Eliud Kipchoge crossed the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon finish line in just 2:04:11.

Despite optimism by race organizers and perfect weather, there would be no world record set in Chicago. The elite men didn’t even set a course record.

Sammy Kitwara finished second with a time of 2:04:28, and Dickson Chumba came in third at 2:04:32.

Kipchoge entered the race with the lowest personal best in the field, a 2:04:05 he ran in Berlin last year, good for sixth all-time in the world rankings. The 29-year-old Kenyan was expected to be in the running for one of the top spots at this year's marathon.

After Sunday's finish, he noted he missed his personal mark but still feels pleased with the result.

"This is a big marathon," he said. "All in all, I'm happy."

Kipchoge is fairly new to road racing after a successful career on the track but he already ran a blazing 2:05:00 to win the Rotterdam Marathon, despite windy conditions.

He owes his success to his supporters, he said.

"Thank you," he said to everyone in his home country. "Thank for your support, for pushing me. I appreciate everything. Hope to see you next year."