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 record 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, with Kipkorir and Kiprotich staying close behind in the early stages.
The leading group reached the 10-kilometre mark in 27 minutes, but Kiprotich later dropped back as the race progressed. Kiplimo and Kipkorir continued side by side, passing 15 kilometres in 40 minutes and 52 seconds.
Sensing the pace had slowed slightly, Kiplimo surged ahead, covering the next five kilometres in 13 minutes and 31 seconds before maintaining his momentum to the finish line to set the new world record.
Speaking after the race, Kiplimo expressed excitement about 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, but the performance 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.
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