Hawi Feysa becomes 5th fastest woman ever as she conquers streets of Chicago

Addis Ababa, October 12, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, winning the women’s race in 2:14:56 and becoming the fifth fastest woman in history, according to World Athletics data.

Feysa’s compatriot Megertu Alemu finished second in 2:17:18, sealing a dominant Ethiopian one-two finish in the prestigious World Marathon Major event.

Feysa maintained a steady rhythm through the early stages before breaking away after the 30-kilometer mark to secure a commanding lead. Her negative split performance—running the second half faster than the first—placed her among the fastest women ever to complete the distance.

Megertu, who has consistently ranked among Ethiopia’s top marathoners, followed strongly to take second, reinforcing Ethiopia’s continued strength and depth in women’s long-distance running.

In the men’s race, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo took first place in 2:02:23, followed by Kenya’s Amos Kipruto and Alex Masai. Ethiopia’s Huseydin Mohamed Esa and Seifu Tura finished fifth and sixth, respectively