Amos Kipruto, a 34-year-old Kenyan athlete, won the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2026, with a personal best time of 2:01:09. This victory marked his redemption after finishing second behind Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda in the 2025 edition. Kipruto's performance was a masterclass in patience, endurance, and tactical brilliance, dethroning the defending champion and announcing his return to the summit of world marathon running.
Kipruto's winning strategy involved executing his race plan with precision before producing a decisive acceleration in the closing stages. With approximately seven kilometers remaining, he made his move, breaking away from the leading group at around the 32-kilometer mark. His powerful surge proved too much for his rivals, and he maintained his advantage to the finish line, sealing one of the biggest victories of his career.
The podium was completed by Ethiopia's Tadese Takele Bikila, who finished second in 2:02:56, and compatriot Milkesa Mengesha, who finished third in 2:03:46. Defending champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda settled for fourth place in 2:04:18. Kipruto's winning time was the second-fastest winning performance in Chicago Marathon history, behind the course record of 2:00:35 set by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
Kipruto's victory added another prestigious achievement to his career, following his triumph at the London Marathon in 2022. After finishing third in Chicago in 2024 and second in 2025, he finally climbed to the top of the podium. President William Ruto congratulated Kipruto on his men's title and personal-best time, saying, "We salute Team Kenya for making us proud at the Chicago Marathon."
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen praised Kipruto's achievement, saying it would inspire young marathoners and strengthen confidence as Kenya prepares to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang described the result as magnificent, highlighting its place in Chicago Marathon history. Head of Civil Servants Felix Koskei hailed Kipruto for his patience, discipline, and hard work, saying they had paid off.
On the women's side, Ethiopia's Hawi Feysa claimed the title in 2:13:33, edging out Kenya's Sharon Lokedi, who clocked 2:14:07. Brigid Kosgei finished third in 2:14:55, giving Kenya two places on the women's podium. Other Kenyans in the race included Mary Ngugi Cooper, Joan Kipkosgei Kilimo, Magdalene Masai, and Loice Chemnung, who finished in the top ten.
The victory marked a significant moment for Kenyan athletics, with Kipruto's performance further strengthening Kenya's impressive legacy on the streets of Chicago. The win also drew praise from various Kenyan leaders and officials, who celebrated Kipruto's achievement and its significance for the country's athletics program.
Key points
- Amos Kipruto won the Chicago Marathon with a personal best time of 2:01:09.
- Kipruto's victory marked his redemption after finishing second in the 2025 edition.
- The win strengthened Kenya's impressive legacy on the streets of Chicago.
