Amos Kipruto has finally completed his Chicago story. After finishing third in 2024 and second in 2025, the Kenyan stormed to victory at the 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, 11 October, crossing the line in a personal best of 2:01:09.
Only one man has ever run faster on the Chicago course: the late Kelvin Kiptum, whose 2:00:35 from 2023 remains the course record. At 34, Kipruto has produced the run of his career.
How the race was won
The pace was hot from the start. Kipruto and defending champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda went through 10 kilometres in 28:37, with a pack including Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko and Ethiopians Tadese Bikila, Milkesa Mengesha and Boki Diriba glued to their heels. Six men passed halfway together in around 1:00:21.
By mile 20 the contest had become a two-man duel, with just a single second separating Kipruto and Kiplimo. Then the Kenyan pressed. Over the closing kilometres he opened a gap that kept growing, and by the finish he was one minute and 47 seconds clear of the field.
Bikila took second in 2:02:56, Mengesha completed the podium in 2:03:46, and Kiplimo faded to fourth, ending his bid to become the first repeat men’s winner in Chicago since Samuel Wanjiru won back to back in 2009 and 2010.
Chicago 2026: top finishers
- Men: 1. Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:01:09, 2. Tadese Bikila (ETH) 2:02:56, 3. Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) 2:03:46
- Women: 1. Hawi Feysa (ETH) 2:13:33, 2. Sharon Lokedi (KEN) 2:14:07
Lokedi pushes Feysa all the way
The women’s race belonged to Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa, who defended her title in 2:13:33, more than a minute quicker than her winning time of 2:14:57 a year ago. Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi made her work for it, finishing just 34 seconds behind in 2:14:07 for second place. Two-time former champion Brigid Kosgei also returned to the Windy City field.
What it means for Kenyan marathon running
Kipruto’s breakthrough is a timely boost for Kenyan distance running heading into the final major of the year in New York on 1 November, where Benson Kipruto defends his title. It also adds a Chicago crown to the London title Amos Kipruto won in 2022, making him one of the most accomplished marathoners of his generation.
For a runner who had twice stood on the Chicago podium without the top step, the message was simple: patience pays. And with a time this fast, he has firmly placed himself in the conversation for the biggest races of 2027.
