Jacob Kiplimo
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s long-distance running star Jacob Kiplimo managed to reclaim the men’s half-marathon world record after producing a remarkable performance at the Lisbon Half Marathon on March 8, 2026, clocking 57 minutes and 20 seconds to win the race in commanding fashion.
The 25-year-old runner shaved 10 seconds off the previous world record of 57:30 set in 2024 by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia. Kiplimo’s latest achievement marks a return to the top for the Ugandan athlete, who first set the world record on the same Lisbon course in 2021 with a time of 57:31.
Tactical discipline
Several factors contributed to Kiplimo’s record-breaking run, including tactical discipline, strong endurance and his ability to accelerate when the opportunity presented itself. Despite the race being run without pacemakers—an element that often helps athletes maintain a consistent high speed—Kiplimo controlled the pace from the early stages and gradually positioned himself for a decisive surge.
He opened the race aggressively, covering the first 5 kilometres in 13:28 while running alongside Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich. The trio reached the 10km mark in a swift 27:00, keeping Kiplimo on course for a possible record attempt. However, Kiprotich later faded from the lead group, leaving Kiplimo and Kipkorir to battle for the win.
Another crucial moment came after the runners crossed the 15km mark in 40:52 when the pace slightly dropped. Sensing the opportunity to chase the record, Kiplimo accelerated sharply and covered the next 5 kilometres in an impressive 13:31 split, maintaining the momentum through the closing stages.
Sustained acceleration
“I’m so happy to break the world record,” Kiplimo said after crossing the finish line. “After the first 10km, I thought the world record was possible. I tried to keep pushing the pace in the final two kilometres.”
Another factor was his sustained acceleration, which proved decisive. As a result, Kipkorir finished 48 seconds behind while Kiprotich came third, one minute and 39 seconds off the winning time.
Kiplimo’s performance also reflects his continued dominance in long-distance running. The Ugandan is a two-time world cross-country champion and has consistently ranked among the world’s top road runners. In 2025, he even ran a blistering 56:42 in Barcelona, becoming the first athlete to break the 57-minute barrier in the half marathon, although the mark was not ratified by World Athletics due to race conditions that did not fully comply with official rules.
With the Lisbon triumph, Kiplimo has now firmly re-established himself as the fastest half-marathon runner in history, reaffirming Uganda’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in global distance running.
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