Amos Kipruto won the 2026 Chicago Marathon in 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds, while Hawi Feysa claimed the women’s title after controlling the race from the tenth kilometer.
Amos Kipruto Outlasts Jacob Kiplimo in Tactical Chicago Duel
The race began with high ambitions to challenge Sebastian Sawe’s 1:59:30 course mark set in London. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo pushed the early pace, clocking a fast opening section and leading the elite group through the first half of the race. Kiplimo had previously posted a 2:00:28 in London, marking him as the pre-race favorite. However, the Chicago course proved punishing as runners crossed the 25-kilometer mark.
Kiplimo launched an aggressive surge past the 25-kilometer marker to break the lead pack. The move backfired as the pace drained his energy reserves. By the 35-kilometer mark, Kiplimo’s stride lost its fluidity, and his calves tightened noticeably under the strain. Amos Kipruto, who had patiently tracked the leader from a few meters back, caught and passed his rival without facing serious resistance. Kipruto crossed the finish line in 2h01:09, shaving more than 30 seconds off his personal best and capturing the victory after finishing third in 2024 and second in 2025. Kiplimo faded to fourth place, finishing in 2h04:18.
Hawi Feysa Dominates the Women’s Field alongside Brigid Kosgei
In the women’s division, Hawi Feysa took control of the pace shortly after the tenth kilometer. Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei ran alongside Feysa, helping push the tempo during the middle miles. Earlier in the race, Kenyan runners Chemnung and Lokedi recovered from a cautious start to join the lead group, creating a four-woman pack that dictated terms through the middle stages.
Feysa maintained a comfortable rhythm at the front of the lead group before launching a decisive break near the 30-kilometer mark. Kosgei was the only runner capable of responding to the acceleration, hanging close to the Ethiopian leader before Feysa secured the win with a strong final sprint.
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