Jacob Kiplimo, the 24-year-old Ugandan long-distance runner, has made history by becoming the first person to complete a half marathon in under 57 minutes. Kiplimo set a new world record with an astonishing time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds during the 2025 World Athletics event held in Barcelona. This incredible feat saw him surpass the previous world record of 57:30, which was set by Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia in October 2024.
Kiplimo’s sub-57-minute time represents the most significant improvement on the men’s world half-marathon record. His achievement not only highlights his immense talent and determination but also solidifies his place among the greatest long-distance runners in the world. In addition to breaking the world record for the half marathon, Jacob Kiplimo also set a world best time of 39:47 for 15 kilometers during the event.
The Historic Half Marathon Performance of Jacob Kiplimo
The record-breaking performance by Jacob Kiplimo in Barcelona has stunned the world of athletics. His remarkable time of 56:42 was not just a personal best but a historic moment in the sport’s history. Kiplimo’s achievement eclipses the previous world record by 48 seconds, a massive margin in long-distance running, where records are typically improved by small fractions of time.
For Kiplimo, the race was a blend of strategy, raw talent, and mental toughness. The Ugandan runner revealed that he had a clear strategy going into the race: “I started very strong in the first two kilometers to get away from my rivals. As the kilometers passed and I saw that I was going at record pace, I told myself that I had to maintain that pace no matter what it took.” His strong start and determination paid off as he held his pace throughout the entire race, finishing with a time that will be remembered for years to come.
In addition to the half marathon world record, Jacob Kiplimo set a world best for 15 kilometers at 39:47. This milestone further emphasizes his dominance in long-distance running and the speed at which he was covering the course in Barcelona. His performance demonstrated that his abilities extend beyond just the half marathon, making him a versatile and formidable force on the international athletics scene.
Kiplimo’s Unbelievable Journey to World Record Success
Jacob Kiplimo has been steadily climbing the ranks of long-distance running for several years, and his performance in Barcelona is the culmination of years of dedication, training, and perseverance. Kiplimo is no stranger to high-level competition. He earned a bronze medal in the 10,000m event at both the Olympic Games and the World Championships, proving his capability in major global competitions. His experience in these events provided him with the mental toughness and composure needed to achieve such a remarkable feat in the half marathon.
Before this record-breaking run, Jacob Kiplimo was already considered one of the top long-distance runners in the world. However, his victory in Barcelona has elevated his status to a new level. The time he achieved on that fateful day is more than just a number— it represents a new era for long-distance running. Kiplimo’s performance has inspired athletes worldwide, and it signals the start of a new generation of runners capable of achieving even greater feats in the years to come.
The Rivalries and Challenges That Pushed Kiplimo
Kiplimo’s half marathon success was not achieved in isolation. He faced fierce competition during the race, with his compatriot Geoffrey Kamworor finishing second with a time of 58:44. Kamworor, a fellow Ugandan athlete and a two-time World Half Marathon Champion, pushed Kiplimo to run at an exceptional pace. Additionally, Kenya’s Samuel Mailu, who finished third with a time of 59:40, was also in the mix, challenging Kiplimo’s pacing and forcing him to dig deeper into his reserves.
The presence of such formidable competitors served as a motivator for Kiplimo. Despite the challenge from his rivals, Jacob Kiplimo maintained his focus and determination to break the world record. His ability to stay ahead of the competition throughout the entire race speaks to his preparation, strategy, and mental fortitude.
Perfect Conditions for a World Record
The conditions in Barcelona on the day of the race were ideal for a record-breaking performance. The temperature was a perfect 13°C, with little to no wind, allowing the athletes to push themselves without the hindrance of extreme weather conditions. The flat and fast course also played a role in Kiplimo’s success, offering an environment where every step could be used to propel himself forward towards the world record.
Kiplimo’s timing was impeccable, and he was able to use the optimal conditions to his advantage. While many other athletes might have been content with a strong finish, Jacob Kiplimo knew that the world record was within his reach. His determination to maintain the pace and run through the discomfort of a world record attempt shows his commitment to greatness.
The Significance of Jacob Kiplimo’s Achievement
Jacob Kiplimo‘s world record-breaking performance is not just a milestone for him personally but also a landmark moment for the sport of long-distance running. To break a record that had stood for several years by a margin as significant as 48 seconds is unprecedented in the world of athletics.
Kiplimo’s run has also made him a key figure in the ongoing rivalry between African athletes, particularly those from Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, who dominate the world of long-distance running. The new world record underscores Uganda’s growing prominence in athletics and highlights the strength of Kiplimo as one of the leading athletes in the sport.
As the first person to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes, Jacob Kiplimo has set the bar high for future athletes. His achievement may inspire many to chase similar records and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of long-distance running. Kiplimo’s world record has opened a new chapter in athletics, and it remains to be seen how long it will stand before another athlete surpasses it.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jacob Kiplimo?
With the world record now in his hands, Jacob Kiplimo has solidified his place in history as one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time. However, his career is far from over, and there are many more opportunities for him to further etch his name in the record books.
Kiplimo’s incredible feat in Barcelona will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for further success in future competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympics. His focus will likely shift towards other major events where he can continue to showcase his talent and possibly set new records in other distances.
Kiplimo’s journey will also inspire younger athletes, particularly in his home country of Uganda, to pursue excellence in athletics. As the world continues to celebrate his achievement, Jacob Kiplimo’s legacy is already cemented in the sport’s history, and his future in long-distance running looks brighter than ever.
Conclusion
Jacob Kiplimo world record-breaking half marathon performance in Barcelona has sent shockwaves through the world of athletics. With a time of 56:42, he became the first athlete to complete a half marathon in under 57 minutes, shattering the previous world record by 48 seconds. His achievement has placed him at the pinnacle of long-distance running and set a new benchmark for future athletes to strive toward.
As Kiplimo continues to rise to new heights in his career, the world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what he accomplishes next. For now, his world record stands as a testament to his incredible talent, dedication, and determination. Jacob Kiplimo has truly made his mark in the history of athletics.
