Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo has reclaimed the half marathon world record, clocking a phenomenal 57:20 in Lisbon on March 8, 2026. This spectacular performance improved upon the previous official mark held by Yomif Kejelcha by exactly 10 seconds.
Lisbon Proves Lucky Again for Kiplimo
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Jacob Kiplimo once again demonstrated his dominance over the 21.097 km distance, winning the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon. The Ugandan long-distance runner completed the course in 57:20, setting a new official world record for the event. This historic feat took place on the very same course where Kiplimo first established a world record back in 2021. The route, which runs along the north bank of the Tagus River, is renowned for its fast times and has once again proven to be a successful hunting ground for the 25-year-old athlete.
For Kiplimo, this race was more than just another entry on his racing calendar. The previous official world record belonged to Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who ran 57:30 in Valencia in 2024. By shaving 10 seconds off that mark, Kiplimo has officially regained his status as the fastest half marathoner in the World Athletics record books. The style in which he achieved this confirms that the Ugandan runner is currently one of the greatest long-distance athletes in the world.
This result closes a complicated chapter in the runner’s career, as he has long aspired to reclaim his rightful place in sporting history. While the time clocked in Lisbon is currently awaiting formal ratification, given the prestige and status of the event, its recognition is expected to be a mere formality. Fans and experts gathered in the Portuguese capital witnessed a historic moment that redefines the limits of human potential in road racing.
Redemption in Lisbon After Barcelona Setback
To fully grasp the significance of Sunday’s success, one must look back at the events in Barcelona in early 2025. During that half marathon, Kiplimo ran a staggering 56:42, making him—by all laws of physics—the fastest man in history over the distance. Unfortunately, to the surprise of the public, World Athletics declined to ratify the result. Consequently, the official record remained with Kejelcha, and Kiplimo’s performance was left out of the official record books.
The return to Lisbon in 2026 was no accident but a calculated strategic move. Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation, noted that changing the competition schedule—opting for Lisbon over a return to Barcelona—was crucial for the athlete. The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon holds a prestigious World Athletics Label, ensuring that records set on this course undergo a full ratification process under pre-approved conditions.
The choice of the Portuguese capital also had a personal element; it was here in November 2021 that a then 20-year-old Kiplimo set his first world record of 57:31. By choosing a course he knows well and feels confident on, the Ugandan sought to silence any speculation regarding his form and record-holder status. Focusing on Lisbon allowed him to avoid the uncertainty of previous outings and concentrate entirely on the athletic performance.
Nearly 50 Seconds Ahead of the Field
Jacob Kiplimo did more than just set a world record; he completely dominated the men’s field in Lisbon. He crossed the finish line with a massive lead over his closest competitors. Second place went to Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir, who finished in 58:08, trailing the winner by nearly 50 seconds. The podium was rounded out by another Kenyan, Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich, who finished in 58:59.
The top five also included Benard Langat (59:31) and Mohamed Ismail of Djibouti (59:45). The high athletic caliber of the event was also mirrored in the women’s race. The fastest woman was Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama, who triumphed with a time of 1:04:48. She was followed by Kenyans Janeth Chepngetich (1:06:50) and Regina Wambui (1:07:10).
Kiplimo’s success in Lisbon continues an incredible streak he has maintained for over a year. In 2024, he secured gold at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, and in October of that year, he won the prestigious Chicago Marathon. He arrived in Lisbon in peak condition, and for many experts, a world record was the expected outcome given his recent pedigree. Every kilometer on the course confirmed that the athlete is currently in the form of his life.
Peak Form Ahead of London Debut
While the 56:42 from Barcelona will remain an unofficial phenomenon, Kiplimo has closed that chapter in the best possible way. Now, all eyes turn to London in April, where he may prove to be just as dominant over the full marathon distance. Could his marathon journey bring even more records?
