The 1981 Chicago Marathon was the fifth running of the annual marathon race in Chicago, United States and was held on September 27. The elite men's and women's races were won by Americans Phil Coppess (2:16:13 hours) and Tina Gandy (2:49:39). A total of 4252 runners finished the race, an increase of over 600 from the previous year.^[1]

Results

Men

Position	Athlete	Nationality	Time
	Phil Coppess	United States	2:16:13
	Tony Shockency	United States	2:17:15
	Frank Shorter	United States	2:17:27.7
4	Robert Busby	United States	2:17:44
5	David Hinz	United States	2:18:03
6	Kevin Higdon	United States	2:19:37
7	Joseph Sheeran	United States	2:20:15
8	Garry Bjorklund	United States	2:20:26
9	Gerald Krane	United States	2:22:22
10	John Wellerding	United States	2:23:35

Women

Position	Athlete	Nationality	Time
	Tina Gandy	United States	2:49:39
	Charlene Groet	United States	2:56:33
	Betty Johnny	United States	2:58:05
4	Betty Hite	United States	2:58:58
5	Sue Petersen	United States	2:59:16
6	Karen Bukowski	United States	3:04:47
7	Moo Thorpe	United States	3:05:40
8	Jayne Schiff	United States	3:06:43
9	Patricia Elmer	United States	3:06:46
10	Peggy McAleer	United States	3:08:38