Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo put on a masterclass in distance running on Sunday, storming to victory at the Chicago Marathon with a commanding time of 2:02:23 — the fastest of his career and his first major marathon win.
The half-marathon world record holder, competing in only his second marathon, broke away at the 30-kilometre mark and never looked back.
He crossed the line one minute and 31 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, while Alex Masai — also from Kenya — completed the podium in 2:04:37.
“It’s a big achievement for me,” Kiplimo said after the race. “I came here to win, and I believe I can go even faster next time.”
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa delivered a solo masterclass, pulling clear in the final stages to win in 2:14:56, smashing her personal best by more than two minutes.
Her compatriot Megertu Alemu finished second in 2:17:18, while Magdalena Shauri of Tanzania claimed third in 2:18:03.
“Winning here, it’s been amazing,” Feysa said through a translator. “I worked really hard for this victory.”
Chicago’s flat and fast course once again lived up to its reputation. Although no world records fell this year, American Conner Mantz electrified home fans by breaking Khalid Khannouchi’s 23-year-old U.S. record, finishing fourth in 2:04:43.
In the wheelchair division, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug continued his dominance, finishing in 1:23:20, while American Susannah Scaroni edged Swiss rival Manuela Schar in 1:38:14.
Kiplimo’s triumph cements his rise among the new generation of marathon greats — and sends a warning shot to the world ahead of next season’s major races.
