Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo sets new world record in Lisbon half marathon

Kiplimo at the Chicago Marathon last year
Kiplimo at the Chicago Marathon last yearGeoff Stellfox / Getty Images via AFP

Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo regained the ⁠world half-marathon record on Sunday, storming ‌to a stunning 57 minutes 20 ‌seconds in Lisbon.

The ‌25-year-old shaved 10 seconds off ‌the previous world record, set ‌by Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia in 2024, reclaiming a title he ⁠last ‌held in 2021 when he clocked ​57:31 on the same Lisbon course.

Kiplimo ​came close to an all-time best in Barcelona ⁠last year ​with a 56:42 run. However, that performance was not ratified by World Athletics ‌due to illegal pacing assistance.

Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir finished a distant second in 58:08, with compatriot Gilbert Kiprotich securing third place in 58:59.

"I'm so happy to break the world record," ‌Kiplimo said. "After the first ​10km, I thought the ‌world record was possible. I tried to keep pushing the pace in the final two kilometres."