Jacob Kiplimo Storms to Half-Marathon World Record in Lisbon
Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo has spectacularly regained the half-marathon world record, delivering a breathtaking performance in Lisbon on Sunday. The 25-year-old athlete blazed through the course in a remarkable time of 57 minutes and 20 seconds, reclaiming the title he last held in 2021.
Record-Breaking Achievement
Kiplimo's run shaved an impressive 10 seconds off the previous world record, which was set by Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia earlier in 2024. This victory marks a significant milestone in Kiplimo's career, as he previously held the record with a time of 57:31 on the same Lisbon route three years ago.
Reflecting on his performance, Kiplimo expressed immense joy. "I'm so happy to break the world record," said the Olympic bronze medalist in the 10,000m. "After the first 10km, I thought the world record was possible. I tried to keep pushing the pace in the final two kilometres."
Recent Form and Challenges
The world record caps off a strong 12-month period for Kiplimo, who has demonstrated consistent excellence in long-distance running. His recent achievements include:
- Finishing second in the 2025 London Marathon
- Winning last year's Chicago Marathon
However, his journey has not been without setbacks. In 2024, Kiplimo came close to an all-time best with a 56:42 run in Barcelona, but that performance was not ratified by World Athletics due to illegal pacing assistance, highlighting the strict regulations in professional athletics.
Race Results and Women's Event
In the men's race, Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir finished a distant second with a time of 58:08, while his compatriot Gilbert Kiprotich secured third place in 58:59. The women's event was won by Ethiopia's Tsigie Gebreselama, who clocked a time of 1:04:48, showcasing the global talent in half-marathon competitions.
Kiplimo's record-breaking run not only solidifies his status as one of the world's top distance runners but also inspires athletes worldwide. His determination and speed continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in athletics, making this a historic moment for Uganda and the sport.
