Download our Free 8-Week Plan here →
News

Jacob Kiplimo Sets New Half Marathon World Record with 57:20 in Lisbon

March 9, 2026
By
Anna F.

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.

You Might Also Like

Kenya’s Kennedy Kimutai Wins 2026 Paris Half Marathon as 50,000 Runners Fill the Streets

Paris welcomed 50,000 runners for the 2026 Paris Half Marathon, with Kennedy Kimutai and Ftaw Zeray taking the wins as crowds cheered along the Seine and through the Bois de Vincennes.

LA Marathon Allows Runners to Finish at 18 Miles Due to Heat Forecast

Los Angeles Marathon organizers are adding a heat-safety option: if race-day temperatures climb too high, runners may stop just after mile 18 and still receive a finisher medal. With forecasts rising from 12–13°C at the 7 a.m. start to 25–27°C by midday, the McCourt Foundation says the goal is preventing dangerous heat illness.

Study Finds Vitamin D Helps Maintain Immune Health, but Does Not Improve Running Performance

Vitamin D can help runners hold onto healthy levels through the dark winter months, and may support immune markers, but this new study found it doesn’t translate into better performance like VO₂max, power, or strength.

On Introduces Laceless Running Shoe Made by Robots in New South Korea Factory

On Running’s new LightSpray laceless shoe uses 32 robots to spray a seamless upper in just three minutes, cutting development from 18–24 months to as little as 3–4 and hinting at a faster, more automated future for running footwear.

6 Running Memoirs That Will Change How You Think About Every Mile

A finish line is never just a finish line. These unforgettable running memoirs prove the sport is about endurance, identity, and what you learn when the miles get long, quiet, and deeply personal.

Record 240,000 Runners Apply for 2026 NYC Marathon as Lottery Results Are Announced

Hundreds of thousands entered the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon lottery, but with 240,000+ applicants and roughly 1% selected, getting to the November 1 start line became the race’s most competitive drawing ever.