Russian wins second Chicago Marathon in a row

Lilia Shobukhova has once again proved herself queen of the Illinois roads, with the Russian winning the Chicago Marathon for the second straight time.

It was a hotter-than-comfortable day for the field at one of the five World Marathon Majors, but the temperatures did not seem to affect Shobukhova at all.

The 32-year-old paced herself early on, falling half a minute behind leader Astede Baysa of Ethiopia at one stage.

But the Russian had plenty in reserve, eventually storming to victory by over three minutes, with the time of 2:20:25.

Following her win in London in April, Shobukhova takes the overall title, and with it half a million dollars.

“I can't even believe I have all this money,” the winner said after the finish.

Another Russian, Maria Konovalova, was third, showing the time of 2:23:50.

The event also marked a special double, with last year's winner in the men's event, Kenyan Sammy Wanjiru, retaining his crown as well.