Kiplimo lops 48 seconds off half marathon world record

February 17, 2025 - Ugandan athlete Jacob Kiplimo has become the first person to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes after lopping 48 seconds off the world record in Barcelona.

Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda has become the first person to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes after shattering the world record by 48 seconds in Barcelona at the weekend.

Kiplimo, 24, ran the race in 56 minutes and 42 seconds, beating Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha’s previous world record of 57:30 set in Valencia last October.

Kiplimo’s overall pace was 4 minutes and 19.5 seconds per mile – a half marathon is 21 kilometres long (a little over 13 miles).

He achieved the record at the World Athletics event on February 16, which was held in perfect conditions of 13°C (55°F) with no wind.