Uganda’s long-distance star Jacob Kiplimo delivered a historic performance on Sunday, storming to victory at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon and setting a new world record of 57:20 over 21 kilometers.
The 27-year-old led the race from start to finish, slicing 10 seconds off the previous record held by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who ran 57:30 in Valencia in 2024. Kiplimo had previously owned the world record with 57:31, achieved in Lisbon in 2021.
Running without pacemakers, Kiplimo opened aggressively, covering the first 5km in 13:28.
He maintained a relentless tempo through 10km in 27:00 and 15km in 40:52, with Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich briefly keeping close contact.
As the pace slightly dipped after 15km, Kiplimo surged again, covering the next segment in 13:31 to break away decisively.
He powered through the final stretch alone to cross the finish line in 57:20, reclaiming the global mark in emphatic fashion.
Kipkorir finished second in 58:08, while Kiprotich secured third place in 58:59.
“I am so happy to break the world record,” Kiplimo said after the race.
“After the first 10km, I believed it was possible and pushed harder in the final kilometers.”
World Athletics praised the record-setting run, which was achieved on a fully compliant course and now awaits official ratification.
