L
Larry Eder
Guest
Jacob Kiplimo told this writer at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon that he is no longer racing on the track and is focused on the marathon.
“My first goal is to defend my win at Chicago last year,” Jacob answered when asked whether he would prefer a win or a fast time. Jacob Kiplimo is all about wins; he races fast, faster than anyone else.
Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) speaks to members of the media in a pre-race press conference at the TCS London Marathon media center in St James’s Park ahead of the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Friday 24th April 2026
Photo: Andrew Baker for London Marathon Events
Jacob Kiplimo won bronze in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics and the World Championships in Eugene. So he has track pedigree, but the real one to savor is his World Cross Country wins in 2023, 2024, and 2025. (A keen observer might also note that the talented Ugandan won the U20 cross-country title in 2017!)
“I still race cross country because I like the challenges and it shows my fitness,” the remarkable athlete noted.
Cross-country is a building block for many middle-distance and distance careers. Long-time readers will remember my interview with Eliud Kipchoge, after a London Marathon win, where Eliud spoke for nearly 45 minutes on why cross-country should be the basis for distance runners. Eliud firmly believes it, and so does Mr. Kiplimo.
Jacob Kiplimo, second, TCS London Marathon
April 27, 2025
London, England, United Kingdom, photo by Kevin Morris
Jacob Kiplimo ran 57:20 in the half marathon, which is quite fast. He can handle the tough pace required to improve his PB of 2:00.28. Jacob Kiplimo has run a 56:42, alas, World Athletics did not consider it a record!
And here is the one fact that will make true running geeks quiver, or perhaps shake their heads: before London, it was confirmed that Jacob Kiplimo was sick with the flu for nearly two weeks and couldn’t keep food down for most of that time. Jacob ran London and took third in 2:00:28 in Sebastian Sawe’s marathon world record run!
Jakob Kiplimo wins in 2:02:23, Bank of America Chicago Marathon
October 9-12, 2025
Chicago, Illinois, USA, photo by Kevin Morris for Bank of America Chicago Marathon
What will Jacob do in Chicago? I believe Jacob Kiplimo should win his second Chicago Marathon, becoming the first athlete since the late Sammy Wanjiro to win in consecutive years in 2009 and 2010.
The weather could play a part. If Jacob Kiplimo gets a break and the weather is better than expected, Mr. Kiplimo, in my mind, should break the World record, but only if the weather is good. World records need the perfect storm!
Jacob Kiplimo‘s marathon journey has had three performances. London 2025 was his first, where he took second in 2:03:37. Chicago 2025 was his second, where he won in 2:02:23. London 2026 was his third, where he took third in 2:00:28. What will he do on the streets of Chicago on Sunday, October 11, 2026?
We will just have to wait and see, fellow running geeks!