofuzi]

Running brings out the best in people

[@Silos9195]

This immediately became one of my favorite marathon videos, right up there with your grandmas marathon one. Both for very different reasons, and both for great reasons.

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@vhyleung]

I was following your bib number and scratching my head when seeing the splits... and now it all makes sense. This looked like such a great change of pace (literally), and I'm sure the view from this vantage point was quite an experience! Great to slow down sometimes, and in the wider sense too. Cheers Ko!

[@kofuzi]

looking forward to seeing you out on this course sometime soon

[@ndk4]

Being a tour guide, celebrity, people motivator, party popper and marathoner at the same time. Man… thats what it takes to be Kofuzi

[@christianschobinger1131]

That was so much fun to watch and just a quick reminder how running should be all the time, thanks so much Mike, you are awesome 👏 😊

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@christianschobinger1131]

@@kofuzi always a pleasure to watch

[@illawgical]

Like a walk in the park for you at that pace! I definitely need to run a marathon at a slower pace one day to just enjoy the crowds

[@kofuzi]

highly recommend

[@JustHall87]

Okay now I wanna go back :( you had me tearing up! So amazing that you had such a fun time! I can see why people do Chicago over and over and over again. It’s perfect.

[@SarahOdeh]

I didnt realize you and I used to be neighbors! Ran my first Chicago Marathon Sunday and ran through the same series of memories. Stopped to take a picture at my old apartment and was flooded with memories of cheering people on in years past. It truly is an incredible experience and the atmosphere just makes it so much more enjoyable!

[@kofuzi]

Back when I was taking a break from running, my wife and I would watch the race go by from our windows, several stories up

[@TkONe22]

Honestly this back of the pack video was 1 of your greatest. You made it look like so much fun. Smiling while watching this the whole time. Great vibes.

[@ALRUMIE]

Truely inspiring, love the way you edit and tje whole narrative of the video. You inpsired me to try and run again in another World Major

[@kofuzi]

thank you

[@avandi9137]

Pakcik sepatu apa yg d pakai kofuzi tu..??

[@klaykuban]

Love the way you've been approaching some of these marathons lately.

[@ronoftroy]

❤❤❤ this video! A nice change-of-pace (i. e. light, non-serious) marathon video, especially since I ran it too! Reminds me why I/we run in the first place (fun!). Kampai! 😊

[@RunThePlanet]

Cracking job Mike 😄 so close to that 1,000,000, even better coming up with the idea 💡 and trying it, kudos !!

[@Dogwalkerdave]

Now that’s the way to run a marathon. Not every race needs to be a pr! Great vibes as always Michael! Cheers from Calgary, Canada

[@jeffhusman]

Hi Mike Kofuzi, thanks for the video. I enjoyed it so much. Regardless, you were not a million finisher but you certainly bring joy to Steve which managed to get his PR. I think I saw you around mile 21-22 somehow. You are a legend ❤

[@lindacutler1324]

I love this! The joy, the happiness - far more motivating than anything I've seen in a long time!

[@tnan123]

Looks so fun. What an attempt at 1 million and thanks for such a amazing video. Inspirational and great vibes throughout the whole race.

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Recovery pace- SO many recovery miles. I bet your legs feel brand new after all that recovery 😂 awesome video as always

[@kofuzi]

26.2 miles is always a long distance

[@ChrisLewisjusChris]

Funny .. bc I actually thought I was the 1 millionth runner bc I heard the announcer mention it as I was crossing the finish line 😅. Of course.. I wasn’t. That’s gotta be tough for a sub-3 person to run a full marathon at super slow pace. Much respect for stepping up to that challenge man. When I finally BQ, I’m gonna run a Chicago Marathon on fun-mode only 😂😂

[@kofuzi]

highly recommend

[@iamsillycaitlin]

Congrats on your 6th Chicago. Looks like you had fun taking it easier than you needed to this round while aiming to be the millionth finisher. It was my first world major. I reached my goal of breaking 4:30 (4:28:53)-although my facial expressions were nothing like yours (looked like I was pushing it, ha). 😂 It was so hard at the end, but it couldn’t have been a more perfect day.

