This morning, February 16, 2025, Ugandan long-distance running sensation Jacob Kiplimo made history at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona, shattering the men’s half-marathon world record with an astonishing time of 56 minutes and 41 seconds.
The 24-year-old prodigy eclipsed the previous record of 57:30, set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, by an impressive 49 seconds, becoming the first athlete ever to run the 21.0975-kilometer distance in under 57 minutes.
From the starting gun, he displayed a fearless strategy, surging ahead to cover the first 10 kilometers in a blistering 26:46, well inside world-record pace. His relentless rhythm continued through the midway point, and he passed the 15km mark in 40:07, setting a world best for that distance en route. Maintaining an average pace of 4:19 per mile, Kiplimo crossed the finish line in Barcelona’s iconic streets, cementing his place in athletics history.
This record-breaking run adds to Kiplimo’s already illustrious career, which includes Olympic and World Championship bronze medals in the 10,000 meters, two world cross-country titles, and a previous half-marathon world record of 57:31 set in Lisbon in 2021. Reflecting on his achievement,
Kiplimo expressed both surprise and joy, stating, “I started strong, I wanted to have a great race, but I didn’t expect to break the world record. I’m so happy to make history in Barcelona.”
Kiplimo’s feat not only highlights his exceptional talent but also underscores his potential as he prepares for his marathon debut at the London Marathon in April 2025.
His performance today has further solidified his reputation as one of the world’s premier distance runners, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport and inspiring a new generation of athletes.