© Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Chicago Marathon 2025: Jacob Kiplimo Closes In on the World Record
The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon once again delivered a world-class spectacle. In perfect weather and a charged atmosphere, the race produced exceptional performances: Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo won the men’s race in 2:02:23, while Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa dominated the women’s field with 2:14:57. Running only his second marathon, Kiplimo becomes the seventh-fastest marathoner in history, reaffirming Chicago’s reputation as the ultimate stage for record-breaking runs.
| A Blistering Start on Sub-2 Hour Pace
Right from the gun, with a light tailwind, it was clear the race would be fast. The men’s lead pack — Jacob Kiplimo, John Korir, Amos Kipruto, and Alex Masai — set off at a furious pace: 5K in 13:58, 10K in 28:25, well ahead of world record pace.
Behind them, the chase group — including Conner Mantz and Geoffrey Kamworor — held a strong rhythm around 2:03–2:04 pace. Ideal conditions (13°C, little wind) and a deep elite field fueled bold early moves on this lightning-fast course with just 74 meters of elevation gain.
At the halfway mark, the leaders crossed in 1:00:16, projecting a mind-blowing 2:00:32 finish — faster than the current world record. The pacers soon dropped off, unable to sustain the searing tempo.
That’s when the race dynamics shifted: John Korir, who had looked strong early, began to fade, while Kiplimo — smiling and visibly relaxed — surged ahead. After 1 hour 20 minutes of racing, the half marathon world record holder (56:42 in Barcelona last February) took control with a decisive move, leaving Korir behind.
By the 30K mark, Kiplimo was alone, cruising toward victory, passing in 1:25:31 — the fastest split ever recorded at that point in a marathon.
| Jacob Kiplimo Dominates, but the World Record Will Have to Wait
Out in front, Kiplimo looked untouchable, his stride lengthening with each kilometer. For only his second attempt at the distance, the 24-year-old Ugandan showed astonishing ease — until, inevitably, the marathon struck back.
In the final kilometers, fatigue crept in and his trademark smile gave way to grim determination. Despite slowing slightly, he crossed the line in 2:02:23, a new personal best and the 7th-fastest time ever.
Amos Kipruto finished second in 2:03:54, while Alex Masai rounded out the podium in 2:04:37, also setting a personal best.
The day’s other standout performance came from Conner Mantz of the United States, who finished fourth in 2:04:43, breaking a 23-year-old American record (2:05:38, Khalid Khannouchi, 2002). A huge result that confirms the growing strength of North American marathon running on the global stage.
| Hawi Feysa in a League of Her Own
In the women’s race, there was less suspense — but no shortage of brilliance. Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa, third in Tokyo earlier this year, took control from the opening kilometers alongside Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri.
The pair passed halfway in 1:07:30, before Feysa made her move just before 30K. Solid, consistent, and in total command, she broke away to win in 2:14:57 — the fifth-fastest women’s marathon in history, dipping under the 2:15 barrier. Megertu Alemu finished second in 2:17:18, while Magdalena Shauri claimed third in 2:18:03, setting a new Tanzanian national record.
It was an exceptionally deep women’s field, with five athletes under 2:20. France’s Mélody Julien delivered a brave effort. Taking a risk by running with a fast group on 2:21 pace, chasing the French record, she passed halfway in 1:10:44 before fading after 30K. She crossed the finish line in 2:27:08, far from her personal best but good enough for a prestigious 10th place in one of the sport’s great Majors.
| Chicago Marathon 2025 – Top Results
Top 10 – Women
1. Hawi Feysa (ETH) – 2:14:56
2. Megertu Alemu (ETH) – 2:17:18
3. Magdalena Shauri (TAN) – 2:18:03
4. Loice Chemnung (KEN) – 2:18:23
5. Mary Ngugi-Cooper (KEN) – 2:19:25
6. Natosha Rogers (USA) – 2:23:28
7. Dakotah Popehn (USA) – 2:24:21
8. Florencia Borelli (ARG) – 2:24:23
9. Gabriella Rooker (USA) – 2:26:32
10. Mélody Julien (FRA) – 2:27:08
Top 10 – Men
1. Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) – 2:02:23
2. Amos Kipruto (KEN) – 2:03:54
3. Alex Masai (KEN) – 2:04:37
4. Conner Mantz (USA) – 2:04:43
5. Huseydin Mohamed Esa (ETH) – 2:04:50
6. Seifu Tura (ETH) – 2:05:17
7. Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) – 2:05:31
8. Philemon Kiplimo (KEN) – 2:06:14
9. Rory Linkletter (CAN) – 2:06:49
10. Bashir Abdi (BEL) – 2:07:08
Once again, the Chicago Marathon lived up to its reputation: a fast, flawlessly organized race with a roaring, passionate crowd. Two years after Kelvin Kiptum’s world record in 2023, the city once again witnessed greatness. The athletes took bold risks, and the world record came tantalizingly close — but this time, the marathon’s unpredictable nature had the final word. Still, Jacob Kiplimo confirmed his status as the present and future face of the marathon, while Hawi Feysa joined the elite circle of women who have run under 2:15. Chicago remains Chicago — a legendary Major that continues to deliver extraordinary performances year after year. The next edition, the 48th Chicago Marathon, is already set for October 11, 2026.
✔ See the full 2025 Chicago Marathon results here.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