[@kofuzi]

congratulations on a great finish!

[@iamsillycaitlin]

@@kofuzithank you 😊

[@jrochez]

What a great video and concept. The fun you have is infectious! Thank you for posting!!

[@ngocvun]

Kofuzi: It was great to meet you in-person this weekend, and just thank you for inspiring people like me in running. It made my marathon run that Sunday morning when I ran into you again with my Non-Elite Hat at the tent and said, “Yo, what’s going on” as I greeted you! Proud to say that I PR’ed my marathon time on Sunday by a whopping 16 minutes, after not having ran Chicago for 10 years. I’ll continue to train and be inspired by people like you, so thank you for everything!!

[@kofuzi]

That’s incredible! Congratulations!

[@ScottTuscher]

How you drank so much and still survived 26.2 miles is an astonishing feat in of itself. Haha. I think I would be dead. You’re a champion Ko! The energy you gave was intoxicating (pun intended 😂)

[@kofuzi]

It seems to burn off very quickly when you’re running

[@aarondavistx]

Such wholesome content. The internet needs more of this.

[@heathernadine94]

You are my favorite marathon story teller!🎉 My second half marathon ever is this Sunday (Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon) and you reminded me how much fun the courses can be. One day I hope to run into you at an event! 🙌🏽 Thank you for awesome content. ❤

[@jencreamer3486]

This was my first marathon and I don't think I've ever felt so good on a long run, even when my right quad decided to be on fire starting in mile 21. I was a bit slower than I wanted to be, but I enjoyed every minute of it. The crowds were incredible and the weather was perfect. It's super neat to relive it through your video even just two days later.

[@kofuzi]

congratulations on a strong finish!

[@rajkumarraosinhji1397]

Fantastic! You could do a Thurs podcast interview the 1M lucky winner. You are a role model. If I run like you, then I finish under 5-hours. Thanks!!!

[@kofuzi]

you can do it!

[@rajkumarraosinhji1397]

@@kofuziThanks, Coach K. I will take this as massive encouragement. Congrats again on the fun finish.

[@wilfredo-teyrosalesfotos]

I really enjoy your these "fun run" videos because you do great job bringing the energy and atmosphere of the race. These videos do not disappoint and thank you for bringing us through your hood!

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@mad8298]

That was hilarious!! A true testament to how good of shape you are in that you could get hammered on the course and still finish it in good form, albeit much slower than your normal pace. You came SO close to that millionth spot. Much more math than I would be willing to do for it. Congrats!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks!

[@LandoDaCommando]

Yo you made this look so Lit.....you should do more a FUNathons, where you go and have a goodtime and interact with the crowd. The whole thing just gave of good vibes 😎

[@duanetamashiro3359]

Another awesome marathon party video! Amazing that you got that close to being the 1,000,000th finisher. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@kofuzi]

it was worth the attempt

[@alexisbyday]

LOVE your videos! You just inspired me to sign up for my first marathon (Rotorua, New Zealand) and I haven't even done my first half marathon race yet haha.

[@kofuzi]

Have fun!

[@phap8]

Great seeing you out there on the shakeout run and the course. You've captured everything that i have missed trying to weave around people to make it under 4.

[@kofuzi]

Hope you had a great race!

[@andrewkim_47]

Honour meeting you at your shakeout and at the start line !!!! Keep doing you!!!! 😊

[@geertrombaut9336]

This was a great idea Mike. You really inspired me to run from now on, 2 marathons per year: 1 to go for PB and the other a bit more relaxed and to enjoy 101%! Was great to greet you last year around the 30k in the Chicago Marathon.

