Kiplimo Aims to Break Marathon World Record in Chicago — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Jacob Kiplimo, defending champion, lines up in Chicago with a chance to break the marathon world record. Kiplimo ran 2:00:28 in London, 59 seconds off the current record. Kiplimo would need to run 1:59:29 to break it.
Chicago has a history of setting world records, with Steve Jones, Khalid Khannouchi, and Kelvin Kiptum all achieving it. Kiptum’s 2:00:35 record lasted until Sawe’s 1:59:30 in London. Kiplimo’s 2:02:23 win in Chicago last year was strong, but he needs more speed. Read more culture coverage.
Kiplimo’s main competition, Amos Kipruto, ran 2:01:39 in London. Sawe and Kejelcha, who ran faster, are absent. Kiplimo’s chances depend on weather and Kipruto’s ability to keep up. Related: Sharon Lokedi's Chicago Marathon: A Test of Flat Course Speed.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Kiplimo Aims to Break Marathon World Record in Chicago?
Kiplimo needs to run 59 seconds faster than his best to break the record. Jacob Kiplimo, defending champion, lines up in Chicago with a chance to break the marathon world record. Kiplimo ran 2:00:28 in London, 59 seconds off the current record. Kiplimo would need to run 1:59:29 to break it.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 8, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated October 8, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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