Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda made headlines on February 16, 2024, after he shattered the world half marathon record at the e-Dreams Mitja Marató Barcelona. Kiplimo clocked an astonishing time of 56 minutes and 41 seconds, outperforming the previous record set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha by 49 seconds.
This remarkable achievement marks the greatest single improvement on the men’s half marathon record, as reported by World Athletics. Kiplimo, known for his prowess on the cross country circuit, has already proven himself as a fierce competitor, becoming the two-time world cross-country champion.
Speaking about his performance, Kiplimo’s victory is particularly timely as he prepares for his marathon debut scheduled for this April in London. This race served as both a speed test and warm-up as he transitions from half marathons to the longer distances. His determination to excel was evident as he dominated the course, showcasing his exceptional talent and rigorous preparation.
Before this triumph, Kiplimo had already established himself as the second-fastest man in half marathon history when he completed the distance at 57:31 during the 2021 Lisbon Half Marathon. His previous record-making run was eventually eclipsed by Kejelcha, which made Kiplimo’s recent performance all the more significant, proving his resilience and ability to overcome past challenges.
On the day of the race, the weather was favorable, with temperatures hovering between 11-13°C—an optimal match for speed enthusiasts like Kiplimo. The conditions undoubtedly played their part, allowing for what can only be described as a perfect race day.
Kiplimo’s achievement drew attention not just from national media but also from global sports communities, leading to earnest expectations for his upcoming marathon debut. His competitors included notable figures, such as Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor, three-time world half marathon champion, and others who were also vying for top times.
Notably, Kiplimo wasn’t the only athlete making headlines on this day. Japanese athlete Toshikazu Yamanishi also set the world record for the men's 20 km race walk earlier, emphasizing the exceptional caliber of performance coming from athletes around the globe.
Kiplimo’s focus and gradual move from half marathons to marathons reflects the broader trend among athletes seeking to diversify their skill sets and capitalize on improved training techniques. Many aspiring long-distance runners look to Kiplimo as both a template and inspiration, demonstrating how dedication and strategic preparation can lead to record-breaking performances.
With Kiplimo now holding the world half marathon record, the athletics community watches with bated breath as he gears up for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in his athletic career. His unwavering dedication to his craft, coupled with transformative performances, positions him perfectly for his maiden marathon run.
Jacob Kiplimo’s current status cements him not just as one of Uganda’s top athletes, but as one of the brightest stars of contemporary long-distance running. His remarkable half marathon record is not merely statistics; it encapsulates his years of training, competitive spirit, and relentless pursuit of excellence.