Agency
Uganda’s long-distance runner, Jacob Kiplimo, has set a new men’s half-marathon world record after winning the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday.
Kiplimo, a three-time world cross-country champion, clocked 57 minutes and 20 seconds, shaving 10 seconds off the previous official record that was held by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha. Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir finished second in 58 minutes and 08 seconds, while his compatriot Gilbert Kiprotich secured third place in 58 minutes and 59 seconds.
Kejelcha had set the previous world record in 2024 during the Valencia Half Marathon in Valencia, Spain. Kiplimo had earlier held the record of 57:31, which he set at the Lisbon race in 2021.
Running without pacemakers, Kiplimo opened strongly, covering the first five kilometres in 13 minutes and 28 seconds. Kipkorir and Kiprotich remained close behind during the early stages of the race.
The trio reached the 10-kilometre mark in 27 minutes, but Kiprotich later dropped back as the race progressed. Kiplimo and Kipkorir continued running side by side, passing 15 kilometres in 40 minutes and 52 seconds.
Kiplimo later surged ahead after sensing that the pace had slowed slightly, covering the next five kilometres in 13 minutes and 31 seconds. He maintained the pace to the finish line, crossing in 57:20 to set the new world record.
Speaking after the race, Kiplimo expressed excitement over the achievement.“I am very happy to break the world record. After the first 10 kilometres, I realised it was possible and decided to keep pushing the pace towards the finish,” he said.
Last year, Kiplimo ran an even faster time of 56:42 in Barcelona. However, the time was not ratified as a world record by World Athletics because the race conditions did not fully meet the required regulations.
Kiplimo’s coach, Peter Chelangat, praised the athlete’s performance, describing it as a strong start to the season as he prepares for major competitions, including the London Marathon.
Uganda’s long-distance star Joshua Cheptegei also congratulated Kiplimo, noting that the new record restores what rightfully belonged to the Ugandan runner after his earlier faster time was not officially recognised.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Tsige Gebreselama retained her title in the women’s race after finishing in 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 48 seconds. Kiplimo’s latest victory further strengthens Uganda’s reputation as a powerhouse in long-distance running.
