By Kwame Bediako
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo made history on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona, setting a new world half marathon record of 56:41. This feat marked Kiplimo’s breakthrough into the 56-minute barrier, a milestone that has been elusive for many of the world’s top runners.
Kiplimo’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Running under ideal conditions of 13°C with no wind, the 24-year-old two-time world cross-country champion delivered a blistering execution that shattered the previous record of 57:30 set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in 2024. His staggering 49-second improvement on the world record represents the largest single enhancement in the history of the men’s half marathon.
With this groundbreaking achievement, Kiplimo not only etched his name into the annals of athletics but also solidified his status as one of the most formidable long-distance runners of his generation.
His ability to consistently push the boundaries of human performance underscores the growing complexity of endurance sports. The manner in which he achieved this record, with unwavering focus and sheer determination, serves as a testament to his mental and physical fortitude.
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