Half marathon world record again belongs to Jacob Kiplimo after Lisbon masterclass

Jacob Kiplimo has reclaimed the half marathon world record on the same course in Lisbon where he first made history in 2021.

The Ugandan star clocked 57:31 in the Portuguese capital five years ago but that was then usurped by Yomif Kejelcha by a single second.

And then last year in Barcelona, Kiplimo crossed the line in an astonishing 56:42 but that was not ratified, apparently due to his proximity to the pace car during the race.

Amazing splits

Back at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday – and in a race where pacemakers aren’t allowed – he left no room for doubt as he knocked 10 seconds off Kejelcha’s mark.

The splits were incredible, including an opening 5km in 13:28:

5km – 13:28 (13:28)
10km – 27:00 (13:32)
15km – 40:52 (13:52)
20km – 54:23 (13:31)
21.1km – 57:20 (2:57)

All of which equated to an average of 4:22 per mile.

London calling

It all raises anticipation further for what he might achieve in his second appearance at the London Marathon at the end of April.

He finished second behind Sebastian Sawe in 2:03:37 last year on what was his 26.2-mile debut and then went on to win Chicago in October in 2:02:23.

Sawe also heads back to London having underlined his position as the current best at the distance with a follow-up victory in Berlin.