Kiplimo targets back-to-back Chicago Marathon title

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing Uganda Radio Network, reports that Ugandan distance runner Jacob Kiplimo has confirmed he plans to defend his Bank of America Chicago Marathon title in October. The 2026 race is scheduled for October 11, and Kiplimo is expected to face a strong international field as he seeks a second straight victory in Chicago.

According to the report, Kiplimo said the Chicago Marathon has been important to his development as a marathon runner, helping him gain confidence and experience at the distance. He is preparing under coach Peter Chelangat, who said the team began training early because the marathon requires a long build-up to assess fitness and develop endurance. Chelangat said shorter races, including possible 10-kilometre and half-marathon events, are being considered as part of the preparation plan.

The report places Kiplimo’s return to Chicago in the context of a rapid rise in marathon running. It says he won the 2025 Chicago Marathon in 2:02:23 after finishing second at the 2025 London Marathon in 2:03:37, a Ugandan national record. It also reports that he later ran 2:00:28 at the 2026 London Marathon, described as the third-fastest marathon time in history.

The Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, along with Boston, New York City, London, Berlin and Tokyo. A successful defence would add to Kiplimo’s profile among elite marathoners and further highlight Uganda’s strength in long-distance athletics.