Kiplimo and Feysa Claim Victory in Electrifying Chicago Marathon 2025

CHICAGO — The streets of the Windy City came alive on October 12 as over 50,000 runners tackled the Chicago Marathon 2025, a spectacle of grit, glory, and unbreakable community spirit. Under crisp autumn skies, elite athletes and everyday heroes alike pushed their limits on one of the world’s flattest and fastest courses, turning the 26.2-mile journey into a testament to human endurance.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo dominated the men’s elite race, surging ahead early and crossing the finish line in Grant Park with a stunning time of 2:02:23 — the fastest ever on U.S. soil and just shy of a world record. Trailing him was Kenya’s Amos Kipruto at 2:03:54, but the real crowd-pleaser was American Conner Mantz, who shattered the U.S. marathon record with a 2:04:43 finish, placing fourth and igniting cheers from patriotic spectators.

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On the women’s side, Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa delivered a masterclass in pacing, pulling away in the final miles to win in 2:14:56, leading an Ethiopian one-two with countrywoman Sutume Asefa Kebede close behind. The race’s energy was palpable, with bands blaring at every turn and neighborhoods erupting in support, embodying the sportsmanship that makes Chicago a bucket-list event for runners worldwide.

Among the notable participants was sports journalist Pablo Torre, whose performance added a layer of inspiration to the day. Known for his probing podcasts and sharp commentary on “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” Torre laced up for his marathon debut, clocking an impressive 3:48:12. “It’s one thing to talk about athletes’ mental toughness from a studio,” Torre shared post-race, sweat still beading on his brow. “But feeling that wall at mile 20? That’s raw. Chicago’s crowd carried me through.” His run, dedicated to mental health awareness, highlighted how the marathon bridges pros and amateurs in a shared pursuit of personal triumph.

The Chicago Marathon route itself was a star of the show, weaving through 29 diverse neighborhoods and offering a scenic tour of the city’s soul. Starting in Grant Park, runners headed north along bustling Michigan Avenue, past the glittering skyscrapers of the Loop, before turning into the leafy paths of Lincoln Park around mile 5. The course then looped west through Old Town’s historic charm and south into the vibrant streets of Little Italy, where the aroma of fresh pasta mingled with encouragement from locals.

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Key moments unfolded in the route’s southern stretch, particularly through Pilsen and Chinatown, where murals and dragon dances fueled weary legs around miles 20-22 — the infamous “wall” where many hit their limits. A pivotal surge came as runners turned north on Michigan Avenue for the final push, the roar of the finish line drawing them back to Grant Park. “The route’s flat profile is deceptive,” one veteran runner noted. “It’s the energy from the crowds in those neighborhoods that makes it feel alive.”

Beyond the elites, the Chicago Marathon 2025 captured hearts with stories of perseverance. Wheelchair division winner Marcel Hug of Switzerland blazed to victory in 1:23:20, defending his title with precision. Thousands more crossed the line within the 6½-hour cutoff, each medal a symbol of months of training and unbreakable resolve.

As the sun set on Grant Park, the post-race festival buzzed with high-fives and hugs, a reminder of the marathon’s deeper magic: uniting strangers in a collective celebration of what’s possible. Whether you’re an elite like Kiplimo or a storyteller like Pablo Torre, Chicago proves that every step counts in the race of life.