The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon wasn’t just about fast times—it was about the possibility of a nice paycheck for the top elite runners. With a total prize purse of $908,000, plus record-breaking bonuses, the world’s top runners had more than medals up for grabs.
The Breakdown: $100,000 for the Win
Both the men’s and women’s winners in the open division earned $100,000 each, matching the payout from last year but maintaining Chicago’s reputation as one of the world’s most lucrative marathons.
Here’s how the open division prize money was distributed:
- 1st: $100,000
- 2nd: $75,000
- 3rd: $50,000
- 4th: $30,000
- 5th: $25,000
That totals $560,000 across both men’s and women’s fields ($280,000 each).
The wheelchair division offered similarly competitive rewards, with $40,000 for first place, extending down to $5,000 for sixth. The full payout totaled $240,000 ($120,000 for men and $120,000 for women). Even the T51/T52 classification athletes were recognized, with prize money ranging from $500 to $1,500.
Bonus Money: Records Pay Big
Chicago’s famously fast course always tempts athletes chasing record times—and in 2025, the incentives were substantial.
Runners and wheelchair athletes who broke course records earned an additional $50,000 each.
- Open men’s course record: 2:00:35
- Open women’s course record: 2:09:56
That means a record-breaking win could net an athlete up to $150,000, before even factoring in appearance fees or sponsor bonuses—figures that often eclipse official prize money at the elite level.
American and Masters Divisions Add Depth
The 2025 edition also continues Chicago’s commitment to supporting American runners and masters athletes (40+).
Top U.S. finishers in each open division earned additional bonuses, with the American prize pool totaling $98,000 ($49,000 for men and $49,000 for women). Masters winners, meanwhile, received a $2,000 bonus each.
The additional layers of payout are especially significant this year—Wesley Kiptoo, who became a U.S. citizen last month, was newly eligible for the American prize money, according to Monti’s post. That development could add an intriguing twist to the payout list once official results are finalized.
Men’s Prize Money Breakdown
1. Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) — $100,000
Kiplimo capped off his Chicago debut with a commanding win, running 2:02:23 — the third-fastest time ever recorded on U.S. soil. His performance secured the $100,000 top prize in the men’s open division. Though he didn’t threaten Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:00:35 course record from 2023, the victory marked another major milestone for the Ugandan star, who continues to establish himself as one of the most versatile distance runners in the world.
2. Amos Kipruto (Kenya) — $75,000
Kipruto, a former London Marathon champion, finished second in 2:03:54, earning a strong $75,000 payout. He kept Kiplimo in sight through the halfway mark but couldn’t close the gap in the final 10 kilometers. Still, the performance reinforced his consistency among the world’s elite marathoners.
3. Alex Masai (Kenya) — $50,000
Masai took third in 2:04:37, earning $50,000 in prize money — a major breakthrough for the Kenyan, who was running just his second career marathon. His steady pacing through the second half of the race earned him a podium finish and a hefty payday.
4. Conner Mantz (USA) — $30,000
Mantz, the top American finisher, placed fourth overall in 2:04:43, picking up $30,000 from the open division prize pool — and likely an additional $15,000 American bonus as the first U.S. finisher. His run, the fastest ever by an American, continues his momentum heading into the Olympic year.
5. Huseydin Mohamed Esa (Ethiopia) — $25,000
Rounding out the men’s top five, Esa clocked 2:04:49 to secure $25,000. Though he didn’t factor into the lead battle, his performance marks a new personal best and a major financial boost on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Women’s Prize Money Breakdown
1. Hawi Feysa (Ethiopia) — $100,000
Feysa claimed the women’s title in 2:14:57, holding off a late challenge from compatriot Megertu Alemu. The win brought her a $100,000 payday — the biggest of her career — and continued Ethiopia’s strong record in Chicago. While her time fell short of the 2:09:56 course record, it firmly established her among the world’s top marathoners.
2. Megertu Alemu (Ethiopia) — $75,000
Alemu, runner-up in 2022 and 2023, once again delivered consistency and speed, finishing in 2:17:18 to take home $75,000. Her steady front-running through 30 kilometers kept the pace honest, and her back-to-back podiums cement her reputation as one of the most reliable marathoners on the circuit.
3. Magdalena Shauri (Tanzania) — $50,000
Shauri, fresh off her breakout win in Berlin last year, added another major podium finish with a 2:18:03 run, good for $50,000. Her performance makes her the first Tanzanian woman to podium in Chicago, underscoring her rapid rise to prominence.
4. Loice Chemnung (Kenya) — $30,000
Chemnung finished fourth in 2:18:24, collecting $30,000. The performance marked her debut in a World Marathon Major and was a huge statement for the 24-year-old Kenyan, who is quickly emerging as a name to watch in 2026.
5. Mary Ngugi-Cooper (Kenya) — $25,000
Veteran marathoner Mary Ngugi-Cooper rounded out the top five in 2:19:26, earning $25,000. It’s another top-tier finish for the Kenyan, who remains one of the most consistent and respected athletes on the women’s road circuit.
