Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo returns to the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, seeking consecutive titles after a remarkable progression that has brought him within touching distance of the two-hour barrier.
The 25-year-old headlines a competitive men’s elite field featuring Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha and two-time Tokyo Marathon champion Tadese Takele.
Kiplimo returns to Chicago with a personal best of 2:00:28, having improved his marathon time in each of his three appearances since April 2025.
His latest performance makes him the third-fastest marathon runner in history, behind Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe and Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha.
The Ugandan won last year’s Chicago Marathon in 2:02:23, recording the second-fastest winning time in the event’s history.
That victory came just six months after his marathon debut in London, where he finished second in 2:03:37.
He returned to London in April 2026 and clocked 2:00:28, finishing third despite producing a new Ugandan national record.
Sawe won that historic race in 1:59:30, becoming the first athlete to officially complete a marathon inside two hours.
Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, with Kiplimo also running faster than the previous world record of 2:00:35.
Kiplimo’s improvement from his marathon debut now stands at three minutes and nine seconds, highlighting his rapid development over 42.195km.
His latest time is also seven seconds faster than Chicago’s course record, established by the late Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
Beyond the marathon, Kiplimo has enjoyed another outstanding season across different distances.
He claimed his third consecutive World Cross Country Championships title before setting a half marathon world record of 57:20 in Lisbon.
Although that half marathon record has subsequently been improved, the performance further demonstrated his exceptional endurance and speed.
Kiplimo believes his experience of Chicago’s fast course could strengthen his chances of retaining the title.
“Winning Chicago was a special moment, but defending the title means even more,” Kiplimo said.
“My preparation has given me a lot of confidence, and having raced this course before is a real advantage.”
“Right now, I believe I’m capable of competing with anyone in the world,” he added.
Kipruto leads strong Kenyan and Ethiopian challenge
Kenya’s Amos Kipruto emerges as Kiplimo’s closest challenger, having finished second behind the Ugandan in Chicago last year.
The 2022 London Marathon champion also finished third in Chicago in 2024, demonstrating his consistency on the American course.
Kipruto arrives with a personal best of 2:01:39, achieved when finishing fourth at this year’s London Marathon.
That performance placed him immediately behind Kiplimo, setting up another intriguing contest between the East African rivals.
Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha brings a personal best of 2:03:17, recorded during his victory at the 2024 Berlin Marathon.
His compatriot Tadese Takele, meanwhile, arrives as a two-time Tokyo Marathon champion following victories in 2025 and 2026.
Takele has a personal best of 2:03:23, placing him among the six entrants who have broken 2:04.
Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko, who clocked 2:03:44 in Tokyo this year, adds further depth to the challenge.
Ethiopia’s Asrar Hiyrden, with a personal best of 2:03:59, is another contender capable of challenging the established favourites.
Kenyan Alex Masai returns after finishing third behind Kiplimo and Kipruto in Chicago last October.
American Charles Hicks also enters the contest following his 2:04:35 performance at the Boston Marathon earlier this year.
The American field additionally features former Chicago champion Galen Rupp and Olympic marathon runner Clayton Young.
Chicago course record provides additional motivation
Beyond defending his crown, Kiplimo has an opportunity to challenge one of marathon running’s most celebrated course records.
Kiptum’s 2:00:35 performance in Chicago in 2023 was the world record until Sawe’s historic London victory this April.
Kiplimo’s personal best is already faster, although bettering the Chicago record will depend on race conditions and competition.
The 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon starts and finishes in Grant Park, with more than 55,000 runners expected.
The professional men’s race begins at 7:30am Chicago time, equivalent to 3:30pm in Uganda.
A second successive victory would further establish Kiplimo among marathon running’s leading competitors while reinforcing Uganda’s growing distance-running reputation.
However, overcoming Kipruto and a formidable Ethiopian challenge remains his immediate priority as Chicago prepares for another compelling marathon showdown.