Uganda’s long-distance star Jacob Kiplimo produced a historic performance on Sunday after setting a new men’s half marathon world record with a time of 57 minutes and 20 seconds at the Lisbon Half Marathon in Lisbon.

The Ugandan runner reclaimed the world record with a dominant victory, breaking the previous mark of 57:30 set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia in 2024.

Kiplimo’s run confirms his place among the fastest road runners in history and marks another major milestone for Ugandan athletics on the global stage.

Fast Early Pace Sets Up Record

The race began at a rapid pace despite the absence of pacemakers. Kiplimo covered the first five kilometres in 13:28, closely followed by Kenyan runners Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich.

The leading trio reached the 10km mark in 27:00, maintaining a pace that kept the world record within reach.

As the race progressed, Kiprotich began to fade while Kiplimo and Kipkorir remained at the front.

Passing 15km in 40:52, Kiplimo accelerated again, sensing the record was possible.

The Ugandan increased his pace over the next five kilometres, covering the segment in 13:31 before powering through the final stretch to cross the finish line in 57:20, the fastest half marathon ever recorded.

“After the first 10 kilometres, I thought the world record was possible,” Kiplimo said after the race. “I tried to keep pushing the pace in the final two kilometres.”

Kipkorir Finishes Second

Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir finished second, crossing the line 48 seconds behind the Ugandan champion, while Gilbert Kiprotich finished third after dropping off the early pace.

The race once again highlighted the dominance of East African athletes in global distance running competitions.

Kiplimo Reclaims Record

The Lisbon victory marks a return to the top of the record books for Kiplimo. The Ugandan previously set the half marathon world record in 2021 with a time of 57:31, also in Lisbon.

That record was later broken by Yomif Kejelcha, but Kiplimo has now reclaimed the title with an even faster performance.

Kiplimo had run an even quicker 56:42 in Barcelona last year, but the mark was not ratified by World Athletics because race conditions were not fully compliant with official rules.

Women’s Race Winner

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tsige Gebreselama successfully defended her title in Lisbon, winning in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 48 seconds.

The event remains one of the fastest half marathon races in the world and continues to attract elite runners chasing record times.

What Is the Half Marathon World Record?

The men’s half marathon world record is now 57:20, set by Jacob Kiplimo at the Lisbon Half Marathon in Lisbon.

The previous record of 57:30 was held by Yomif Kejelcha.

Who Is Jacob Kiplimo?

Jacob Kiplimo is a Ugandan long-distance runner and one of the world’s leading road racing athletes. He is a former world half marathon champion and Olympic medalist and has consistently ranked among the fastest distance runners globally.

His latest world record performance in Lisbon further strengthens his reputation as one of the greatest runners of his generation.