[@thecaptainchas2820]

Awesome video! That was such a fantastic weekend! World record and multiple course records, 1,000,000th finisher, thousands of big PRs (including for many of my friends and me), perfect running weather, and I even had a great time at the 5k using it as my shakeout. Your joy on the course was indicative of how great a race weekend it was!

[@kofuzi]

It was a very special weekend

[@Fistlegend]

I was so glad to see you in my wave! I appreciate the fist bump before the start. Keep up your great work.

[@charriso]

Honestly your Chicago Marathon videos are the only thing on KZbin that inspire me to do a full marathon someday.

[@kofuzi]

Hope you can experience it someday. Also, not-running marathons is completely valid. The half marathon distance is my favorite

[@ran671_]

Nothing fires me up more for running than your videos! When I think of Marathons, this video is exactly how I want to run a marathon. Thank you for all your content!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@grgr6720]

Love the research you did and how amazingly close you came to 1mil. A true villain masterplan! 😅🤣😆

[@kofuzi]

I love contests where no one else knows they are competing with me

[@LARKRunningUK]

Probably my favourite of all your marathon videos! Love the laid back, relaxed run and the fun you had doing this….👍🏻

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@markpetersen]

Love it! Looks like you had a blast!

[@kofuzi]

always a good time on this course

[@CR-ew9gl]

great vibes throughout, really delighted for the guy in the yellow top running with you, well done to him, amazing

[@jason.rams4]

That was an amazing video and looked like an even better time! I felt as if I was there! And you looked like Ko Choi out there calling out your mile splits and chugging beer and shots! 😂

[@kofuzi]

Trying to report every mile splitnis exhausting

[@clarity2115]

awesome! This is how running should be, one of my favorite videos on running I've seen, thanks kofuzi!

[@kofuzi]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jhlee9892]

This reminds me of all the pain and joy during the race last Sunday and makes me emotional. 😭Thanks for the great video! 👍

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@joehoh2448]

Great video - makes me want to run Chicago again (it's been 21 years). And I think this year's medals are the coolest looking yet.

[@meggi0401]

Loved your running so much!! Your positive energy is amazing. Getting ready for my full in ten years soon❤

[@davidgross7972]

What a great way to run a marathon! That looked like so much fun. 😂

[@kofuzi]

Highly recommend

[@alexandras3322]

Congrats! 🎉 So fun to run near you in a slower corral for a bit!

[@kofuzi]

great to run with you too!

[@Martha-fluterunner]

What a fun video. That’s all about nothing more than the pure joy of running, the camaraderie of the community, and…well…some alcoholic enhancement 😂😂😂

[@kofuzi]

so great to see you this weekend, Martha!

[@vsmak]

Sup Ko! Cheers to your 6th Chicago! Loved ya captured all the cheers along the course! Great work Steve! This was my first Chicago and I made sure to catch all the power boost along the way. Thanks for hosting the meet and greet and shakeout run. The waterfront route was so fun, pizza was delicious, and pizza shirts are epic! You were right it, Chicago is flat and fast, 13min PR feels pretty good.

[@kofuzi]

congratulations! what a great day!

[@massi888]

when i saw the new balance sc trainer in the racing kit i could not understand what was going on, now with 1000000 finisher goal i understand. it is nice to go slow sometimes, nice video, thanks for sharing

[@kofuzi]

it was all part of the plan

[@raja1949100]

I am always amazed and look forward to your running videos. They are fantastic and you do justice with them with fun, laughter, pure energy, smile, connection with others, and most of all you come of very humble. Thank you and wish you the best

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much for watching!

[@Runsteady]

So close!! Was really rooting for your 1m finish. Congrats on getting super close

[@kofuzi]

thanks for your support!

[@almostaverageroger]

I hope we could have that kind of crowd and support here in the Philippines. Just ran my first full marathon last 17th of September, got lots of knowledge from your channel. Congratulations Mike! 🎉

[@kofuzi]

hope you had a great race!

