Hear the sound of 50,000 feet flying down Chicago streets on a sunny day in October, breathing in harmony with the city, while fences made of dreams clash at the Grant Park finish line. On October 12th, 2025, the 47th Bank of America Chicago Marathon was a pure joy to witness: Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda took the lead with a thrilling second 26.2-mile run, while Hawi Feysa of Ethiopia improved her lifetime record by more than two minutes to take an easy victory in the women’s race. Moreover, in a fabulous red, blue, and white, Conner Mantz of the United States smashed the 23-year-old U.S. record, thereby becoming one of the marathon legends. Hence, from wheelchair warriors Marcel Hug and Susannah Scaroni to everyday heroes pursuing their personal bests, this event was not merely a race but a concert of pace, tactics, and determination.
For runners, fans, and armchair athletes across America, the Chicago Marathon results 2025 are trending for good reason: They remind us why this flat, fast Loop through 29 neighborhoods captivates the world. Stick with us as we break down the elites, American triumphs, and the magic that made this one for the books.
The Thrilling Men’s Elite Race Kiplimo’s Masterclass and Mantz’s Record-Breaking Surge
The men’s elite field burst onto the scene from Grant Park at 7:30 a.m. local time, a group of East African powerhouses and U.S. hopefuls racing for victory on a course famous for its pancake-flat profile and tailwind boosts. The race was a plaything for Jacob Kiplimo, the 25-year-old Ugandan prodigy who finished second in London this year. In his second full marathon, he went sub 2:03 to an unofficial 2:02:23, racing near world-record pace through 22 miles before he relentlessly tore through the field one by one. His decisive break at 28km left rivals scrambling, a testament to his half-marathon dominance (world record holder at 57:31) that translates seamlessly to the distance.
Kenya’s Amos Kipruto shadowed valiantly for silver in 2:03:54, while countryman Alex Masai snagged bronze at 2:04:37. But the real fireworks? Conner Mantz, born in the USA, graduated from Brigham Young University and is a Paris Olympian, finishing fifth in 2:04:43, breaking Khalid Khannouchi’s 2002 U.S. record of 2:05:38, and taking the North American record. Mantz’s very balanced pace, 1:02:19 at the midpoint of the race — showcased his dedicated preparation over several months, choosing to forgo the Worlds to pursue history. “Chicago’s vibe brought me along,” he said, breathing heavily after the race, under the Bean, his face radiant with tears of joy.
The top five sliced through the Loop’s skyscrapers like a hot knife, hitting 10km in a blistering 28:25, 17 seconds ahead of world-record pace, before the pace relented in the final 10K. For spectators lining Michigan Avenue, it was edge-of-your-seat theater: Kiplimo’s solo surge at 35km drew gasps, Mantz’s relentless chase sparked chants of “U-S-A!”
Top 5 Men’s Elite Finishers
1. Jacob Kiplimo (UGA): 2:02:23 – Second marathon, first major win; eyes on Berlin next.
2. Amos Kipruto (KEN): 2:03:54 – Steady silver, building on Tokyo bronze.
3. Alex Masai (KEN): 2:04:37 – Podium push after strong London showing.
4. Conner Mantz (USA): 2:04:43 – U.S. record crusher; Olympic Trials champ.
5. Philemon Kiplimo (UGA): 2:05:12 – Family flair with cousin Jacob leading the charge.
This podium blended African endurance with American ambition, proving Chicago’s alchemy for breakthroughs.
Women’s Elite Glory Feysa’s Breakthrough and American Grit
The women’s race, kicking off simultaneously, unfolded as a tactical chess match amid Lake Michigan’s breezes. Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa, 26, and debuting on U.S. soil, scripted a fairy tale: Her 2:14:56 victory —the sixth-fastest women’s marathon ever —sliced over two minutes off her previous best, ending Ethiopia’s eight-year Chicago drought since Tirunesh Dibaba’s 2017 triumph. Feysa’s break at 28km mirrored the men’s drama, gapping the field by a minute at 40km (2:07:59 split), her stride poetry in motion through Uptown’s vibrant corridors.
Teammate Megertu Alemu finished second in 2:17:18, Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri third in 2:18:03. For Americans, Natosha Rogers shone brightest: Sixth overall in 2:23:28, she led the U.S. contingent, her steady pacing a beacon for domestic depth. Rogers, a Nagoya veteran, navigated the final miles’ grind to post a personal best, eyes on Worlds redemption.
The lead pack —Feysa, Shauri, Alemu —blazed 10km in 32:08, six seconds up on chasers like Ejgayehu Taye. By 20km, Feysa’s surge isolated her, turning the back half into a coronation lap. Crowds in Lincoln Park erupted as she crested the final hill, confetti raining like autumn leaves. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, Ethiopian resurgence on a stage where Ruth Chepngetich’s 2024 course record (2:09:56) still looms large.
Top 5 Women’s Elite Finishers
1. Hawi Feysa (ETH): 2:14:56 – Debut U.S. major; sixth-fastest ever.
2. Megertu Alemu (ETH): 2:17:18 – Silver solidarity with Feysa.
3. Magdalena Shauri (TAN): 2:18:03 – Tanzania’s trailblazer.
4. Ejgayehu Taye (ETH): 2:19:45 – Depth from the defending continental champ.
5. Brigid Kosgei (KEN): 2:20:12 – Chicago queen (three-time winner) settles for top five.
Feysa’s fairy tale fueled trending searches, inspiring U.S. women like Emma Grace Hunt (10th American, 2:28:45) to dream bigger.
