Kiplimo Storms to New Half Marathon World Record Ahead of Kenyan Rivals in Lisbon

Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo produces a sensational run at the Lisbon Half Marathon, beating Kenyan challengers and rewriting the world record.

Ugandan distance sensation Jacob Kiplimo delivered a breathtaking performance at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday, smashing the men’s half marathon world record with a time of 57:20.

The three-time world cross-country champion returned to the same Lisbon course where he first set a record in 2021 and produced another historic run. His new mark lowers the previous world record of 57:30, which had been set earlier this year by Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha at the Valencia Half Marathon.

Unlike many major road races, the Lisbon contest was run without pacemakers. Kiplimo wasted no time asserting control, blasting through the opening 5km in a rapid 13:28. Kenyan athletes Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich stayed within striking distance as the trio passed the 10km checkpoint together in 27:00.

The race began to take shape after that point. Kiprotich gradually dropped off the pace, leaving Kiplimo and Kipkorir locked in a two-man battle. The pair continued pushing each other and crossed the 15km mark in 40:52.

Sensing an opportunity, Kiplimo shifted gears soon after. The Ugandan surged ahead and powered through the next 5km in an astonishing 13:31, effectively breaking the race open and putting the world record within reach.

Kiplimo Realises the Record is Possible

From there, Kiplimo maintained his relentless rhythm all the way to the finish line, stopping the clock at 57:20 to secure a historic victory. Kipkorir finished second in 58:08, while Kiprotich held on for third place with a time of 58:59.

Speaking after the race, Kiplimo admitted he sensed something special early on.

“I’m so happy to break the world record,” he said. “After the first 10km, I felt the pace was good enough for it. In the final kilometres, I just focused on pushing as hard as possible.”

Interestingly, the Ugandan had run an even faster time of 56:42 in Barcelona last year. However, that mark was not recognised because the race conditions did not meet official record requirements.

In the women’s race, Ethiopian runner Tsige Gebreselama successfully defended her title, claiming victory with a strong time of 1:04:48.

Kiplimo’s new mark will now undergo the usual ratification process by World Athletics before it is officially confirmed as the world record.