By Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a historic performance at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks, a World Athletics Gold Label road race, on Sunday, setting a new world half marathon record of 56:41.
The 24-year-old two-time world cross-country champion surpassed the previous record of 57:30, set by Yomif Kejelcha, by an astonishing 49 seconds—marking the most significant single improvement in the history of the men’s half marathon world record.
Competing in ideal race conditions, with temperatures at 13°C and no wind, Kiplimo became the first athlete in history to break the 57-minute barrier in the half marathon. His remarkable pace saw him also set a new world best of 39:47 for the 15km split, reinforcing his dominance over the distance.
Kiplimo’s achievement in Barcelona solidifies his status as one of the greatest distance runners of his generation and a national icon for Uganda. His world record not only redefines the limits of endurance running but also strengthens Uganda’s presence on the global athletics stage.
As Kiplimo continues his quest for greatness, the world eagerly anticipates his future performances on both the track and the roads.
