American Galen Rupp wins Chicago Marathon

American Galen Rupp on Sunday stunned a rich field to win this year’s edition of the Chicago Marathon men's race.

The 31-year-old cut the tape in a personal best 2:09:20 to win his first World Major Marathon title. Last year's winner Abel Kirui of Kenya (2:09:48) was placed second finishing ahead of compatriot Bernard Kipyego who clocked 2:10:23.

Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba won the women's race in a time of 2:18:30 ahead of Kenya's Brigid Kosgei +1:53 and American Jordan Hasay (+2:28). It was Dibaba's first major crown at the distance.

It proved to be a disappointing comeback for world record holder Dennis Kimetto as he failed to finish the race in his first appearance after several months out due to injury.

He led at the halfway mark in 1:05:49 but began limping soon after and by 25km was off the pace for good.

Rupp, who became the first American in 15 years to win the course, attributed his victory to great work from his coach Alberto Salazar and support from his family.

"It’s just incredible. You train so hard year in and year out, day in and day out and to have a race like this where it all comes together and be able to win in a city that really is such a special place to me, given that my dad grew up here - words can't express the feeling of crossing the line,” he said at the finish line.

"I feel like I’ve been second so many times in my career, just always this close so I just am so thrilled that I was able to pull it out here.”

It looked two-time world champion Kirui was on course to retain his title after taking control of the race after 34km, breaking off the three-man pack of Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma, Gulip and himself.

However, Gulip, this year's Boston Marathon runner-up and the 2016 Olympic marathon bronze medalist, surged past him at the 36km mark and held off the Kenyan to claim the famous win.

He ran the two fastest splits at mile 23 and mile 24 at 4:35 and 4:31, respectively.

The last American to win the race was Khalid Khannouci in 2002 and the four –time winner believes his country mate can win more races.

“He has beaten a strong field that has so many great athletes and I think this can be the start of so many things to come,” Khannouci said.

Three-time Olympic champion Dibaba pushed toward a course-record pace almost from the start but ultimately she came up slightly short of the course record 2:17:18 set by Great Britain’s Paula Radcliffe on October 13, 2002.