Jacob Kiplimo Shatters Half Marathon World Record in Barcelona

In a historic and awe-inspiring performance, Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo made headlines on February 16, 2025, by shattering the half marathon world record at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona. This prestigious event, part of the World Athletics Gold Label road races, witnessed Kiplimo achieve what many thought was impossible: breaking the 57-minute barrier.

A New Benchmark: 56:41

Kiplimo clocked an astonishing 56:41, eclipsing the previous world record held by Yomif Kejelcha by a significant 49 seconds. Kejelcha's record of 57:30, set just last fall in Valencia, was no match for Kiplimo's blistering pace. This monumental improvement is the largest single enhancement in the men’s half marathon world record history.

Record-Breaking Pace

Kiplimo's average pace was an incredible 4:19.5 per mile, or 2:41 per kilometer, over the 21.1 kilometers of the half marathon. He set the tone early, covering the first 5 kilometers in 13:34 and the 10 kilometers in 26:46, already well ahead of world record pace. His splits continued to impress: 40:07 at the 15 kilometers and 53:42 at the 20 kilometers, with the second 10 kilometers covered in the same time as the first, 26:58.

Perfect Conditions and Strategy

The race conditions were ideal, with no wind and a favorable temperature, contributing to Kiplimo's exceptional performance. He credited the pacemaker for setting the initial 2:45 pace but decided to inject a brisker rhythm from the third kilometer, which proved decisive. Despite his strong start, Kiplimo admitted he did not expect to break the 57-minute barrier, describing the achievement as "astonishing."

Post-Race Reflections

Following his historic run, Kiplimo expressed his excitement and satisfaction with the race. "It has been the perfect race. Ideal temperature, no wind at all, fantastic circuit - everything went better than expected," he said. He also announced that he will not compete again until his marathon debut at the London Marathon on April 27.

A Week of Records

Kiplimo's achievement is part of an unprecedented streak of record-breaking performances in distance running. In the past week, other notable records were set: Grant Fisher's 3000m world indoor record, Yared Nuguse's and then Jakob Ingebrigtsen's successive world indoor mile records, and Grant Fisher's 5000m world indoor record.

Other Notable Performances

In the same event, Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya won the women's race with a time of 1:04.11. Kiplimo's compatriot, Geoffrey Kamworor, finished second in the men's race with a time of 58:44, followed by Samuel Mailu of Kenya in 59:40.

Kiplimo's record-breaking run in Barcelona has set a new standard in the half marathon, inspiring athletes and fans alike, and marking a significant moment in the history of distance running.