Top distance runner Moses Mosop to run in Bank of America Chicago Marathon

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KenyaÕs Moses Mosop, the debut marathon world record holder.

Updated: June 21, 2011 8:07AM

Kenya’s Moses Mosop, who ran the second fastest marathon ever recorded, has signed on to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.

Mosop, 26, ran his first marathon in Boston earlier this year and finished in 2:03:06 — the fastest marathon ever run by a first-timer and the second fastest marathon time ever.

He finished second and was four seconds slower than fellow Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai, who ran the fastest time ever in 2:03:02.

The records, however, were not officially recognized by the IAAF and (the sports governing body) because Boston’s course has an overall downhill slope and is a straight point-to-point route, which offered Mosop a tailwind that day, according to Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski.

“I want to run a 2:02 in Chicago,” said Mosop, who arrived at O’Hare Airport on Wednesday afternoon from Nairobi to check out the race course.

If he succeeds, the time would be official, because Chicago’s marathon course is flat and runners follow a looped route — meaning they are just as likely to face a headwind as a tailwind, Pinkowski said.

Mosop, who runs 15 miles every morning and evening to train, wanted to eat at a Chicago steakhouse Monday.

Beef is a dietary staple for Mosop, who tends to his farm and seven cows when he is not running.

But it’s his wife, Florence Kiplagat, an accomplished runner in her own right, and a 3-year-old daughter, who keeps his mind busy while his legs churn.

“When I run, I think of them,” Mosop said.

Mosop will be one of about 25 world-class male runners in the Chicago marathon.