Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a breathtaking performance at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks on Sunday (16), smashing the world half marathon record with an astonishing time of 56:41.
The 24-year-old obliterated the previous record of 57:30, set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, achieving the largest single improvement in the event’s history. Running in near-perfect conditions—13ºC with no wind—Kiplimo became the first athlete to break the 57-minute barrier, rewriting the record books in dominant fashion.
His relentless pace saw him clock a world-best 39:47 at the 15km mark, further underscoring the magnitude of his achievement.
A two-time world cross-country champion, Kiplimo has long been regarded as a formidable force over the half marathon distance. This latest feat cements his status as one of the greatest long-distance runners of his generation.
With his marathon debut in London just two months away, Kiplimo’s record-breaking run signals his readiness to conquer the full 42.195km distance.
