Jacob Kiplimo Breaks Half Marathon Record in Lisbon

Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo just reminded the world why records are made to be broken, especially when you're the one breaking them twice.

The 24-year-old distance runner clocked an incredible 57:20 at the Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday, officially reclaiming the world record he briefly held last year. His previous mark of 56:42 in Barcelona made him the first person ever to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes, but race footage showed him running behind a pace car for much of the race, violating competition rules.

That disqualification left Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha as the official record holder at 57:30. But Kiplimo wasn't about to let a technicality define his legacy.

This time, there were no pacemakers, no pace cars, and no controversy. Just Kiplimo against the clock on the same Lisbon course where he set a world record three years ago.

He hit the first 5K in 13:28, running alongside Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich. The trio reached 10 kilometers in 27 minutes flat, perfectly positioned for something special.

At the 15K mark, Kiplimo made his move. He surged ahead and never looked back, crossing the finish line 10 seconds faster than Kejelcha's mark.

"After the first 10 km, I thought the world record was possible," Kiplimo said after the race. "I tried to keep pushing the pace in the final two kilometres."

Kipkorir finished second in 58:08, with Kiprotich taking third in 58:59. Both ran under 59 minutes, a testament to the quality of competition pushing Kiplimo to greatness.

The Bright Side

Sometimes setbacks become comebacks. Kiplimo could have been discouraged by having his Barcelona time disqualified, but instead he returned stronger and more determined. His Lisbon performance proves that genuine talent doesn't need advantages or shortcuts.

The victory is even sweeter considering Kiplimo and Kejelcha are scheduled to meet again at the London Marathon on April 26, 2026. That race just got a lot more interesting.

In the women's race, Ethiopia's Tsigie Gebreselama defended her title with a commanding 1:04:48 finish, more than two minutes ahead of the field. Kenya's Janeth Chepngetich took second in 1:06:50, followed by Regina Wambui in 1:07:10.

World Athletics must still ratify Kiplimo's record, but with no pacemakers and clear conditions, there's every reason to believe this mark will stand and inspire the next generation of distance runners to chase even faster times.