Rita Jeptoo Jeptoo succesfully defended her Chicago marathon title. Jeptoo 33, pumped her fists as she crossed the finish line alone Sunday morning in 2 hours, 24 minutes, 35 seconds before kneeling to the ground in elation. “It was more important to come here to defend my title,” she said. “I like the course. I was very happy again.” said Jeptoo. Jeptoo was in the leading pack until mile 23 upon which she took control.

In the process she won the World Marathon majors that comes with a prize of $500,000. Jeptoo has now won four straight marathons. Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba finished second in 2:25:37, and Kenya’s Florence Kiplagat finished third in 2:25:57.

Leading Results

1 Rita Jeptoo (KEN) 2:24:35
2 Mare Dibaba (ETH) 2:35:37
3 Florence Kiplagat (KEN) 2:25:57
4 Birhane Dibaba (ETH) 2:27:02
5 Amy Hastings (USA) 2:27:03
6 Clara Santucci (USA) 2:32:21
7 Sarah Crouch (USA) 2:32:44
8 Gelete Burka (ETH) 2:34:17
9 Melissa White (USA) 2:34:19
10 Lauren Jimison (USA) 2:34:38