Amos Kipruto Wins 2026 Chicago Marathon in Personal Best of 2:01:09
Kenya’s Amos Kipruto produced a commanding finish to win the men’s professional race at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, clocking a personal best of 2:01:09. Ethiopia’s Tadese Bikila finished second in 2:02:56, with compatriot Milkesa Mengesha completing the podium in 2:03:46.
Kipruto prevailed after a fast opening half and a closely contested battle with Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo deep into the race. Just one second separated the pair at mile 20, but the Kenyan steadily built an advantage over the closing kilometres before winning by 1 minute and 47 seconds.
The leading contenders established a quick rhythm from the outset. Kiplimo and Kipruto passed 10 kilometres in 28:37, with Mengesha, Bikila, Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko and Ethiopia’s Boki Diriba only a second behind. The six remained tightly grouped through 15 kilometres, reached in approximately 42:55.
At halfway, Kiplimo led a group featuring Kipruto, Mateiko, Diriba and Mengesha, all recording 1:00:21. Bikila followed in 1:00:22, leaving the leading six separated by just one second as they entered the second half.
By mile 20, the race had begun to stretch out. Kipruto led in 1:31:51, with Kiplimo immediately behind in 1:31:52. Bikila was third in 1:32:20, closely followed by Mateiko in 1:32:22, while Mengesha crossed the checkpoint fifth in 1:33:07.
Kipruto then opened a decisive gap. He reached 35 kilometres in 1:39:58, extending his advantage over Kiplimo to 12 seconds. Bikila remained third in 1:40:55, ahead of Mateiko and Mengesha.
With the finish approaching, Kipruto passed mile 25 in 1:55:13 and maintained his lead to secure victory and a new personal best. Behind him, Bikila moved into second place, while Mengesha climbed from fifth at 35 kilometres to claim third.
