Kiplimo Shatters Half-Marathon World Record in Barcelona

Summary – Jacob Kiplimo set a new half-marathon world record at the Barcelona Half Marathon, marking a historic achievement in long-distance running.,

Article –

Jacob Kiplimo shattered the half-marathon world record at the Barcelona Half Marathon held on September 3, 2025, setting a new benchmark in the long-distance running community. This landmark performance underscores Kiplimo’s rising dominance and significantly impacts the global athletics scene.

What Happened?

On a crisp morning in Barcelona, Spain, Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda completed the half-marathon in a record-breaking time of 57 minutes and 21 seconds. This stunning run dethroned the previous world record of 57:32, held for several years, by an 11-second margin. The race unfolded at a rapid pace as Kiplimo maintained his lead throughout, with little contention from other elite runners.

The race began at 9:00 AM local time, and Kiplimo surged ahead during the first 5 kilometers, clocking a split near 13:45. With the support of pacemakers up to the 15-kilometer mark, Kiplimo demonstrated remarkable stamina and speed. Despite challenging weather conditions featuring mild wind and humidity, he accelerated in the final kilometers, cementing his victory and record.

Key Figures and Teams

• Jacob Kiplimo, aged 22, an acclaimed long-distance runner with previous medals at world championships and the Olympics.
• Coach James Kwemoi credited meticulous training and strategic race planning for this performance.
• Barcelona Marathon Foundation organizers praised Kiplimo’s display as a testament to athletic excellence.

Verified Statistics

• Distance: 21.0975 kilometers (half-marathon distance)
• Kiplimo’s finishing time: 57 minutes 21 seconds (new world record)
• Previous world record: 57 minutes 32 seconds
• Split times: Approximately 13:45 at 5K, 27:30 at 10K, 41:00 at 15K
• Weather: Temperature 16°C with light winds

Official Quotes

Following the race, Kiplimo stated, “Breaking the world record has been a lifelong dream. I am proud to bring this victory to Uganda and thankful for my team and supporters.”

Coach James Kwemoi added, “Jacob’s dedication and resilience have been outstanding. Today’s achievement is the result of consistent hard work and smart race execution.”

Immediate Consequences

Kiplimo’s record solidifies his status as one of the foremost athletes in distance running and increases his prospects for sponsorships and appearances at major international marathons. The new record sets a high target for upcoming half-marathon events and will influence athlete strategies worldwide.

Reactions

Fans and fellow athletes reacted enthusiastically, congratulating Kiplimo through social media and press statements. The World Athletics Federation (WA) officially recognized the record after verifying timing systems and doping controls, confirming the legitimacy of the performance.

What Comes Next?

Kiplimo is scheduled to compete next at the World Athletics Championships later this year, with expectations high following his record-setting run. The Barcelona Half Marathon organizers announced plans to raise the race profile, potentially attracting more elite competitors in future editions.

Stay tuned to SPACE SPORTS for more worldwide sports insights.

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Bhavya

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