Jacob Kiplimo Sets New Half Marathon World Record in Lisbon

Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo reclaimed the men's half marathon world record on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, finishing the 21.1-kilometer course in 57 minutes and 20 seconds to surpass the previous mark by 10 seconds.

The 25-year-old runner, competing without pacemakers, surged ahead in the final stages of the race to secure the victory and official ratification from World Athletics. Kiplimo covered the first 5 kilometers in 13 minutes and 28 seconds, maintaining a strong pace with Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich close behind. The trio reached the 10-kilometer mark in 27 minutes, but Kiprotich began to fade shortly after. By the 15-kilometer point, which they hit in 40 minutes and 52 seconds, Kiplimo accelerated, running the next 5 kilometers in 13 minutes and 31 seconds to open a decisive gap. He crossed the finish line 48 seconds ahead of Kipkorir, who took second place in 58:08. Kiprotich finished third in 58:59.

Kiplimo's performance returned him to the top of the all-time list, echoing his earlier success on the same Lisbon course. In 2021, he set the world record there in 57:31, a mark that stood until Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha improved...