Ugandan long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo finished fourth at the 2026 Chicago Marathon on Sunday after reportedly suffering a hamstring injury during the race.
Kiplimo, who was defending the title he won in 2025, clocked 2:04:18 as Kenya’s Amos Kipruto won the men’s race in 2:01:09. Ethiopia’s Tadese Bikila finished second in 2:02:56, followed by compatriot Milkesa Mengesha in 2:03:46.
Ugandan Athletics Track and Field said Kiplimo pulled his hamstring shortly after the 30-kilometre mark but continued to the finish, securing fourth place.
The reported injury came after an intense contest between Kiplimo and Kipruto, who had been part of a leading group of six runners during the first half of the race.
Kiplimo increased the pace at around the 25-kilometre mark, breaking up the group, with Kipruto initially managing to stay with him. The pair passed 30 kilometres in 1:25:28, maintaining a pace that put them on course for a finish close to two hours.
Kipruto began to pull away in the closing stages, opening a 12-second lead by 35 kilometres before extending his advantage as Kiplimo dropped back.
The Kenyan went on to win in a personal-best time of 2:01:09, while Kiplimo finished in 2:04:18.
Kiplimo had won the 2025 Chicago Marathon in 2:02:23, finishing ahead of Kipruto, who was second in that race.
Despite missing out on a podium finish this time, Kiplimo completed the race and secured fourth place in one of the world’s major marathons.
Ugandan Athletics Track and Field praised the runner for continuing despite the reported injury, describing his effort as courageous.
The extent of the injury and its potential effect on Kiplimo’s upcoming competitions had not been confirmed in the available reports.