Jacob Kiplimo: What Uganda Legend Will Pocket After Fourth-Place Finish at Chicago Marathon

Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo showed immense grit at Sunday's 2026 Chicago Marathon, pushing through a late hamstring injury to cross the line in fourth place during his title defence and with that, he still banked a tidy sum.

Kenya's Amos Kipruto captured the men's crown in a blazing personal-best time of 2:01:09, reversing the outcome of the 2025 race where Kiplimo took gold and Kipruto settled for second. Ethiopian contenders Tadese Bikila (2:02:56) and Milkesa Mengesha (2:03:46) secured second and third, while an ailing Kiplimo finished in 2:04:18.

The race evolved into a thrilling duel after a compact six-man pack controlled the opening half. Around the 25-kilometre mark, Kiplimo initiated a decisive breakaway, injecting a rapid pace that shattered the lead group.

Kipruto was the sole rival capable of tracking the move, and the duo hit the 30-kilometre split in 1:25:28, tracking near a sub-two-hour pace.

However, disaster struck shortly after. According to Ugandan Athletics Track and Field, Kiplimo suffered a pulled hamstring just past the 30-kilometer checkpoint. Kipruto capitalized on the Ugandan’s sudden deceleration, opening a 12-second gap by 35 kilometres before steadily pulling away for a commanding victory.

Despite losing his grip on the podium, Kiplimo refused to step off the course, grinding out the final miles of the World Marathon Major.

For his sacrifice, the Ugandan legend will take home $30,000 (UGX123.8 million) which is the prize money for finishing fourth at the Chicago Marathon.

Kenya’s Kipruto pocketed a cool $100,000 (UGX412.8 million) being the winner’s prize while Bikila and Mengesha earned $75,000 (UGX309.6 million) and $50,000 (UGX206.4 million) for finishing second and third respectively.

As the defending champion, Kiplimo was already assured a bumper amount in appearance fees which will further boost his bank balance. Appearance fees are not made public as they are negotiated individually between race organizers and the athlete’s representative.