The faith community of Chicago celebrated the successful conclusion of the first Chicago Bible Marathon 2025, a historic event in which the entire Bible was read aloud, without interruption, for a total of 90 hours, 37 minutes, and 48 seconds.
The marathon began on November 19, 2025 at 8:03:51 AM, under Chicago’s crisp morning skies. The opening reading of Genesis chapter 1 was delivered by Pastor James Doggette, representing the Lake Region Conference. Immediately after, Chicago’s 12th Ward Alderman Julia Ramirez, accompanied by her husband, read chapter 2, marking the official launch of this citywide celebration of Scripture. Over the next four days, nearly 200 readers, including pastors, church members, and friends from the community, took their turn, one after another, becoming living links in an unbroken chain of faith. The Scriptures were read in five different languages, publicly proclaiming all 1,189 chapters and 31,102 verses of the Old and New Testaments to the city of Chicago.
The marathon reached its profoundly moving conclusion in the early morning hours of November 23 at 2:41:39 AM. The final four chapters of the book of Revelation were read by Pastor Eduardo Mack, supported by the heartfelt presence and reverence of the gathered congregation. In the final verses, the women stood together to read verse 19, the men proclaimed verse 20, and the entire congregation, as one united body, read verse 21, creating an unforgettable and deeply emotional closing moment. The ceremony concluded with a powerful and spontaneous rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah,” lifting the atmosphere into a soaring expression of worship.
This event also aligned with the national observance of National Bible Week, first established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who encouraged public Scripture readings in uncertain times as a way to strengthen the nation’s values, faith, and hope.
“Even amid chaos, unrest, distress and multiple challenges, the Bible remains our steadfast foundation, guiding every heart with enduring truth.” said Pastor Eduardo Mack. The Chicago Bible Marathon 2025 stands as a testament that, even amid today’s challenges, the Word of God continues to inspire, unite, and fortify communities across Illinois and beyond. “Our theme this year is ‘One Voice. One Word. One Hope.’” Pastor Mack added. “It captures the very essence of this event — different people, different languages, and different stories, all united by one eternal Word.”
The Bible Marathon Chicago 2025 is part of a growing national movement celebrating the enduring relevance of Scripture in public life. As Jesus said at the close of the Sermon on the Mount:
“Whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
