By KT Reporter
Ugandan long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo has shifted his focus to the Lisbon Half Marathon slated for March 8, as he targets reclaiming the men’s world record after World Athletics declined to ratify his recent historic performance. Kiplimo clocked 56 minutes and 42 seconds at the Barcelona Half Marathon in Spain on February 16, 2025, becoming the first athlete in history to break the 57-minute barrier in the men’s half marathon.
The time would have improved the existing world record by 48 seconds. However, World Athletics ruled that the performance did not meet record-ratification requirements. Under the governing body’s regulations, athletes are prohibited from receiving pacing assistance from non-competing individuals or technical devices, except for wearables.
Broadcast footage showed Kiplimo running for a significant portion of the race approximately 10 to 15 metres behind a lead pace car, which World Athletics ruled amounted to illegal assistance. Although the regulations do not clearly specify a minimum permissible distance between an athlete and a pace car, the governing body said the positioning constituted unfair support. Additional regulatory breaches were also cited, though details were not disclosed.
As a result, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha remains the officially recognised men’s half-marathon world record holder with his 57 minutes and 30 seconds run at the 2024 Valencia Half Marathon. Reacting to the decision, Kiplimo said the ruling would not discourage him, expressing confidence that he will set another world record under fully compliant conditions.
“Challenges come and go. I hope to do my best so my fans continue to believe in me because I know what I did, and I will still do it,” Kiplimo said. Kiplimo is now preparing for the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label race widely regarded as one of the fastest half-marathon courses in the world.
The Ugandan has fond memories of Lisbon, having set a course record of 57 minutes and 31 seconds in 2021, a performance that stood as the world record until 2024. The event has historically been dominated by East African athletes, particularly Kenyans, while legendary runner Tegla Loroupe won the women’s race on six occasions.
Describing Lisbon as one of his favourite races, Kiplimo said he is highly motivated to perform well again. “It is also my favourite competition race and, with the help of God and the training, I believe I will do well,” he said. Kiplimo’s coaches, Peter Chelangat and Iacopo Brussi, told Uganda Radio Network (URN) in Kapchorwa that they remain optimistic about the athlete’s form and prospects.
Chelangat said the rejected record has only strengthened their resolve. “Jacob is in very good shape and still has a lot of potential. What happened has not affected his confidence. We are focusing on proper preparations and ensuring everything is within the rules so he can perform even better,” Chelangat said.
Brussi added that training has been intensified ahead of Lisbon.
“We are working on fine details in training, especially race execution. Lisbon is a fast course, and Jacob is ready to show his true ability under fully compliant conditions,” Brussi said. With preparations ongoing, Kiplimo will be aiming to reclaim the world record in Lisbon and further cement his place among the world’s elite half-marathon runners.
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