Wheelchair Divisions: Speed and Determination on Wheels
One of the events that best reflected Chicago’s openness was the wheelchair races, which started at 7:20 a.m. Marcel Hug from Switzerland, the three-time champion who last held the title, was incredible in the men’s T54. He passed the half-marathon in 41:14 and finished with 1:28:45, his ninth big win in total. David Weir from Britain, a nine-time Paralympian, came second in 1:29:48, being 1:33 behind at the halfway point. Hug’s first 5km dash (9:56) was a statement of intent, and his skillful tight corners at Pilsen were a lesson in wheelchair-racing speed.
In the women’s T54, U.S. star Susannah Scaroni claimed victory in 1:37:22, her fourth Chicago crown and a Tokyo/London double echo. Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner, the 2025 Berlin winner, nabbed silver in 1:38:05; compatriot Manuela Schar bronze at 1:39:12. Scaroni’s 11:28; 5 km lead held firm, her Chicago affinity and hometown hero vibes drawing thunderous applause.
These races, blending blistering pace with barrier-breaking spirit, underscored Chicago’s Paralympic pipeline: Hug eyes Worlds, Scaroni mentors youth programs.
Wheelchair Top Finishers
- Men’s T54 – 1. Marcel Hug (SUI): 1:28:45 – Unstoppable force.
- Women’s T54 – 1. Susannah Scaroni (USA): 1:37:22 – Hometown royalty.
Wheelchair warriors reminded all: Speed knows no bounds.
American Stars Stealing the Spotlight: Domestic Dominance and Records
Beyond the elites, Americans lit up the 2025 Chicago Marathon results. Mantz’s record wasn’t solo: In the women’s field, Natosha Rogers’ 2:23:28 led the charge, followed by Lindsay Flanagan (7th U.S., 2:25:12) and Emily Venters (debutant, 2:27:03). Men’s side saw Ben Flanagan edge 5th American at 2:10:45. Still, Mantz’s feat, eighth at Paris, sixth at New York, stole headlines, his BYU roots fueling “Mormon Mauler” lore.
Over 50,000 from all 50 states ran, from charity chasers (18,000 for 200+ causes) to age-group aces earning engraved medals. Philanthropy peaked: Bank of America’s Rita Cook hailed runners raising millions for local nonprofits, turning sweat into societal good. For everyday Joes like 70-year-old finisher Sarah Jenkins (4:32:15 PR), it was a personal triumph amid the pros.
Standout American Performances
- Conner Mantz: 2:04:43 – Shatters 23-year U.S. mark; Boston/Sydney champ.
- Natosha Rogers: 2:23:28 – U.S. leader; Nagoya standout.
- Ben Flanagan: 2:10:45 – Steady fifth for Team USA men.
- Age-Group Gems: Top 50-54 male: Mark Stepter, 2:45:20; women’s 20-24: Emma Grace Hunt, 2:28:45.
These tales trended nationwide, inspiring dreams of becoming a couch-to-5 K.
Course Highlights and Race-Day Drama: The Windy City’s Unbeatable Vibe
Chicago’s 26.2-mile Loop, starting/finishing at Grant Park, weaving through Old Town, the Gold Coast, and Chinatown, lived up to its rep as the world’s fastest major. Near-ideal temps (55°F start) and minimal wind propelled records, but drama lurked: Kiplimo’s 22-mile WR flirt (2:00:45 hypothetical) faded in the “wall,” Mantz’s late charge a gritty grind. Feysa’s solo 40km (2:07:59) evoked Dibaba’s ghost, crowds chanting “Ha-wee!” along the Magnificent Mile.
Wheelchair frontrunners zipped 5km leads (Hug 9:56), dodging potholes with precision.
Amateur waves, starting 8 a.m., added color: Costumed runners (superheroes, tacos) high-fived spectators, bands blasting from Wrigleyville stoops. Broadcast magic? NBC Chicago’s 7-11 a.m. coverage captured it all, from elite surges to tearful finishes.
NBC’s drone shots over the Art Institute, coupled with runner cams, made it feel immersive; trending clips of Mantz’s fist pump hit millions.
Prize Money and Global Stakes: What the Podium Pays
Chicago’s $560,000 purse ($280,000 each gender) sweetened the pot: $100,000 to Kiplimo/Feysa, $75,000 to silvers, $50,000 to bronzes, down to $10,000 for 10th. Wheelchair equivalents mirrored, Hug/Scaroni banking big. For Mantz, the record’s prestige outweighed fourth’s $25,000; sponsorships will soar.
As World Marathon Major #6, points tallied for AbbottWMM finals: Kiplimo/Feysa now lead series, eyeing Boston’s April 2026 showdown. Charity hauls? Over $20 million projected, funding from cancer research to food banks, runners like Sarah Jenkins raised $5,000 solo.
Reflections on a Record-Breaking Day: Chicago’s Lasting Legacy
The 2025 Chicago Marathon results will be remembered forever: Kiplimo’s calm, Feysa’s determination, Mantz’s landmark, a trifecta spreading from TikTok to Times Square jumbotrons. From 1,700 souls in the first race in 1977, it has grown to 50,000 warriors from all over the world, who are a symbol of inclusivity among the achievements of the elites. As Hug commented after the race, “Chicago doesn’t break you; it builds you.”
For Americans, it is not only the distance: A flat course for amazing record times, neighborhoods full of life and pride, and a strong dose of determination. What about next year? Maybe it will be Mantz that breaks records. Meanwhile, get ready: The call of Chicago is still here. What is your marathon goal? The results inspire us all.
