Competitors will race in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon's professional elite wheelchair field to secure one of four spots on the US Paralympic Team, with the top two male and female American finishers profiting. 

In addition to racing for a place on Team USA, athletes will be competing against an international field vying for the championship of the first Chicago-New York Challenge, which will serve as a prelude to the inaugural Abbott World Marathon Majors Wheelchair Series.

"We are proud to host the 2016 US Paralympic Team Trials and witness America’s best athletes compete for a chance to represent Team USA in Rio,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

"With the trials and the Chicago-New York Challenge, Chicago will be a focal point for disability sport this fall, and we are honoured to play a role in elevating attention paid to these tremendous athletes."

Headlining the American field are 2014 Chicago Marathon champions Tatyana McFadden and Josh George.

McFadden and George, both of whom hail from the storied University of Illinois (U of I) wheelchair racing team, will return to defend their titles and work towards securing their positions in Rio.

George has taken home a total of four Paralympic medals to date, including gold in the 100 metre T53 competition at Beijing 2008, while McFadden has captured three gold, four silver and three bronze medals across three Summer Paralympic Games appearances. 

Last year, McFadden diversified her skills when she broke into cross-country skiing and took home a silver medal in her first appearance at a Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi.

"The competition in Chicago will be even more exciting this year with the addition of the US Paralympic Team Trials and the Chicago-New York Challenge," said McFadden, of Clarksville, Maryland. 

"It's an amazing opportunity to be in a position to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Games, but to do it on what I consider my hometown course makes it all the more meaningful."

Fellow U of I team mates are challenging McFadden and George for a spot on Team USA and competing for a Chicago win, including Amanda McGrory and Adam Bleakney.

"Team USA’s wheelchair racers have a strong tradition of excellence in the marathon, and we are excited to see our first track and field athletes punch their tickets to Rio on the streets of Chicago," said Rick Adams, chief of Paralympic Sport and National Governing Body Organisational Development.

"The Chicago Marathon always puts on a world-class event for our athletes, and we know that they will serve as excellent hosts for our first trials for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games."

Karen Tamley, the Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, added: "Each year, Chicago is honoured to host incredible athletes competing at all levels in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

"This year, we are proud to see an international spotlight on our city as wheelchair racers compete for an opportunity to represent the United States on a global stage."

For a complete roster of athletes competing in the trials, click here. 



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October 2014: Wheelchair racers George and McFadden reign supreme in Chicago once again
April 2014: Van Dyk and McFadden win Boston Marathon wheelchair race
April 2014: McFadden takes women's wheelchair London Marathon title just weeks after Sochi success
March 2014: George and Roy secure inaugural New York Half Marathon wheelchair titles