[@almostaverageroger]

@@kofuzi I did. Thank you 😊

[@producersrace3376]

Not me getting emotional watching this. So happy you were the whole race with that guy!

[@kofuzi]

he found me right around the half marathon mark and we ran the rest of the way together

[@ArbosPaula]

By far my favorite Marathon video ever 😂

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@gavinbraiden5985]

What an epic weekend for my first marathon ! Was great to meet you down at the bean with Ben and I got to finally catch up with all the Fordy runs legends! The bar has been set very high now for London in April!

[@kofuzi]

glad you had a great first marathon! hope to see you in London! 🤞

[@gavinbraiden5985]

@@kofuzi an unforgettable experience! Will keep an eye out for London shakeout details🤞👍

[@jollyroger1009]

Fun video! Great that fans got some selfies with you too, awesome. And congrats to your running friend Steve on his PB!

[@kofuzi]

Steve ran like a champion

[@johnellis2992]

Chugging Fireball. Now that's the way to truly run a marathon. Simply the best race video ever!

[@kofuzi]

It’s not a bad pick-me-up

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

The unexpected tour through your old neighborhood was a nice touch.

[@mlegrand]

Congrats on another finish Ko!

[@kofuzi]

thanks Matt!

[@sun.2801]

Fireball!!!🎉 what a fantastic time you had! Such a great video. I loved this marathon! And Chicago! Also terrific seeing all the YT folks at the shakeout runs!

[@kofuzi]

one of my favorite things is when all the people in my phone can be in the same place IRL

[@hommefield9612]

Your racing montages never disappoints. The video was captivating from beginning to end!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you!

[@stacylekar1217]

What a fun race!! The crowds looked amazing!! Cheers:)

[@kofuzi]

I had a good time

[@ginamcfarlen5545]

I think this was your best video to date! SO FUN!

[@Alski2000]

Probably the most I’ve seen Ko drink at a race and I’m here for it. Let’s go🎉

[@CannabisTechLife]

Such great vibes! Looked like so much fun. Encouraging to make me want to do this next year! I can't imagine drinking and running though haha. Cheers!

[@kofuzi]

only the bubbles bothered me

[@rickycolon4053]

What an enjoyable video to watch. I was laughing and rooting for you the whole time!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks so much!

[@wordmunger]

Dude, that was AMAZINGLY CLOSE! And you had SOO much fun doing it! If I tried something like that, I'd be off by half an hour!

[@kofuzi]

I have Steve to thank for keeping me on an even pace

[@signaturenil6984]

What a fun way to approach the marathon distance. It doesn’t always have to be a max effort going for a PB. It can just be another day doing a long run with amazing people and a fun challenge

[@terrillford7784]

Kofuzi it is amazing watching your growth. I remember when there was on 9k of us on your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@kofuzi]

It feels like not that long ago

[@terrillford7784]

@@kofuzi been a hell of a journey. Great job

[@ksteege]

Such a great video and such a great person glad to have seen you in Chicago - see you again in NYC!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks Kurt!

[@derbsruns]

Ok. This video just made me sign up again next year for Team RMHC. You're the man! I hope you have a shakeout in NYC!

[@kofuzi]

Look forward to cheering you on in 2024!

[@richardking1892]

Awesome. That’s probably my favourite Kofuzi video I’ve watched. Good vibes. Looked a lot of fun.

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@thenewsh44]

This was my first ever marathon and I was pretty nervous in my starting corral. But I saw you walking back through corral H and we said hi!! It calmed my nerves down a bit and made me so excited!! Love your videos! ❤

[@kofuzi]

Hope you had a great race!

[@thenewsh44]

I did thank you!

[@snowwalker9999]

Congrats Kofuzi! Great video. 🔥

[@dazdarren9926]

Such a fun race and weekend! It was a true pleasure to meet you Ko!

[@kofuzi]

so great to finally meet in person!

[@spou20]

Brilliant video, that's what running is all about. I've got so much to learn! 🤙🏽