Ugandan long-distance sensation Jacob Kiplimo has spectacularly reclaimed the world half-marathon record with a breathtaking performance at the Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday. The 25-year-old athletic prodigy blazed through the 21.1-kilometer course in a stunning 57 minutes and 20 seconds, obliterating the previous benchmark by a remarkable 10-second margin.
The record-breaking achievement sees Kiplimo surpass Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha’s 2024 Valencia time of 57:30, while simultaneously reclaiming the title he previously held after his 57:31 performance on the same Lisbon route in 2021. This victory marks another extraordinary chapter in the career of the three-time world cross-country champion, whose exceptional 56:42 run in Barcelona last year was unfortunately invalidated due to pacing violations.
Kiplimo demonstrated strategic brilliance throughout the race, maintaining an explosive pace from the outset. He covered the initial 5km segment in 13:28, reached the 10km mark at 27:00 flat, and hit 15km at 40:52 before unleashing a devastating final surge. His phenomenal closing 5km stretch of 13:31 showcased his unparalleled endurance and racing intelligence.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy at breaking the world record,” an elated Kiplimo shared post-race. “After the first 10km, I sensed the record was within reach. I maintained focus and intensified my effort during the final two kilometers to secure this achievement.”
The competition saw Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir claim second position with a respectable 58:08 finish, while fellow countryman Gilbert Kiprotich completed the podium in third place with 58:59. Kiplimo’s dominant performance not only reestablishes his supremacy in half-marathon racing but also positions him as a formidable contender for future global championships.