RUNNING

It's go time for the Chicago Marathon 2023. Follow along today to see all the action from the race and my thoughts afterwards. Thank you for all the support, it really means so much!
Strava Activity: / strava
Check out our awesome training plans to get you that PB you deserve!
benparkes.com/...
Kit from the video
Singlet - benparkes.com/...
Cap - benparkes.com/...
Rest Day Sweater - benparkes.com/...
The best running and casual gear with fast worldwide shipping! Use code KZbin for 10% off your order:
benparkes.com/...
Follow along on Social Media!
Second Channel - @benparkestheextramile
Instagram - / benparkes
Facebook - / benparkesruns
Twitter - / benparkes
Strava - / strava
Join the KZbin Channel / @benparkes

[@stuartwebster2203]

What an amazing run, not the time (it was great) but the old Ben talking to other runners, smiling, sharing and just enjoying the run. Congrats, glad to see you as a happy runner again.

[@lecristoph]

Couldn't agree more, Ben is such an inspiration, amazing youtuber and runner.

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Stuart! Was a lovely morning out there. 😀

[@amrunning1301]

Couldn’t be happier for you Ben, I hope you keep creating these amazing videos that inspire us so much.

[@charliekennedy1345]

Ben are you organising a shakeout run at New York in 2 weeks time? If so do you have the arrangements finalised yet?

[@doubled1509]

My sincerest condolences on the death of your grandfather Ben. I lost my Dad in March and my wife in August this year to cancer. Running is my saviour.mentally and just keeps me going. Great run sir. Stay safe and keep these fantastic videos coming and don't ever be afraid to show your emotions. It's what makes you what you are.👍💪

[@lizzyg4817]

So sorry for your losses ❤

[@DeeKay1911]

Stay strong man! Life sure is testing you but keep running and stay strong

[@tomdivasion7724]

Lovely message, sorry for your loss

[@Stewartuk73]

So sorry to hear of the death of your wife 😨🙏 I hope your family and friends are looking after you 🥰

[@priority3]

Take care

[@James-Henderson]

Sorry for your loss. My mum died unexpectedly on January 2nd this year. Running has helped me to get through the loss. I did Chester Marathon last week and got my first sub 4 with the help of your training plan. Thinking of my incredibly strong mum helped me to the finish.

[@Stewartuk73]

Huge congratulations James. So sorry to hear about your Mum 😢

[@James-Henderson]

@@Stewartuk73 thank you

[@hansteuwens1651]

THIS is the Ben I want to see. Getting it done with a big smile on his face. I am really happy for you. I did Chicago marathon too. And yes, it was such a great one. I enjoyed it so much that it took me almost 2 hours more as you did 🤣🤣

[@BenParkes]

Well done on your race too!! Lovely to hear you enjoyed it as much as I did!

[@abqp7158]

Well done Ben, you deserved success. Was there too, different league from you but also felt it was a good steady effort (PB). Went with pacers. Great to see footage, I miss so much when racing. Chicago is a fantastic place.

[@MrsHuntontheTrails]

So sorry for your loss and so grateful for this video. I lost my lovely mum a year ago next week and four days later ran the parkrun close to where she lived. Running and the community that surrounds it are what help so many of us to get through the toughest of times. Thanks to ‘getting it done’ (in no small part with the encouragement of your channel), I am at peace. After watching this video (with a few tears shed along the way) my husband and I agreed you are simply an excellent human being. Congratulations on your accomplishment in Chicago and we’ll continue joining you ‘for the next one!’

[@RashidaLeeLa]

This was such an emotional viewing experience. I could feel every emotion you were feeling Ben. I am so happy for you. And my sincerest condolences, to you and your family. I love that you dedicated this race to your Grand dad. 💜

[@JamesSmith-iz3pl]

So pleased for you Ben. What a run! Loved it when you said, "...at the back end of a marathon" and did it in 2:43! 🙂 That pace is way beyond my front end!

[@LunaBearFoxyRoxy]

I never cry at KZbin videos... but Ben, YOU GOT ME HERE! Your words really resonated with me. I don't have the belief in myself when it comes to running. I've never FULLY committed to it and i don't know why. Maybe i'm too ashamed of my body and how slow i am. BUT like you, i've just got to keep going through the high and lows... i will get there. You are amazing and INSPIRATIONAL. I've followed you for a number of years now, but i've never felt this proud! Love your videos... i'll see you, in the next one!

