Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a sensational performance on Sunday, February 16, 2025, setting a new world half marathon record of 56:41 at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks.
The World Athletics Gold Label road race witnessed history as the 24-year-old shattered Yomif Kejelcha’s previous record of 57:30 by a staggering 49 seconds.
Kiplimo’s achievement marks the largest single improvement in the men’s half marathon world record. In near-perfect conditions of 13ºC with no wind, he became the first runner to break the 57-minute barrier for the distance.
Along the way, he also set a world best of 39:47 for the 15km mark.
This milestone adds to Kiplimo’s already remarkable career, as the two-time world cross-country champion continues to solidify his place among the sport’s greats.
Meanwhile, Yomif Kejelcha, whose record stood for mere minutes, also delivered an impressive performance on the same day.
The Ethiopian runner clocked 27:30 at the 10K Facsa Castellón, moving to second on the all-time list for the 10km.
Kejelcha narrowly missed the world record of 26:24 but set a new Ethiopian record, breaking Berihu Aregawi’s mark by three seconds.
