Jacob Kiplimo Shatters World Half-Marathon Record with 56:41 in Barcelona

The running world just witnessed history. On February 16, 2025, Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda obliterated the half-marathon world record, clocking a stunning 56:41 at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks. Kiplimo’s performance wasn’t just a record—it was a statement.

He sliced 49 seconds off the previous world record of 57:30, set by Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia just last October. En route to his historic finish, Kiplimo also set a world best for 15km with a blazing 39:47.

In a field packed with world-class talent, Kiplimo ran solo for much of the race, crossing the line well ahead of Geoffrey Kamworor (58:44) and Samuel Mailu (59:40). Great Britain’s Marc Scott led the British contingent, finishing in a respectable 61:00.

With this performance, Kiplimo has positioned himself as a potential marathon record-breaker ahead of his highly anticipated 26.2-mile debut at the London Marathon this spring.

Let’s break down this extraordinary day and what it means for Kiplimo and the world of distance running.

How Kiplimo’s Record Run Unfolded

Kiplimo, 24, came into the race with confidence but didn’t explicitly target the world record. As he revealed post-race:

“I started strong, I wanted to have a great race, but I didn’t expect to break the world record. As the kilometres passed and I saw that I was going at record pace, I told myself that I had to maintain that pace no matter what it took.”

From the gun, Kiplimo established a relentless rhythm:

First 5K: 13:20 – immediately setting the tone for a record-threatening performance.
Through 10K: 26:35 – on pace for something unprecedented.
15K split: 39:47 – a new world best.
Final stretch: Kiplimo maintained his form to finish in 56:41, smashing the old record by a staggering margin.

Kiplimo’s aggressive start left his competitors in the dust early. By the 2-kilometer mark, he had already broken away from the pack. His strength, smooth stride, and efficient pacing carried him through the final kilometers with remarkable composure.

The Numbers: Why Kiplimo’s Run Was Historic

Kiplimo’s 56:41 doesn’t just break a record; it redefines what’s possible in the half-marathon.

Metric	Kiplimo (2025)	Previous Record (Kejelcha, 2024)	Improvement
Time	56:41	57:30	49 seconds
Average Pace	2:41/km	2:44/km	3 sec/km
15K Split	39:47	40:27 (Kandie, 2020)	40 seconds

Key Takeaway:Running 21.1 kilometers at 2:41 per kilometer requires a blend of speed and stamina previously thought to be reserved for shorter distances.

Kiplimo’s Half-Marathon Journey: A Legacy Cemented

Jacob Kiplimo has been a dominant force in the half-marathon scene for years:

2020: World Half-Marathon Champion in Gdynia, Poland.
2021: Set his first world record with 57:31 in Lisbon.
2023 & 2024: Back-to-back World Cross Country titles.
2025: New world record of 56:41 in Barcelona.

Kiplimo’s trajectory has been steadily upward, and this latest performance suggests that his best might still be ahead—particularly as he prepares for his marathon debut in London.

The Growing Legacy of the Half-Marathon Record

The men’s half-marathon record has evolved dramatically over the past three decades. Kiplimo’s run is just the latest chapter in a story of relentless improvement.

Key Moments in Half-Marathon History:

1993: Moses Tanui becomes the first man to break the one-hour barrier (59:47).
2006: Haile Gebrselassie breaks 59 minutes (58:55).
2020: Kibiwott Kandie becomes the first to go under 58 minutes (57:32).
2021: Jacob Kiplimo sets a new mark at 57:31 in Lisbon.
2024: Yomif Kejelcha lowers the record to 57:30 in Valencia.
2025: Kiplimo’s monumental 56:41 resets the standard entirely.

Why is this significant?Kiplimo’s record takes the event into uncharted territory. Experts once thought sub-57 was possible only in ideal conditions with near-perfect pacing. Kiplimo has shattered that myth with his solo, aggressive effort in Barcelona.

What Makes Kiplimo So Special?

Jacob Kiplimo’s success isn’t just about genetics or talent—it’s a combination of several factors that make him a unique athlete.

Perfect Balance of Speed and Endurance:With personal bests of 12:40.96 (5000m) and 26:33.93 (10,000m), Kiplimo possesses world-class track speed alongside the aerobic strength needed for the half-marathon.
Cross-Country Mastery:Kiplimo’s back-to-back world cross-country titles in 2023 and 2024 have given him unmatched strength and adaptability—key components in sustaining a 56-minute half-marathon.
Race Intelligence:His ability to judge effort, make early moves, and sustain them over long distances is reminiscent of legends like Gebrselassie and Bekele.
Mental Fortitude:Kiplimo’s confidence and willingness to push the pace solo in Barcelona underscore his fearless approach to racing.

Barcelona’s Fast Track: A Record-Breaking Tradition

The eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona has quietly become one of the world’s fastest half-marathon courses.

Why Barcelona?

Flat, Fast Course: Minimal elevation changes and wide, straight streets make it perfect for speed.
Ideal Conditions: February often offers cool, dry weather—ideal for long-distance running.
Strong Competition: Top-tier elites consistently push the pace, knowing records are within reach.

Kiplimo’s achievement adds to the race’s growing reputation as a go-to event for world-record attempts.

The London Marathon Awaits: Can Kiplimo Make History Again?

Jacob Kiplimo’s next big test will be his marathon debut at the 2025 London Marathon. After this record-breaking half, expectations have skyrocketed.

London’s Recent History:

2022: Eliud Kipchoge set the marathon world record (2:01:09).
2023: Kelvin Kiptum broke Kipchoge’s record with 2:00:35.
2024: Kiptum tragically passed away, leaving a void at the top of marathon running.

Now, Kiplimo steps into this vacuum. His half-marathon time suggests he has the raw speed for a world-class marathon performance.

The Big Question:Could Kiplimo challenge the mythical two-hour barrier on his marathon debut?

Meanwhile, Records Fall Elsewhere

Kiplimo wasn’t the only record-breaker last weekend. Across the athletics world, new benchmarks were being set:

Jakob Ingebrigtsen: Indoor world records in the mile and 1500m.
Yared Nuguse: Indoor mile record in New York (short-lived, thanks to Ingebrigtsen).
Grant Fisher: American indoor records in the 3000m and 5000m.
Toshikazu Yamanishi: New men’s 20km race walk world record (76:10) in Kobe, Japan.

Athletics appears to be entering a new era of speed—and Kiplimo is leading the charge on the roads.