[@simongardner2066]

Found it similar if a lot slower (4:08) , very emotional to complete and get my 6 star medal , a great city and race . Congratulations on the time

[@bcockton]

That was a beautiful run Ben. All the emotion at the end with the dedication to your Grandfather. It was a great day to run Chicago.

[@massi888]

congratulations, well done. it is amazing that you can run a 3:54min/km and be able to talk like you are on a Sunday jog

[@nathankramer2080]

You are exactly right about not being able to have the highs without the lows. Way to go and bring on Valencia you are going to kill it!

[@makethebestofwhatsaround3113]

4:55. Ben makes an entire table of Chicago ladies scream with delight.

[@luisraposo872]

Good job bro, every time a watch a marathon on the tube I also get emotional. Everyone has a story I have watched yours proud of you bro!

[@Stewartuk73]

I was watching this last night and watched the end today. That run was outstanding. How you do that with commentating on the run is beyond me…! I am so pleased that you done well and you looked like you enjoyed every single second of that. I am sorry to learn of your granddad passing but obviously he would be so proud of you. With all your updates and regular activity I am sure I speak for many when I say it feels like we know you well when really we know a snippet of your life but today I feel like a proud parent watching you ! Thank you for sharing Ben.

[@mochiandaki4564]

I’m so sorry for your loss 😢 I was so weak and couldn’t go back to run for a long long time after I lost my granny so it must be uneasy to travel for Chicago marathon! Congratulations! 🎉amazing race video 👏👏👏

[@paulvymeris425]

Great work Ben! And... "5k to go - just don't want this to end": congrats - I believe you're the first person to ever say that in a marathon!

[@abqp7158]

I feel that too. It's such an investment for months and the event is over and a memory too soon.

[@ThatRunnerAaron]

Beaming from ear to ear watching the finish of this video Ben. Had one of the worst years of my life this year, lost my Nan in November last year, my mum in January & my grandad in august. Wasn’t a marathon, but I ran a 10k PB of 37:45 today & it was for them. Love this sport & love watching you & your amazing attitude towards it. All the best Ben. My first marathon next year!

[@deancollins6933]

I enjoyed watching your run far more than I enjoyed my own race! My Chicago marathon didn’t go fully to plan, didn’t really enjoy the race at all but got a close to 10 minute PR and an 8+ minute buffer on a BQ, so overall satisfied. Anyway, really great to see you back smiling and happy, and look forward to seeing what you can pull out of the hat in Valencia!

[@gusmontano]

Great to see you, Ben! I think that was me around the 1:00 mark saying “Let’s go, Ben!”, running down the sidewalk! Couldn’t believe my eyes it was you! All the best for Valencia mate, the US marathons will always be happy to have ya here! Onto the next. 🤛🏽

[@BenParkes]

Thank you for the cheers!!! We had such a lovely time in Chicago everywhere we went!

[@hobbyjogger9648]

Good to see you enjoying racing again mate. You're discovering the reasons why you started all of this in the first place! Love it.

[@shanemears81]

So sorry for your loss, he would be proud. Great running and great video 👍

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Shane 🤗

[@richybeattie]

Great stuff Ben. All those miles put in for UTMB giving you a massive base for this marathon and with no big expectations for Chicago, you let go and just ran. 2:45 doesn't surprise me one bit, you smashed it!

[@lissedacosta9899]

Amazing! You are an inspiration to all of us, you made your grandfather proud! I also ran the Chicago Marathon - 3:35 and 27 minute PB, had such a fun race, crowd was incredible 🙂

[@chrisjones3101]

So happy for you Ben. Thanks for sharing the lows and the highs along your journey. You are an inspiration to me-I’m 8 weeks post ORIF surgery for broken fibula and also torn deltoid ligament. Thanks to you I know that I can navigate this and find a way to smile and be grateful. Cheers and best of luck in NYC and Valencia.

