Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a performance for the ages at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, storming to victory in only his second career marathon with a blistering time of 2:02:21, the fastest ever recorded by a Ugandan athlete.
The 24-year-old, already a double world cross country champion and Olympic bronze medalist over 10,000 meters, showcased his incredible range on the roads of Chicago’s famously flat course.
For much of the race, Kiplimo was on pace to challenge the world record of 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. Though he slowed slightly over the final four miles, his record-breaking run still secured the seventh-fastest marathon time in history.
Kiplimo crossed the finish line visibly exhausted, collapsing moments after sealing the win before being helped up to a rousing ovation from the crowd. His triumph marks a major statement in his growing marathon career and strengthens Uganda’s presence on the global distance-running stage.
Long seen as one of the most gifted distance runners of his generation, Kiplimo’s transition from track and cross country to the marathon has been swift and emphatic.
His 2:02:21 finish shattered national expectations and set a new benchmark for future Ugandan marathoners.
