Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo dominated the race from the 35 kilometer mark before going on to cross the finish line of the 2025 Chicago Marathon first in 2:02:23.
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| ATHLETICS UGANDA'S JACOB KIPLIMO STUNS KENYAN DUO TO WIN |
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a masterclass on the streets of Chicago to win the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, clocking an astonishing 2:02:23 — a new personal best — and firmly stamping his authority among the world’s greatest distance runners.
The 24-year-old Ugandan, better known for his exploits over the half marathon, outclassed a star-studded field that included multiple world medallists from Kenya and Ethiopia.
In doing so, he shattered his previous marathon best by over a minute, signalling his seamless transition to the full 42.195 kilometres.
How Race Unfolded
The men’s elite pack exploded off the start line at a blistering pace, hitting the 5km mark in 13:58, led by an all-Kenyan contingent of John Korir, Timothy Kiplagat, Amos Kipruto, Philemon Kiplimo Kimaiyo, and Jacob Kiplimo, who was then listed as Kenyan in early race data.
By the halfway mark, the lead quintet went through in 1:00:16, maintaining a predicted finish time of just above the two-hour barrier — dangerously close to world record territory.
At 25km, Korir and Kiplimo began to separate from the rest of the field, clocking 1:11:12, with Kipruto trailing by ten seconds.
The two then exchanged surges, but it was Kiplimo who decisively broke away shortly after 30km, producing a devastating burst that left even the seasoned Kenyans unable to respond.
By 35km, the Ugandan had built a commanding 70-second lead and was still running on near world-record pace, clocking 1:39:53 to Kipruto’s 1:41:05. Though he slowed slightly in the final miles, his effort was enough to finish more than a minute clear of his nearest rival.
He crossed the line in 2:02:23, the second-fastest time ever recorded on American soil, and a mark that will resonate across the global marathon circuit.
Kenyans Settle For Second and Third
Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon champion, finished second in 2:03:54, while compatriot Alex Masai surged late to claim third in 2:04:37.
American Conner Mantz delighted the home crowd by finishing fourth in 2:04:43, breaking Khalid Khannouchi’s 23-year-old American record of 2:05:38. In a touching moment, Khannouchi — the Chicago legend — was on hand to congratulate Mantz at the finish line.
- Mark Kinyanjui