[@BenParkes]

All the best for your recovery and return to running Chris. You'll get back to where you were and beyond I'm sure. 🤜🤛

[@maryela1980]

Why I’m I crying?He made me cry my eyes out. Congratulations for all your hard work Ben👏👏👏

[@bh4560]

Those emotions at the end of a marathon. I broke down hugging a guy who was helping me over the line at loch ness two weeks ago. So so nice of him. Great vid as usual ben 👊🙌

[@BenParkes]

Aww, well done on your finish at Noch Ness!

[@erinpropas4771]

Amazing run, Ben! Chicago was my favourite, ran it last year, the crowds and the volunteers make it so much fun!

[@alfdickinson1971]

Too legit to quit-absolute Champion Ben Parkes! Your Grandad must be eternally proud of you!

[@carolynolsen6988]

Congratulations! It was a beautiful day with PR's, BQ's and a world record. A truly amazing race. Well done!

[@edisonqavenido]

So happy seeing you win!!! Utmb became your fuel for this run! Love you man!

[@peterwoodford2376]

Sorry to hear of the passing of your grandad. Life and death brings huge pinnacles of emotion. But great to see you working through it and finding joy in running again! Chapeau!

[@rickyisajedi]

OMG sorry for your loss. We loved seeing you speeding by in Chicago! Come back every year!!!🎉

[@crannachan]

I am so sorry to hear about your grandad. I lost my granny on the 5th and it hurts a lot. Went to parkrun at the weekend and lots of people came up to hug me; I love the running community. Excellent video as always Ben. Thanks for taking us round with you! Loved you sneaking up on the guy in the BP singlet!

[@2spoons]

Superb work Ben and amazing progress since the injury - which feels like years ago now..... We'll done Again!!!

[@user-gz7my8xu9f]

Ben, you are so awesome. I always find value and inspiration in your videos. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. This video made my day. As a runner, I had tears of joy at the end just seeing how truly happy you were. I am glad you got to experience a great race and a great day. Congratulations and well done!

[@user-nd9gx1cu6x]

Well done Ben! You just keep getting it done no matter what. It was so nice to see a smile on your face after a run! Keep it up you are smashing it

[@ronmagierka]

For all of the Chicago Marathon coverages I have seen, yours is the best for inspiration and feelings. My heart will not let me run that far anymore but your courage and energy from this run will be in my conscience to carry on when I am struggling.

[@marccarlton2163]

So inspiring! Feeling the sheer joy of the big city races with the cheering crowds and all the other runners. And so sorry to hear of your loss, Ben.

[@misterbelll]

GREAT Run.....🎉🎉. Brilliant 5km times 👍👍. Well done to Sarah too🎉🎉 Sorry for your loss...😢 Enjoy the memories.....I never had any grandparents.....!! Aaahh😢

[@RunBeyondLimits]

Love it man!! Your joy is contagious and after some of the setbacks you have had this one really hit, rooting for you man!! Thankful for your vulnerability and authenticity on this channel. A Ben and Sarah US Run Tour, just a though ;)

[@mattsoutham]

This is what a Marathon at the comfortable end of your effort looks like. Been there and always enjoyed it far more than going for a big effort / time goal. Theres room for those days, But theres room for these days too. Imagine if you never ran a PB ever again, but every big city race felt like this?

[@paultimothyL]

Thanks for reliving a great day on the Chicago course!! 😁 I was a half-hour behind you but what a great day!! Keep pushing and making your great videos! 🙌🙌👏👏

[@BenParkes]

Well done on your finish too! Congratulations!

[@ankit-b]

Ben! This was such an amazing video to watch!! I felt emotional when you finished as well. It’s amazing how fast and happily you can run while talking to the camera. Way to get over UTMB (which am sure you will crush soon as well) Stay awesome till then!

[@metrazol]

Tearing up after, ya know, events, and it's great to see you back on plan.

[@Fortunate1990]

So very sorry for your loss. I'm happy you had a great race here in Chicago, and loved the recap vid! Keep up the fantastic work! All the best to you and Sarah!! 🤗

[@aarondavistx]

OMG the poor girl puking at the end. Ben, super pumped for you!!! It’s so great to see you happy and excited. Cheers man. Enjoy it!

[@gary_runs]

Great video Ben and great running!🙌🏼 So good to see you back!! You're looking so strong and looking happy/confident again! Well deserved Ben, You ran a 2:45 marathon training run!!! 💪🏼🎉🥳

[@jessruns123]

Had me emotional Ben! I’ve had a tough year, lost my dad, then my job, plus injury, topped off with a very tough Chicago Marathon. But You said it right, take the low with the highs. I love this sport and not giving up! Thank you for such an inspirational video!

