On the same coastal roads where he first rewrote the history books five years ago, Jacob Kiplimo has done it again. On Sunday morning, the Ugandan superstar clocked a staggering 57:20 at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, reclaiming the world record and providing a definitive answer to a month of technical controversy and “ghost record” labels.
The performance, pending the usual ratification procedures, takes 10 seconds off the previous official mark of 57:30 set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia last year.
A Masterclass in Solo Running
Unlike many record attempts that rely on a phalanx of pacemakers, Kiplimo’s run in Lisbon was a raw display of individual grit. In a race with no designated rabbits, the 25-year-old took charge from the gun.
He crossed the 5km mark in 13:28 with Kenyan duo Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich in tow. By the 10km mark (27:00), the group began to splinter as Kiprotich faded. When the pace dipped slightly around the 15km point (40:52), Kiplimo didn’t wait for a response; he surged alone, covering the next 5km in 13:31 to secure the record-breaking result.
“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.”
The Road to Redemption
This victory carries a weight beyond the trophy. Just weeks ago, the athletics community was embroiled in debate following World Athletics’ decision to reject Kiplimo’s 56:42 performance from Barcelona last year.
That mark—the first sub-57-minute half marathon in history—was denied ratification due to Technical Rule 6.3.1, citing “aerodynamic drafting” from a lead vehicle. While the running world recognized the physical feat, the “ghost record” left Kiplimo officially second on the all-time list.
As we noted in our previous coverage of the WR rejection, Kiplimo remained measured throughout the ordeal, stating at the time that while the record was not official, “the time is still at the top of the list.” His return to Lisbon was a calculated strategic move to secure a “bulletproof” mark on a course known for its precision and compliance.
What’s Next: The London Showdown
Kiplimo’s 57:20 serves as a terrifying warning shot to the rest of the marathon world. Fresh off his third consecutive World Cross Country title and armed with the aerobic engine of a 2:02:23 Chicago Marathon victory, he is arguably in the form of his life.
The win sets up a mouth-watering clash on April 26 at the 2026 London Marathon, where Kiplimo is scheduled to face off against the man whose record he just broke: Yomif Kejelcha.
For now, Lisbon remains Kiplimo’s city. He first broke the world record here in 2021 (57:31), and by returning to shave 11 seconds off that personal best, he has cemented his legacy as the greatest half-marathoner of all time—officially.
EDP Lisbon Half Marathon – Top Results
- Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) – 57:20 (WR*)
- Nicholas Kipkorir (KEN) – 58:08
- Gilbert Kiprotich (KEN) – 58:59
*Subject to ratification
