Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo rewrote distance running history on February 16, 2025, at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona, becoming the first athlete to break the 57-minute barrier in the half marathon with a jaw-dropping world record of 56:42. The 24-year-old obliterated Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha’s previous mark of 57:30 by a staggering 48 seconds—the largest single improvement in the event’s history—while averaging a blistering 2:41 per kilometer (4:19.5 per mile).
Race Breakdown: A Masterclass in Speed
Kiplimo’s record assault began explosively. He tore through the opening 5km in 13:34, signaling his intent. By 10km (26:46), he was nearly 30 seconds under world record pace, fueled by a 13:12 second 5km segment. His 15km split, initially misrecorded as 39:47, was later corrected to 40:07—still a new 15km world best.
Maintaining relentless momentum, Kiplimo hit 20km in 53:42 before closing with a 2:41/km final stretch. His time of 56:42 stunned the athletics world, as the previous record had stood for just five months. Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor finished a distant second in 58:44, with Samwel Mailu third (59:40).
Almost a minute ☠️
— Konstantin Kan (@knstntn_kan) February 16, 2025
Jacob Kiplimo destroyed previous HM WR — 56:38 in Barcelona.
5 k — 13:34
10 k — 26:46
15 k — 39:46
20 k — 53:09
finish — 56:38 pic.twitter.com/qQRDfWwYg3
Historic Context and Reactions
Kiplimo’s run capped a week of unprecedented record-breaking in distance running:
- Feb 8: Grant Fisher (USA) set a 3000m indoor world record (7:22.91)
- Feb 8: Yared Nuguse (USA) broke the indoor mile record (3:46.63)
- Feb 13: Jakob Ingebrigtsen (NOR) reclaimed the mile record (3:45.14)
- Feb 14: Fisher smashed the indoor 5000m record (12:44.09)
“It was the perfect race,” said Kiplimo, referencing Barcelona’s ideal 13°C, windless conditions. “I felt strong and pushed earlier than planned. Breaking 57 minutes is astonishing.”
Women’s Race: Jepkosgei Defends Title
Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei dominated the women’s field, defending her Barcelona crown in a personal best of 1:04:13—seventh-fastest in history. She led from 5km (15:25) and finished 1:51 ahead of compatriot Gladys Chepkurui (1:06:23).
What’s Next for Kiplimo?
The two-time world cross-country champion now eyes his marathon debut at the London Marathon on April 27. “I’ll rest and prepare,” he said, aiming to translate his half-marathon prowess to the 42km distance.
Why This Record Matters
Kiplimo’s 56:42 isn’t just a time—it’s a paradigm shift. Analysts noted his 5km-15km stretch (26:33) matched American Grant Fisher’s 10,000m track best (26:33). Combined with recent indoor records, this performance signals a new era of speed in endurance sports.