KAMPALA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's star distance runner Jacob Kiplimo said he is in good form and confident of defending his Chicago Marathon title to be held on Oct. 11.
Speaking to Xinhua before departing for the United States, Kiplimo said he was ready for the challenge as he seeks to retain the title he won last year in a time of 2:02:23, finishing ahead of Kenya's Amos Kipruto.
"My preparation has given me a lot of confidence, and having raced this course before is a real advantage and I look forward to the race," added Kiplimo.
Kiplimo will be Uganda's sole representative in the race and is expected to face stiff competition from Kipruto and fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, Ethiopians Milkesa Mengesha, Tadese Takele and Asrar Hiyrden, and American Charles Hicks.
Dominic Otuchet, president of Uganda Athletics, said on Friday that the federation was confident Kiplimo would perform well and retain his title.
"Kiplimo has put in a lot of effort and has steadily improved in his times. We are sure Kiplimo is in very good form to defend his title," added Otuchet.
Kiplimo heads into the race on the back of a strong season. He clocked a personal best of 2:00:28 at the London Marathon this year, where he finished third.
He opened the 2026 season by winning his third consecutive senior men's world cross-country title in January before setting a half-marathon world record of 57:20 in Lisbon in March.
Kiplimo also has an impressive record on the track and in major championships. He won gold in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and has claimed bronze medals in the 10,000 meters at the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships. ■
