Mo Farah returning to Chicago to defend marathon title

Sir Mo Farah will defend his Chicago Marathon title in October, virtually ending any speculation linking him with a track return.

Farah declined a chance to contest the marathon at this year's World Championships in Doha, which led to suggestions he could run the 10,000m – the distance over which he won two of his four Olympic titles – ahead of next year's Games.

However, Farah has confirmed he will run in Chicago on October 13, a week after the World Championships end.

"Winning the Chicago Marathon last year was very special for me," Farah said in a statement.

"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.

"It is a fast course with good organisation. I expect they will recruit a strong field to make it a great race."

Farah won in 2018 in a time of two hours, five minutes and 11 seconds but finished fifth in last month's London Marathon.