Jacob Kiplimo Shrugs off Kenyan Duo to Smash World Half Marathon Record in Lisbon

Ugandan distance runner Jacob Kiplimo delivered a stunning performance at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday, shattering the world record with a time of 57:20.

Returning to the same course where he first set a world record in 2021, the three-time world cross-country champion reclaimed his title in spectacular fashion. Kiplimo's new mark shaves 10 seconds off the previous record of 57:30, set by Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia earlier this year.

In a race run without pacemakers, Kiplimo took charge from the outset, clocking a blistering 13:28 for the first 5km. He was closely followed by Kenyan runners Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich, with the leading trio passing the 10km mark in 27:00.

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As Kiprotich began to fall back, Kiplimo and Kipkorir pushed on together, reaching 15km in 40:52. Sensing a slight drop in pace, Kiplimo then made his decisive move, accelerating to cover the next 5km segment in a remarkable 13:31.

He maintained his relentless speed through to the finish, crossing the line in 57:20. Kipkorir finished second in 58:08, while Kiprotich secured third place with a time of 58:59.

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

This performance officially cements Kiplimo's place in the history books. He had previously run a faster time of 56:42 in Barcelona last year, but it was not ratified as a world record due to non-compliant race conditions.

In the women's event, Ethiopia's Tsige Gebreselama successfully defended her title, winning with an impressive time of 1:04:48.

Kiplimo's new world record is subject to the standard ratification procedures by World Athletics.