Uganda’s long-distance prodigy Jacob Kiplimo delivered a performance for the ages at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, storming to victory in an astonishing time of 2:02:23 , the seventh fastest marathon in history. In just his second outing over the classic 42.195km distance, the 23-year-old redefined brilliance with a relentless surge through the streets of Illinois, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats and setting a new Ugandan national record in the process.
On a crisp Sunday morning in the Windy City, Kiplimo’s trademark poise and precision turned into pure power as he broke away from a loaded elite field just past the 30km mark. With the iconic Chicago skyline behind him and history calling ahead, the reigning World Half Marathon Champion displayed a masterclass in endurance, speed, and tactical excellence , crossing the line solo and unchallenged. It was a performance that sent shockwaves through the athletics world and marked a defining chapter in Uganda’s sporting story.
What makes Kiplimo’s feat all the more remarkable is the context: this was only his second career marathon. Having debuted in Valencia last year with a promising 2:04, few could have predicted such a quantum leap so soon. But Kiplimo, often overshadowed by East African rivals from Kenya and Ethiopia, has now emerged from their long shadows , not just as a contender, but as a force rewriting the narrative. And with Sunday’s win, he becomes the first Ugandan in history to win a World Marathon Major, an accolade that lifts the nation onto the grandest stage of global road racing.
The 2025 edition of the Chicago Marathon will be remembered not just for the fast times, but for the manner of Kiplimo’s triumph , controlled, clinical, and commanding. He made elite competitors look ordinary, floating through the miles with the same fluid grace that made him a world champion over 21km. With the Olympic marathon in Paris just months away, Kiplimo’s name is now firmly in the mix as a serious gold medal threat, and his performance in Chicago could well be the spark that ignites a new marathon era.
As the crowds roared and the Ugandan flag flew high over Grant Park, one thing became crystal clear: a new marathon king has arrived , and his name is Jacob Kiplimo. From the red tracks of Kapchorwa to the global marathon circuit, Kiplimo’s journey has taken flight, and after Chicago, the world will never look at 42km the same way again.
