Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a career-defining performance in Chicago on Sunday, storming to victory in the men’s marathon with a personal-best time of 2:02:23, a new national record and the seventh fastest marathon ever run. Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa was equally dominant in the women’s race, claiming her first World Marathon Major title with a commanding win.
For much of the race, Kiplimo flirted with the world record pace, setting a blistering tempo through the streets of Chicago.
Although the record ultimately eluded him, the 24-year-old left no doubt about his dominance, crossing the finish line a full 1 minute and 31 seconds ahead of his closest challenger, Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon champion.
Kiplimo’s time not only shattered Uganda’s national record but also confirmed his growing status as one of the sport’s elite marathoners.
Kenyan Alex Masai came in third with 2:04:37, while American Conner Mantz placed fourth, breaking the U.S. national record with a remarkable 2:04:43, besting Khalid Khannouchi’s 2002 mark of 2:05:38.
The victory capped off a spectacular season for Kiplimo, who earlier this year became the first man to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes.
He also finished second in his marathon debut in London and owns Olympic and World Championship bronze medals in the 10,000 meters. Now, he adds a World Marathon Major title to his fast-growing résumé.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa stamped her arrival on the world stage with a dazzling win, clocking 2:14:56, the fifth-fastest time in Chicago Marathon history. Her compatriot Megertu Alemu followed in second, more than two minutes behind, while Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri completed the podium in third with a time of 2:18:03.
Feysa’s victory marked a major breakthrough in her career, showcasing not only her speed but her ability to control the race from start to finish.
With Kiplimo’s emphatic win, Uganda continues to rise on the global distance running stage.
