Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, 24, set a new world record in the half-marathon at the World Athletics Gold Label road race in Barcelona. On a Sunday marked by ideal weather conditions, Kiplimo completed the race in a breathtaking 56 minutes and 42 seconds. This remarkable feat was achieved under a clear sky with temperatures at a perfect 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) and no wind.
Kiplimo not only broke the half-marathon world record but also set a world best of 39:47 for 15km (9.3 miles) during the race. The previous half-marathon record of 57:30 was held by Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha, who set it in Valencia the previous October. Kiplimo's performance marked the greatest single improvement on the men's world half-marathon record, slashing an impressive 48 seconds off Kejelcha’s time.
Kiplimo, a two-time world cross-country champion, has reclaimed his position as the world record holder. He previously held the half-marathon record from 2021 to 2024 before Kejelcha surpassed it. This latest triumph further cements his status as an elite long-distance runner. Reflecting on his performance, Kiplimo said:
“I started strong, I wanted to have a great race, but I didn’t expect to break the world record."
— Jacob Kiplimo
Starting his international athletic career at an early age, Kiplimo made his Olympic debut in the 5,000m race at just 15 during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. His journey since then has been marked by consistent excellence and determination. The recent achievement in Barcelona is subject to usual ratification procedures, ensuring all standards are met for official recognition.
The announcement of Kiplimo's record-breaking run was made on Twitter by World Athletics, highlighting the significance of his accomplishment in the global athletics community.
