Uganda’s Kiplimo smashes world half-marathon record

• Published On: 16 February 2025 at 21:08

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo shattered the men’s half marathon world record, clocking an unprecedented 56 minutes and 41 seconds.

This remarkable feat on Sunday, February 16, 2025, saw the 24-year-old obliterate the previous record by a staggering 49 seconds, marking the most significant single improvement in the event’s history.

This took place in a historic performance at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks, Athletics Weekly reports.

Kiplimo's previous world record of 57:31, set in Lisbon in 2021, was surpassed by Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, who ran 57:30 in Valencia in October 2024.



Determined to reclaim his title, Kiplimo put on an incredible performance in Barcelona, becoming the first athlete to break the 57-minute mark in the half marathon.

Under ideal conditions—13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) with no wind—Kiplimo maintained a blistering average pace of approximately 2:41 per kilometre.

In addition to his record-breaking finish, he set a world best time of 39:47 for 15 kilometres.

Kiplimo expressed his joy at his accomplishment, saying, "I am very excited about what I did today." I started strong and hoped to have a great race, but I didn't expect to break the world record."


As the race progressed and he realised he was on record pace, he remained steadfast: "As the kilometres passed and I saw that I was going at record pace, I told myself that I had to keep that pace no matter what it took."

Kiplimo's versatility in multiple disciplines is well documented. He is a two-time World Cross Country champion (2023 and 2024) and won a bronze medal in the 10,000 metres at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

His latest achievement in Barcelona not only confirms his dominance in long-distance running, but also establishes a new standard for future competitors.

Kiplimo’s counterparts
Other elite runners delivered impressive performances at the event. Kenya's Geoffrey Kamworor finished second in 58:44.

His compatriot Samuel Mailu finished third, crossing the line at 59:40.

Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya set a course record for the women's category, finishing in 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 13 seconds.


Kiplimo's historic run in Barcelona not only reshaped the half marathon landscape, but also cemented his place as one of the most exceptional talents in athletics today.