Uganda’s star long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo delivered a stunning performance to win the 2025 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, 12 October, clocking 2:02:23 — the second-fastest time ever recorded on the Chicago course.
Kiplimo’s time sits just behind the late Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world-record run of 2:00:35, cementing the Ugandan’s place among the world’s elite marathoners.
The Kenyan pair Amos Kipruto and Alex Masai finished second and third respectively, with Kipruto crossing in 2:03:54 and Masai following closely behind.
For his dominant victory, Kiplimo pocketed $100,000 (about Shs342 million), while Kipruto and Masai earned $75,000 (Shs256 million) and $50,000 (Shs171 million) respectively.
It was a masterclass in endurance and timing from Kiplimo, who ran smartly behind the lead pack in the early stages before surging ahead midway through the race. Despite a brief slowdown in the final miles, he maintained a commanding lead to seal the win in style.
His performance also set a new Ugandan national record, smashing his previous best of 2:03:27, achieved at the London Marathon in April 2025, where he claimed silver.
Kiplimo’s 2:02:23 now ranks as the seventh-fastest marathon time in history, reinforcing his growing reputation as one of the greatest distance runners of his generation.
