Jacob Kiplimo Shatters Half Marathon World Record with Historic 56:42 Finish

Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo made history at the Barcelona Half Marathon, becoming the first person ever to finish the 21.1-kilometer race in under 57 minutes. 

With an astonishing time of 56:42, Kiplimo broke the previous world record by 48 seconds, setting a new benchmark for men’s half marathon performance.

According to World Athletics, Kiplimo’s record is still subject to the usual ratification procedure, but his achievement stands as a testament to his remarkable speed and endurance.

Before Kiplimo’s breakthrough, Ethiopian athlete Yomif Kejelcha held the record with a time of 57:30. Kiplimo’s triumph wasn’t just a victory; it marked the largest single improvement in the men’s half marathon world record. 

His performance was made all the more impressive by the smooth conditions of the race—perfect temperature, no wind, and a well-paced circuit.

“It has been the perfect race,” Kiplimo said after crossing the finish line. “Ideal temperature, no wind at all, fantastic circuit – everything went better than expected.” 

The 24-year-old runner explained how he approached the race, stating that the pacemaker had set the pace at 2:45 per kilometer, but by the third kilometer, he felt an extra burst of energy and decided to push himself further. Kiplimo did not expect to go under the 57-minute barrier, calling the result “astonishing.”

Kiplimo’s average speed during the race was a remarkable 22.3 kilometers per hour, showing his elite-level athleticism. He finished more than two minutes ahead of Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor, who came in second place, while Samwel Mailu of Kenya secured third, finishing 56 seconds behind Kamworor. 

Kiplimo’s performance not only set a new world record but also highlighted his outstanding competitive spirit and determination.

As Kiplimo celebrates this milestone, his attention now shifts to the marathon. The runner has already made plans to rest and prepare for his marathon debut at the London Marathon in April.

Fans and athletes alike will be eager to see how he transitions from the half marathon to the full 42.195-kilometer distance, a shift that could bring even more exciting records and performances. Could Kiplimo’s world record half marathon result be a glimpse of what he can achieve at the marathon distance?

Meanwhile, in the women’s race, Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei claimed a course record with a stellar time of 1:04:13. Jepkosgei fended off a strong challenge from her compatriot Gladys Chepkurui, who finished in second place. Ethiopia’s Alemtsehay Zerihun rounded out the podium in third, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of the race.

Kiplimo’s historic achievement, combined with Jepkosgei’s victory, highlights the continued dominance of East African athletes in long-distance running. The race results have ignited excitement in the running community, sparking conversation about the future of marathon and half marathon events. 

Will Kiplimo’s success at the Barcelona Half Marathon propel him to even greater feats in the world of marathon running? Only time will tell.

For now, Kiplimo’s performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark moment in the world of running. 

His ability to break a long-standing world record, coupled with his humble and focused attitude, has made him a rising star in athletics. With the London Marathon ahead, all eyes will be on the young Ugandan to see if he can continue to shatter expectations and push the limits of what’s possible in long-distance running.

Can Kiplimo set new records in the marathon and cement his legacy as one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time?

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