Ugandan long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo has made history by smashing the men’s half marathon world record with an astonishing time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds at the Barcelona Half Marathon. His achievement has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, as he became the first person ever to break the 57-minute barrier.
The 24-year-old athlete displayed an exceptional performance, improving the previous record by a remarkable 48 seconds, making it the most significant single improvement in the history of the men’s half marathon world record.
A Historic Performance in Barcelona
Kiplimo’s record-breaking run took place in near-perfect conditions, with a temperature of 13 degrees Celsius (55 Fahrenheit) and no wind. The race, classified as a World Athletics Gold Label road race, provided the ideal setting for him to push the boundaries of human endurance. From the very start, Jacob Kiplimo seemed determined to set a blistering pace.
Initially following his pacemaker’s strategy of 2:45 per kilometer, he soon found himself brimming with energy and took the initiative to increase his rhythm at the third kilometer.
Speaking after the race, Kiplimo expressed his surprise and delight at the historic feat. “It has been the perfect race,” he said. “Ideal temperature, no wind at all, fantastic circuit – everything went better than expected.” His decision to pick up the pace early on played a crucial role in his record-breaking performance.
Notably, Jacob Kiplimo also set a world best of 40:07 for the 15-kilometer mark en route to his final time, demonstrating his incredible stamina and ability to sustain a fast pace over a long distance. His performance was nothing short of legendary, cementing his name among the greatest distance runners of all time.
Breaking Barriers and Setting New Standards
Kiplimo’s feat shattered the previous world record of 57:30, set by Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia just a few months prior. The fact that he managed to improve upon an already exceptional record by such a wide margin is a testament to his extraordinary talent and rigorous training regime.
The young Ugandan has been making waves in the world of athletics for some time now. In addition to his latest record, Jacob Kiplimo won a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
He is also a two-time world cross-country champion, showcasing his versatility across different running disciplines. His transition from track and cross-country to the roads has been seamless, and his latest record is proof that he is among the finest distance runners of his generation.
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His performance in Barcelona is likely to redefine the standards of long-distance running. To put his achievement into perspective, breaking the 57-minute barrier was once considered an almost impossible feat. With his latest accomplishment, Kiplimo has opened the door for future runners to push beyond what was previously thought attainable.
Just how fast is Jacob Kiplimo? 🥵
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 16, 2025
To break the men's half marathon world record, Kiplimo averaged 22.3kmh — that's:
– 2:41 per km
– 13:26 for every 5km
– 26:53 for every 10km
– 1:53:24 marathon pace… 😳
📸 Daniel Meumann for https://t.co/z02m9ztOYF pic.twitter.com/CASv3q5Sd5
The significance of his record-breaking run goes beyond just the numbers. It highlights the growing dominance of Ugandan athletes in long-distance running, a field traditionally dominated by Kenyan and Ethiopian runners.
Kiplimo’s success is an inspiration for aspiring runners in Uganda and across Africa, proving that with the right training and mindset, anything is possible.
The Future of Long-Distance Running
Following his historic run, Kiplimo announced that he will take a break from competition until April, when he is set to make his marathon debut in London. This move has generated considerable excitement in the athletics community, as fans and experts alike are eager to see how he performs over the full 42.2-kilometer marathon distance.
Given his remarkable endurance and speed over 21.1 kilometers, expectations are high that he could make an immediate impact in the marathon circuit.
The half marathon is often considered a stepping stone to the full marathon, and many of the world’s greatest marathon runners have first made their mark in the shorter distance.
If Kiplimo can translate his half marathon dominance to the marathon, he could be a serious contender for major titles, including World Marathon Majors and Olympic gold medals.
Meanwhile, in the women’s race at the Barcelona Half Marathon, Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei delivered an outstanding performance of her own. The former world record-holder won the race with a lifetime best of 1:04:13, setting a course record and moving to seventh place on the all-time list.
Jepkosgei, who previously held the world record in the half marathon, managed to improve her personal best by 16 seconds. Her victory underscores the continued dominance of Kenyan female athletes in long-distance running.
Kenyan runner Gladys Chepkurui finished second in 1:06:25, while Ethiopia’s Alemtsehay Zerihun took third place in 1:08:19. Jepkosgei expressed her satisfaction with her performance and her hope to return to Barcelona next year to defend her title.
While the women’s race was impressive, the spotlight of the event undoubtedly belonged to Jacob Kiplimo and his historic achievement. His world record has set a new benchmark in the half marathon, and his future endeavors will be closely watched by the athletics community.
As Kiplimo prepares for his marathon debut, the anticipation is growing. Will he be able to replicate his half marathon success over the full distance? His ability to maintain such a fast pace over 21.1 kilometers suggests that he could be a formidable marathon runner. If he continues on this trajectory, he has the potential to become one of the greatest distance runners of all time.
The Barcelona Half Marathon 2024 will go down in history as the race where Jacob Kiplimo redefined human limits in long-distance running. His performance was a masterclass in endurance, pacing, and determination. As he sets his sights on new challenges, the world will be watching to see what he accomplishes next.
With his name now firmly etched in the record books, Kiplimo’s journey is far from over. The athletics world eagerly awaits his next chapter, and if his past performances are anything to go by, we are in for many more unforgettable moments from this extraordinary athlete.