CHICAGO: Amos Kipruto of Kenya dominated a world-class field to finally win his first Chicago Marathon while Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa defended her women’s title on Sunday.
Kipruto’s time of 2:01:09 was a new personal best and vindication for the 34-year-old, who had finished second in Chicago last year and third the previous edition.
This time, Kipruto pulled clear of defending champion and pre-race favorite Jacob Kiplimo at mile 21 and never looked back.
“Today’s race was really good for me… I came here 2024, I became position three, 2025 I became position two. And now 2026 it was either win or die for me,” said Kipruto.
He finished the 48th Chicago Marathon nearly two minutes clear in ideal sunny but cool conditions, briefly sinking to the floor after he crossed the finish line, before quickly rising with a giant grin.
Kipruto, the 2022 London champion, had set his previous personal best finishing fourth at this year’s historic London race, where the mythical two-hour barrier was broken.
But he had the spotlight to himself in Chicago.
“The preparation for me toward the Chicago Marathon 2026 was perfect for me. I improved a lot in training for the previous London Marathon,” said Kipruto.
