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Kiplimo’s fresh world record throws challenge to Kenyan rivals ahead of London Marathon clash
09th March, 2026 06:57 AM
Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo reaffirmed his scintillating form by claiming a new men’s half-marathon world record on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Lisbon Half Marathon.
He clocked an astonishing 57:20, shaving 10 seconds off Yomif Kejelcha’s previous mark of 57:30 set in Valencia in 2024.
The Lisbon course holds special significance for Kiplimo, as it was here in 2021 that he first set the world record with 57:31. Returning to the scene of that breakthrough, the stars aligned for the Ugandan, who delivered a dominant performance.
Kiplimo stuns Kenyans
With no pace markers in the race, Kiplimo left a trail of Kenyan athletes in his wake, powering away to victory.
Nicholas Kipkorir finished a distant second in 58:08, while compatriot Gilbert Kiprotich took third in 58:59.
This triumph came after Kiplimo had come agonisingly close in recent outings.
In February 2025, at the Barcelona Half Marathon, he clocked an impressive 56:42, becoming the first man in history to break the 57-minute barrier.
Despite smashing Kejelcha’s record by 48 seconds, World Athletics did not ratify the record due to illegal pacing assistance.
Undeterred, Kiplimo has now legitimately reclaimed the world record on a course he knows well, capping an extraordinary run of performances.
London Marathon matchup
The Ugandan has refused to be denied, and his sights are already set on the next challenge: the London Marathon on April 26, 2026.
There, he will face a star-studded field, including defending champion and course specialist Sabastian Sawe, who enjoyed a dominant 2025 season with victories in both London and Berlin. Joining them will be a formidable Kenyan contingent featuring 2022 London champion Amos Kipruto and two-time New York City Marathon winner Geoffrey Kamworor, alongside fellow Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei and Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha.
The matchup promises to be a clash of titans, with the unbeaten Sawe aiming to extend his impressive streak against the red-hot Kiplimo and other elite contenders.
Others in the list are Tamirat Tola and Amanal Petros.
Women’s field
The women’s field will also see a constellation of stars, with defending champion Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands among those confirmed.
Assefa, who lost to Peres Jepchirchir in the 2025 World Athletics Marathon in Tokyo, will renew rivalry with the Kenyan once again.
The line-up also features 2021 London Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei and two-time Boston and New York Marathon winner Hellen Obiri.
