Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo Becomes The First Person To Run A Half Marathon Below 57 Minutes

Ugandan long-distance sensation Jacob Kiplimo made history on Sunday (February 16, 2025) at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks, becoming the first person to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes. The 24-year-old shattered the previous world record by 48 seconds, clocking a stunning 56:42 at the World Athletics Gold Label event.

Kiplimo’s performance erased the previous world record of 57:30, set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, marking the largest single improvement in the history of the men’s half marathon record. The race unfolded under perfect conditions, with temperatures at 13°C and no wind, setting the stage for a historic achievement.

Kiplimo’s dominance was evident from the early stages. Kenyan pacemaker Edwin Kimosong initially set a 2:45/km pace, but Kiplimo quickly took control just eight minutes into the race, picking up the tempo in pursuit of a world record. At the 5km mark, he clocked 13:34, already inside world record pace. His 10km split of 26:46 put him well ahead of the record trajectory, and by 15km, he set a world best of 40:07, further solidifying his incredible form.

With every passing kilometre, Kiplimo continued to push the limits, covering the second half of the race at an astonishing pace. His 20km split of 53:42 confirmed the inevitable, and he crossed the finish line in 56:42, obliterating the previous mark. Behind him, Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya finished second in 58:44, while Samwel Mailu took third in 59:40.

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“It has been the perfect race,” said Kiplimo. “Ideal temperature, no wind at all, fantastic circuit – everything went better than expected. The pacemaker set the agreed 2:45 pace, but I found myself full of energy and decided to inject a brisker rhythm from the third kilometer. I never imagined I would break the 57-minute barrier; that’s astonishing.”

Kiplimo, a two-time world cross-country champion, also confirmed that he will now focus on his marathon debut at the London Marathon on April 27.

In the women’s race, Kenya’s former world record-holder Joyciline Jepkosgei delivered a dominant performance, winning in a lifetime best of 1:04:13. The 31-year-old defended her title in style, setting a course record and moving to seventh on the all-time list.

Jepkosgei pulled away from the competition early, reaching 5km in 15:25 before hitting the 10km mark in 30:08, already 37 seconds ahead of her nearest rival, Gladys Chepkurui. By the 15km point, her lead had extended to over a minute, and she powered home unchallenged to secure back-to-back victories in Barcelona.

“It’s my third year in a row competing here in Barcelona,” Jepkosgei said. “I managed a runner-up place and two wins, so I’m more than satisfied. In addition, I have bettered my PB, which was not easy, so I can’t ask for more. I hope to return next year. I’m also impressed by Kiplimo’s great achievement.”