Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo etched his name into athletics history after becoming the first runner to complete a half marathon in under 57 minutes. The 24-year-old delivered a phenomenal performance at the World Athletics Gold Label Barcelona Half Marathon, crossing the finish line in 56 minutes and 42 seconds to set a remarkable new benchmark in road racing.
Kiplimo’s historic effort eclipsed the previous world record of 57:30, set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia in October 2024. By improving the mark by 48 seconds, the Ugandan produced the biggest single improvement ever recorded in the men’s half marathon world record.
Record-Breaking Run
The Ugandan ace maintained an extraordinary pace from start to finish and also registered a world-best 15km split of 39:47 during the race. Running in favourable weather conditions, Kiplimo dominated the field and reclaimed the half marathon world-best mark that he had previously held between 2021 and 2024.
A Landmark Achievement
Already regarded as one of the finest distance runners of his generation, Kiplimo has added another milestone to his decorated career with this unforgettable performance. His run not only reset the global standard for the event but also showcased the growing depth and quality of African distance running on the international stage. While the race will be remembered for its breathtaking pace, Kiplimo’s achievement stands as a symbol of how the limits of endurance continue to be pushed in modern athletics.
Key Numbers
Athlete: Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda)
Event: Barcelona Half Marathon
Winning Time: 56:42
Previous World Record: 57:30 (Yomif Kejelcha, Ethiopia)
Record Improvement: 48 seconds
15km Split: 39:47 (World Best)
Historic Feat: First athlete to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes.
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