Uganda’s long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo delivered a masterful performance at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, storming to victory in 2:02:23 , the seventh-fastest time in marathon history and a new Ugandan national record.
The 24-year-old showcased complete command throughout Sunday’s race, outpacing a stellar field that included Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, who battled hard but ultimately settled for second place after a gripping contest through Chicago’s streets.
Kiplimo’s triumph marks a historic first for Uganda the nation’s maiden World Marathon Major title. The performance not only underlines his extraordinary range across distances but also cements his place among the sport’s elite.
Just six months after a sensational marathon debut in London, where he finished runner-up, Kiplimo combined tactical brilliance with remarkable endurance to dominate in only his second career marathon.
He hit the halfway mark in an astonishing 60:16, briefly flirting with world-record pace. Though he eased slightly in the final kilometres, Kiplimo remained firmly in control, breaking away decisively to secure victory with composure and confidence.
“To come here and win this race is a big achievement for me,” Kiplimo told reporters afterward, adding that he’s “hungry to go even faster.”
His Chicago triumph adds another glittering chapter to Uganda’s growing distance-running legacy, joining his Olympic and World Championship titles and confirming Kiplimo as one of the most versatile distance runners of his generation.
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