[@kaileongsham7703]

Big Congrats Ben. I met you at Chicago Shakeout run. I used your plan and thank you so much I broke the sub-3 at 2:59:04 despite me not hitting all the paces in my training block. Thanks again. Will thank you in person when I see you.

[@georgeharris7578]

Sorry abour your loss Ben. The good news is the old Ben is back! Smilling, happy, talking to other runners and running great times! I'm so happy for you Ben mate 👍

[@scottcollier9178]

Well done, Ben! Great to see you running strong with zero pressure and putting in a great performance.

[@jaspsClimbing]

So so good to see you happy running with the Go Pro, honestly how you can do that is a skill at that pace. Very sorry for your loss 🙏. All the ups and downs, it a real challenge, so great to see your journey through it all. My favourite channel on the Tube 👊🤙.

[@Filo_Ed]

Congratulations Ben!!! You are an inspiration!!! I was close to tears watching you run and finish the race. Awesome job Sarah for the video too. Keep up the great work.

[@paulfulbrook8220]

Yes yes yes Ben!!!! Great run. You inspire so many of us, especially with how you fight back after disappointment and mental health dips. I've just started my own running challenge, running everyday from my 49th birthday (last week) to my 50th birthday. Keep smashing it!

[@christinaclementson]

What a fantastic video Ben. You really captured the atmosphere. I ran Chicago and was feeling rubbish, full of cold, but the crowds were incredible. You’re running so well, I’m excited to see what you do in Valencia. 🎉🎉

[@BenParkes]

Well done Christina on your marathon finish too. Hope you're feeling better now!

[@christinaclementson]

@@BenParkes Thanks Ben! Yes, I’ve finally stopped sneezing now 😁😁

[@frawees89_]

Congrats Ben! What a comeback after UTMB. Very proud of you 😊

[@bpg201]

Outstanding! Glad you had such a great day! Thanks for taking us along :)

[@joye914]

What a great video! It's bringing a smile to my face, wonderful to see you enjoying the run so much!

[@99cya]

such a great run. congratulations and its wholesome to see that you enjoy racing (again) so much. keep solid 🙂

[@thesecretrunner26]

Absolutely brilliant video: wonderful to see you enjoying getting it done so much! Go Ben!! 👏👍🏃🏻‍♂️

[@anthonymoy3159]

Fantastics. All the feels and good vibes!! An amazing day and city for a marathon!! Great video Ben!!

[@mikehobbs624]

Great run Ben! Emotional too. Thoughts are with you and your grandad. Good to see you back with a bang!

[@samdking]

Looks like that one really meant something Ben. Big props for being so open and sharing amazing moments like this one. Onto the next big challenge!

[@thescottishtraveller]

I saw this run on Strava when you did it and I've been meaning to watch this video ever since. Honestly, one of the most inspiring videos I've seen. Thanks for posting!

[@aroberge1]

Sorry for your loss. Wonderful "training" race. I could never run this fast, but you truly inspire me. May you and Sarah keep on going and have many more running achievements while truly enjoying the journey.

[@bildotunechi]

You earned that happiness. So glad to see things going your way again. Keep it up!

[@sdegelaen]

A brutal release of energy, emotion and motivation... and that's just me after watching the video 😂 #congrats

[@jamesware7763]

Great effort! Splits look solid and the last 10k breaking sub 19. Your positive energy reminded me of your 2 hr 35 at the London Marathon.. rolling back the years and very impressed. You can only get quicker. Running freely which is what it is all about 👍

[@davidjuson5608]

That was ONE for your grandfather. Well done. Not just the performance, also the blog, which was one of your best. Feeling good myself. Got a 10 mile PB at the Great South Run yesterday.

[@nicolasaunders1017]

Well done Ben, loved this video. So great to see the ups after the downs, and see you enjoy yourself

[@paulcutler149]

Amazing Ben - great time but so much more important was seeing you happy. I hope you realise how much you inspire not only through your efforts but for being such a decent bloke.

[@andyevans6136]

So happy to see you happy and having a great run Ben, well done, keep running and inspiring people.

