African runner reclaims half marathon world record (PHOTO/VIDEO)

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo regained the half marathon world record on Sunday in Portugal, clocking in at 57 minutes 20 seconds at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon. This shaved ten seconds off the previous official record. 

The 25-year-old improved on his previous record of 57:31 from November 2021, which was broken in 2024 by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha. World Athletics confirmed the Lisbon result is eligible for ratification.  

In the race, Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir finished second in 58:08, and Gilbert Kiprotich came third in 58:59, according to official results. Kiplimo took the lead in the latter part of the race to secure the record and victory. 

Jacob Kiplimo (1st place), Nicholas Kipkorir (2nd place) and Gilbert Kiprotich (3rd place) stand on the podium during the awards ceremony at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon. ©  Nuno Branco/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

“I’m so happy to break the world record ... After the first 10km, I thought the world record was possible. I tried to keep pushing the pace in the final two kilometers,” Kiplimo stated after the race, as quoted by World Athletics. 

This marks a comeback after his previous run in Barcelona last year, where he clocked 56:42. That performance was not ratified because it was not fully compliant with World Athletics rules. 

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The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon is an annual international road race held in Lisbon, Portugal. It attracts top distance runners from around the world. The half marathon covers the standard 21.1 km (13.1 miles) distance on a certified, flat, and fast course that runs along parts of the Tagus River and across the Ponte 25 de Abril, making it one of the fastest routes for elite competitors and a venue that often sees world-class performances. 

In the women’s elite race, Tsigie Gebreselama of Ethiopia won with a time of 1:04:48, followed by Janeth Chepngetich and Regina Wambui.   

Africa has produced many of the world’s top long-distance runners, including several half- and full-marathon world record holders.

On the men’s side, Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum holds the official marathon world record with a time of 2:00:35, set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. On the women’s side, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich holds the world record with 2:09:56, achieved at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.