“To come here to win the race is a big achievement for me.” This was Jacob Kiplimo after the 2025 Chicago Marathon, and why wouldn’t it be a big achievement for him? In what was his only second marathon of his track and field career, the Ugandan claimed victory with a time of 2:02:23. Not only did this incredible performance earn Jacob Kiplimo a personal best, but it also catapulted him from the rural setting he grew up in into the ranks of the world’s fastest marathoners, making him the seventh-fastest in history. It was a proud moment indeed for the track and field athlete and his country. This was the rise of Kiplimo from the rural areas of Uganda to being the winner of the 2025 Chicago Marathon.

When and Where Was Jacob Kiplimo Born?

Kiplimo was born on November 14, 2000, in a remote village nestled in the highlands of Kween District, Uganda. What worked in favor of the athlete was the altitude of his birthplace, located at an altitude of about 1900m (6200ft). The thin air naturally enhanced his stamina and aerobic capacity, laying the foundation for the extraordinary endurance that would define his athletic career. He grew up in a rural setting of rolling hills and maize fields, where life revolved around farming and community. From an early age, Kiplimo ran long distances to school and helped with daily chores, a routine that built both physical strength and mental resilience.

What Is Jacob Kiplimo’s Age, Height, and Weight?

Kiplimo is 24 years old and stands at 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) tall and weighs around 55 kilograms (121 pounds). It is this lean and powerful build that is typical of elite long-distance runners, which also helps the Ugandan run so well.

What Is Jacob Kiplimo’s Nationality and Ethnicity?

The 24-year-old is a Ugandan by Nationality and is a member of the Sebei ethnic group, native to eastern Uganda near Mount Elgon. The Sebei (or Sabiny) are a Kalenjin-speaking ethnic group living on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda (mainly Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo). They speak Kupsabiny, practice farming and livestock keeping, and share cultural ties with Kalenjin groups in Kenya.  Kiplimo is not the only distance runner from this community. Famous Ugandan runners like Joshua Cheptegei and Peruth Chemutai join him in the list.

How Did Jacob Kiplimo Win the 2025 Chicago Marathon?

In the 2025 Chicago Marathon, Jacob Kiplimo made history. The Half-marathon world record holder ran to victory in one minute and 31 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, with fellow Kenyan Alex Masai taking third in 2:04:37. Coming off a strong runner-up finish in his marathon debut in London earlier this year, Kiplimo showed his growing dominance on the roads.

He made his decisive move around the 30-kilometer mark, steadily widening the gap until he had nearly a full minute’s lead with just five miles remaining. In the final stretch, he glanced over his shoulder a few times, more out of instinct than concern, before easing down the home straight completely unchallenged. Moments after crossing the line, the Ugandan star sank to the ground in exhaustion and relief, a mix of fatigue and triumph written all over his face.

How Much Did Jacob Kiplimo Earn After Winning the 2025 Chicago Marathon?

The 2025 Chicago Marathon offers, $900,000 in prize money. Starting from the bottom, the 5th position would get the athlete $25,000, which would see a rise of $5000 for the 4th place. Things start to get big from the podium, as the 3rd place is rewarded with $50,000, 2nd place earns $75,000, and add a quarter of a hundred thousand dollars to that, and you will get the prize money for the first place.

Now putting that is results, Huseydin Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia finished fifth in 2:04:50, earning $25,000; Conner Mantz of the USA was fourth in 2:04:43 with $30,000; Alex Masai of Kenya took third in 2:04:37 for $50,000; Amos Kipruto of Kenya came second in 2:03:54, receiving $75,000; and Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda won first place in 2:02:23, pocketing $100,000. The victory will not only bring money to the Ugandan athlete but also recognition to him and his country in the track and field world.

What Are Jacob Kiplimo’s Major Career Achievements?

The resume of the 2025 Chicago Marathon winner is way bigger than this one victory; this was only his second Marathon, but he has been a known name in the long-distance races. One of his early achievements came in 2017 when he won the Cross Country U20 Race in the World Cross Country Championships, clocking a time of 22:40, and he did not lose his prowess there even when he came as a senior. Though he started his year with a 31:44 silver in 2019, the Ugandan won gold in the championships again in 2023 (29:17) and 2024 (28:09).

Other than his, he won bronze in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and followed it with another bronze at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in the same event. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, he claimed double gold in both the 5,000 m and 10,000 m. Kiplimo also set the half-marathon world record in Barcelona in February 2025, clocking 56:42. He has been a horse of the long distances, and the Chicago victory only adds more to his legacy.

What Is Jacob Kiplimo’s Net Worth and Endorsements?

Before the Marathon today, Jacob Kiplimo’s estimated net worth was approximately $1.25 million. If we add the prize money from the Chicago Marathon, it goes somewhere near, $1.35 million. He is also sponsored by Nike.

Is Jacob Kiplimo in a Relationship?

The 24-year-old is very secretive about his personal life. Henceforth, there is no information available on his relationship status. Nevertheless, what he has done in Chicago is going to bring a lot of virtue and respect to him. Jacob Kiplimo will now be a name taken before every marathon he steps foot in.