Jacob Kiplimo regains half-marathon world record with Lisbon victory
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo has reclaimed the half-marathon world record after storming to victory in Lisbon with a time of 57 minutes and 20 seconds.
The 25-year-old shaved 10 seconds off the previous global marker set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia earlier in 2024.
It marks a return to the history books for the long-distance star, who previously clocked a record-breaking 57:31 on the same Portuguese course in 2021.
Historical return to Lisbon
The three-time world cross-country champion had threatened the record before, running a blistering 56:42 in Barcelona last year.
However, that performance was not ratified by World Athletics due to illegal pacing assistance during the event.
Returning to legally sanctioned competition in Lisbon, the Ugandan athlete established a rhythm early, covering the first 5km in 13:28 and reaching the 10km mark in 27:00.
He passed 15km in 40:52 before accelerating significantly to cover the subsequent 5km section in 13:31.
‘I tried to keep pushing’
“I’m so happy to break the world record,” Kiplimo said following the race.
“After the first 10km, I thought the world record was possible. I tried to keep pushing the pace in the final two kilometres.”
While Kiplimo dominated proceedings, there were strong performances from the chasing pack.
Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir finished second, crossing the line in 58:08.
His compatriot Gilbert Kiprotich rounded off the podium places in third with a time of 58:59.
