Jacob Kiplimo steps into Sunday’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon with the quiet confidence of a man ready for his moment.
The Ugandan half marathon world record holder has long ruled the shorter road distances, and now, under Chicago’s cool October skies, he looks set to prove himself over the full 42.195 kilometers.
While many of his rivals have spent the year competing on the global circuit, Kiplimo chose a different path.
The 24-year-old skipped the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, just like compatriot Joshua Cheptegei to focus entirely on marathon training.
He believes that decision has given him the edge to finally master the distance.
“Everyone asks if I’ll go under 2:01 in Chicago,” Kiplimo said with a grin at Friday’s press conference.
“But I’m not chasing a number. I just want to improve on my 2:03, feel strong, and run my best race.”
Behind that modest smile lies months of brutal preparation. For his marathon debut in London, Kiplimo averaged 200 kilometers per week, already a heavy load. This time, he’s gone even further.
“For Chicago, I averaged 250 kilometers weekly, sometimes up to 300,” he revealed. “My legs have adapted well. I feel good. I’m ready.”
That readiness will be tested by Kenya’s John Korir, the reigning Chicago and Boston champion, who returns chasing history.
Korir, fresh off a 2:02:44 last year, hopes to become only the second man ever to run under 2:01 in a legal marathon, a barrier broken only by the late Kelvin Kiptum.
Full Lineup of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
MEN’S ELITE FIELD
1. JOHN KORIR (2:02:44 PB)
2. TIMOTHY KIPLAGAT (2:02:55)
3. AMOS KIPRUTO (2:03:13)
4. CYBRIAN KOTUT (2:03:22)
5. BASHIR ABDI (2:03:36)
6. JACOB KIPLIMO (2:03:37)
7. PHILEMON KIPLIMO (2:04:01)
8. GEOFFREY KAMWORWOR (2:04:23)
9. HUSEYDIN MOHAMED ESA (2:04:39)
10. CONNER MANTZ (2:05:08)
11. DANIEL EBENYO (2:06:04)
12. GALEN RUPP (2:06:07)
13. HIROTO INOUE (2:06:14)
14. ZOUHAIR TALBI (2:06:39)
15. MATT RICHTMAN (2:07:56)
16. RYAN FORD (2:08:00)
17. RORY LINKLETTER (2:08:01)
18. CJ ALBERTSON (2:08:17)
19. HIDEYUKI TANAKA (2:09:27)
20. PATRICIO CASTILLO (2:10:40)
21. MARC SCOTT (2:11:19)
22. COLIN MICKOW (2:11:22)
23. KEVIN SALVANO (2:11:26)
24. NICK HAUGER (2:11:55)
25. ROBERT MIRANDA (2:12:07)
26. AFEWERKI ZERU (2:18:54)
27. CASEY CLINGER (DEBUT)
28. TAI DINGER (DEBUT)
About Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike.
On race day, runners will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park.