[@Mr_Fairdale]

Sorry to hear about your grandfather, Ben. Prayers to you and your family ♥ 🙏

[@eab747]

I love your positivity and great to see how you dedicted this run to your grandad. RIP

[@mataibartlett6417]

❤ awsome. Could feel that emotion from this side of the world. 🙏

[@allenalexander5026]

You're amazing Ben!!! You make it look so easy! Congratulations on an incredible race!!!

[@travissperry8186]

Good on ya Ben! You are great inspiration to the running community 🎉

[@J0hn.Turn3r]

Great stuff, thanks for sharing - such a positive run! That aside, as others have said - sorry for your loss. Did him proud though!

[@almostaverageroger]

10:04 I’m not crying Ben. I’m not. Well done! Congratulations! Loves from Manila, Philippines 💙

[@lauraf5390]

Your complete joy as you crossed the finish line, amazing! Congratulations 🎉

[@mrohan91]

Love the energy Ben, it's so heartwarming to see you happy. Super happy for you.

[@barrydent5240]

Congratulations Ben! Great to see you loving running races again

[@raphaelkinney]

Wonderful racing Ben and so sorry for you loss. You clicked away so well out there, saw the leaders and stuck around for the 3hr pacers to come through around mile 8 and saw you in the crowd. Hope you enjoyed our wonderful city and looking forward to what's yet to come!

[@BenParkes]

We had an amazing time in the city! So friendly and welcoming everywhere we went. Will be back!

[@macau.friend]

Sorry about your loss! But it’s really nice to see the good old Ben return! And you are absolutely right! No highs without the lows. There is no spring blossom without winter.

[@rafaelpiarpuzan1435]

Congrats Ben. What an amazing run!!! You're my hero, my inspiration!! It was a great day to you in Chicago. It's good to see you with a big smile on your face. So many emotions. A big hug to you from Bogotá, Colombia. Keep on running Ben.

[@stephenrobinson4449]

Awesome , well done. Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@gmartfer]

See you in Valencia 🙌🙌🙌 Will be my first marathon, and amazing training its being thanks to your training plan 🤘🤘

[@kellysmith7100]

What an amazing run you had Ben, absolutely incredible well done so pleased for you 👏🤩🏃🤩

[@wilfriedkostbahn7681]

Great to see how well you performed and how you did enjoy the run. Good to have you back on the high side of life

[@timeonfeet]

Sorry to hear about your loss Ben, can't be easy at the moment. Great run out there and good to see you enjoying it.

[@framedman]

Running does that to you. You're an absolute legend. I'm really glad you still have the belief in yourself. B3st of luck for the rest of the season.

[@DJ_EVISON]

Discovered your channel a few months ago and I’ve learnt a lot from your advice. Got me emotional when you were in the moment during your race talking about your grandad and how running makes you feel. Definitely an inspiration to many. Keep up the great work! Plus I can’t believe your times you’re getting!! 2hrs 45?!?! Like that’s nuts and you’re not even giving it your all! 😰😆🔥

[@cristinaarceo9136]

Sorry for your loss Ben. And congratulations on nailing this marathon, it looked so much fun because you made it look easy, so inspiring. Super strong Ben, yeah!❤💪🏽🔥🎉

[@georgecorbett9322]

Bless you, Ben. Such a kind, caring and inspiring runner. I am pleased you had a lovely run. Take care.

[@JeffreyADavis-vy5qy]

You are very encouraging. I am thankful for runners like you. I am very sorry to hear of the death of your grandfather. I pray that you find comfort and peace as you grieve. Thank you for sharing your run.

[@peternorris9500]

That's the way to run a marathon. Thrilled for you and what a very welcome 'surprise'. Well done.

[@schoukri]

Congrats Ben! It's really great to see you so happy! You've had a tough year for sure but I love your spirit to keep working hard and believing in yourself!

[@jackieo-]

Love to see you in your element, Ben! Congrats on a huge win

[@runningwithstephen]

Nearly had me in tears at the end! Just pure raw post marathon emotion. An absolute thing of beauty and also sometimes our only way of dealing with loss etc. Doing what you love best and it all shines through. Great watch Ben. Well done!! (sorry to hear about the passing of your grandad also- it's never easy it it?)