Full Breakdown
2025 Chicago Marathon: Kiplimo and Feysa Claim Victories
10/12/2025, 8:20:20 PM
Elite Race Results
The 2025 Chicago Marathon, held on October 12, saw Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda and Hawi Feysa of Ethiopia emerge victorious in the elite races. Kiplimo finished the men's marathon in a personal best of 2:02:23, while Feysa clocked 2:14:56 in the women's race. The event, which started and ended in Grant Park, attracted over 50,000 runners, making it one of the largest marathons globally.
Men's Elite Race Highlights
Jacob Kiplimo's performance marked a significant achievement in his marathon career, as this was only his second marathon. He broke away from the pack around the 28-kilometer mark, distancing himself from defending champion John Korir, who ultimately dropped out after 20 miles. Kiplimo's time is the seventh-fastest in marathon history and the second-fastest ever recorded in Chicago, trailing only the late Kelvin Kiptum's world record of 2:00:35 set in 2023.
Amos Kipruto of Kenya finished second in 2:03:54, followed by Alex Masai, also from Kenya, who completed the race in 2:04:37. Notably, American Conner Mantz finished fourth with a time of 2:04:43, breaking Khalid Khannouchi's long-standing American record of 2:05:38.
Women's Elite Race Highlights
In the women's race, Hawi Feysa's victory was characterized by a commanding lead established after the 30-kilometer mark. She finished well ahead of her compatriot Megertu Alemu, who placed second in 2:17:18, and Tanzania's Magdalena Shauri, who secured third with a time of 2:18:03. Feysa's performance not only earned her the title but also marked a personal best, improving her previous record by over two minutes.
Wheelchair Race Results
In the wheelchair division, Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the men's race in 1:23:20, while Susannah Scaroni of the United States claimed victory in the women's race with a time of 1:38:14. Hug's win was his fourth consecutive title at the Chicago Marathon, further solidifying his status as a leading competitor in wheelchair racing.
Official Statements & Responses
Jacob Kiplimo expressed his satisfaction with the race, stating, "I'm so happy about the results for today. I came here to make a big achievement, so I'm happy about it." Hawi Feysa, through a translator, noted, "Winning here has been amazing. I worked really hard, I trained really hard to have this victory."
Conner Mantz, reflecting on his record-breaking performance, said, "It’s fair to say it was a great day," highlighting the significance of his achievement in the context of American marathon history.
Criticism & Opposition
While the marathon proceeded smoothly, there were concerns from local Latino running clubs regarding potential immigration raids during the event, reflecting broader political tensions in the city. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called for the marathon to be a celebration, emphasizing community resilience in the face of adversity.
What's Next
The Chicago Marathon continues to be a pivotal event in the athletics calendar, contributing significantly to the local economy and promoting charitable causes. As the marathon season progresses, attention will shift to the upcoming New York City Marathon, where elite athletes will compete for top honors.
The 2025 Chicago Marathon not only showcased remarkable athletic performances but also highlighted the event's role in fostering community spirit and resilience amidst challenges.
