Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo finished fourth in the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, surrendering his title as Kenya’s Amos Kipruto won the race in 2:01:09.
Kiplimo, who was seeking to defend the title he won in 2025, clocked 2:04:18, finishing behind Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele Bikila, who came second in 2:02:56, and compatriot Milkesa Mengesha, who completed the podium in 2:03:46.
The Ugandan remained among the leading contenders for much of the race but faded in the closing stages as Kipruto pulled away to secure victory, with the two Ethiopians overtaking Kiplimo to claim second and third places.
Speaking to URN via WhatsApp, Kiplimo said he was satisfied with his performance despite falling short of his target of winning the race.
“Yes, to me, I am okay with the performance. What’s important is that I have finished the race. God’s ways are not mine. I needed a win, but it didn’t come. Next time, better,” Kiplimo said.
Kiplimo was part of a six-man leading group that included Kipruto, Bikila, Mengesha, Ethiopia’s Boki Diriba and Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko. The group passed the halfway mark in 1:00:21, maintaining a pace that threatened the course record.
At around the 25-kilometre mark, Kiplimo increased the pace and broke up the leading group, with Kipruto the only runner able to respond immediately.
The pair maintained their challenge through the 30km mark, passing in 1:25:28 before the Kenyan gradually opened a gap. Bikila and Mengesha subsequently overtook Kiplimo to secure second and third places, respectively.
Kiplimo returned to Chicago as defending champion following a strong season that included a third-place finish at the 2026 London Marathon, where he clocked 2:00:28 to set a Ugandan national record.
The London performance placed him among the fastest marathon runners in history and reinforced his status as one of Uganda’s leading distance runners.
He also won the World Cross Country Championships earlier this year, adding to his record of success on the international athletics circuit.
Ahead of the Chicago race, Kiplimo had expressed confidence in his preparation and familiarity with the course.
“My preparation has given me a lot of confidence, and having raced this course before is a real advantage,” he said.
However, the Ugandan was unable to reproduce his 2025 winning performance, finishing 3 minutes and nine seconds behind Kipruto.
The result will provide Kiplimo and his technical team with an opportunity to assess his race execution, particularly his response to changes in pace and his ability to sustain a challenge in the closing kilometres of major marathons.
Peter Chelangat, Kiplimo’s coach, plays a key role in the athlete’s preparation and development. His assessment of the Chicago performance and plans for Kiplimo’s next competition were not available by press time.