Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda has shattered the half-marathon world record by running a time of 56 minutes, 42 seconds, becoming the first to break the 57-minute mark. This achievement occurred at the World Athletics Gold Label race in Barcelona. Kiplimo’s time is a 48-second improvement over the previous record held by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha.
Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda has made history by becoming the first athlete to run a half-marathon in under 57 minutes. He achieved this remarkable feat on Sunday during the World Athletics Gold Label road race in Barcelona, clocking an impressive time of 56 minutes, 42 seconds. Kiplimo’s new record surpasses the previous mark by a substantial 48 seconds, which was held by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha since October 2021.
At 24 years old, Kiplimo, a two-time world cross-country champion, set a world record in ideal running conditions with temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit). During the race, he also recorded a world best time of 39:47 for the 15km distance as part of the half-marathon. His performance is noted as the most significant single improvement in the men’s half-marathon record.
Reflecting on his achievement, Kiplimo expressed his excitement, stating, “I started strong, I wanted to have a great race, but I didn’t expect to break the world record.” He emphasized the determination he felt as he maintained the record pace throughout the distance, showcasing his commitment to the effort.
Jacob Kiplimo’s unrivaled performance in Barcelona has redefined the limits of half-marathon running. His record-breaking achievement not only highlights his exceptional abilities as a two-time world cross-country champion but also sets a new benchmark by significantly improving the previous record. This accomplishment is likely to inspire future athletes in the realm of distance running.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
