Jacob Kiplimo in Focus as Chicago Marathon Field Fuels World Record Talk

The late Kelvin Kiptum set the men’s marathon world record time of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and this year’s edition of the marathon might be eclipsed following the unveiling of the star-studded field.

Among the top contenders are defending champion John Korir of Kenya and Ugandan road-running sensation Jacob Kiplimo, who made his debut at the London Marathon, where he finished second.

Jacob Kiplimo, who holds the half-marathon world record, is a major focus of attention, with his 21km time of 57:42 theoretically projecting to a sub-two-hour full marathon.

Jacob Kiplimo's decision to race in Chicago came after he and fellow Ugandan star Joshua Cheptegei opted out of the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Their absence was felt as Uganda failed to secure a medal, with several athletes, including steeplechaser Peruth Chemutai and marathoners Abel Chelangat, Victor Kiplangat, and Stephen Kissa, struggling in the humid conditions.

"I decided to withdraw from the World Championship to have more time to concentrate on preparations ahead of the Chicago Marathon. Proud to be there and can’t wait to start in Grant Park," Jacob Kiplimo said as quoted by the Uganda Monitor.

The upcoming race on October 12 will be only the second marathon of Jacob Kiplimo's career. The 24-year-old is a proven force on the road, having reclaimed the half-marathon world record in February at the Barcelona Half-Marathon, becoming the first man to break the 57-minute barrier.

He followed that with the fastest marathon debut by a Ugandan, finishing second at the London Marathon in April with a time of 2:03:37.

Jacob Kiplimo's debut time places him among the top 50 marathoners in history, a remarkable achievement as one of only three non-Kenyan or non-Ethiopian athletes on that list.

Race organisers have fueled excitement by pitting him against defending champion John Korir. Last year, Korir followed in his brother Wesley's footsteps (who won in 2012) by winning Chicago in 2:02:44.

Known for its flat and fast course, Chicago is an ideal setting for record attempts, and Korir has already hinted at targeting Kiptum's world record.

"I am confident that I will be able to defend my title at the Chicago Marathon this October. My training is going well, and I am focused on achieving another personal best time," Korir said in a statement after his Boston Marathon victory in April.

The elite field is exceptionally deep, with five other men besides John Korir having run faster than 2:04:00. This includes Kenyans Timothy Kiplagat, Amos Kipruto, and CyBrian Kotut, as well as Belgian Bashir Abdi. This level of competition is expected to push the pace and create a legitimate challenge to Kiptum's record.

While Jacob Kiplimo is still a relative newcomer to the 42.195km distance, his half-marathon prowess makes him a credible threat.

His world record pace over 21km equates to a theoretical full marathon time of 1:59:46, a figure that keeps him at the centre of the world record conversation.