CHICAGO (MCT) — The number taunted Tsegaye Kebede. He had been one of the world’s best marathoners since winning a 2008 Olympic bronze medal, had wins and second places in some of the world’s top races, yet the 25-year-old Ethiopian always wondered when he would realize a dream of having the clock read 2:04-something when he finished.

Sunday seemed a perfect day for Kebede to do that. He likes cold weather, and it was 41 degrees when the race began and only 5 degrees warmer when the leaders finished. He knew the men’s field in the 35th anniversary Bank of America Chicago Marathon had so many fast runners the competition and the designated pace-setters figured to give him a chance for a hot feat.