Jacob Kiplimo just rewrote the half-marathon record books in Lisbon, storming to a 57:20 victory without pacemakers, outkicking Nicholas Kipkorir late as Tsigie Gebreselama defended her women’s title in dominant fashion.
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo set a new world record in the half marathon on Sunday, winning the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon in 57:20.
The 24-year-old runner improved the previous world record by 10 seconds. The earlier mark of 57:30 was set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia in 2024. Kiplimo had also held the record before, running 57:31 on the same Lisbon course in 2021.
Sunday’s race was run without pacemakers, making the performance even more notable. Kiplimo started fast, covering the first 5 kilometers in 13:28. Kenyan runners Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich stayed close behind during the early stages. The three athletes reached the 10km mark together in 27:00.
Kiprotich began to lose contact after that point, leaving Kiplimo and Kipkorir running side by side. They passed 15km in 40:52. Shortly after, Kiplimo increased the pace and broke away from his rival.
The Ugandan maintained a strong rhythm over the final kilometers and crossed the finish line in 57:20. Kipkorir finished second in 58:08, while Kiprotich secured third place with 58:59.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama successfully defended her title. She won in 1:04:48, finishing more than two minutes ahead of Kenya’s Janeth Chepngetich (1:06:50). Another Kenyan, Regina Wambui, took third place in 1:07:10.
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