The streets of Lisbon witnessed another unforgettable chapter in distance running as Uganda’s phenomenal star Jacob Kiplimo produced a breathtaking performance to set a new half marathon world record of 57:20 at the Lisbon Half Marathon in Portugal.
Running with remarkable control and relentless pace, Kiplimo turned the race into a historic moment for global road running. From the early kilometres he looked comfortable at record speed, gradually pulling away from the field and leaving little doubt that something extraordinary was unfolding on the fast Portuguese course.
As he surged down the finishing stretch, the clock confirmed what spectators had begun to realize—Kiplimo had rewritten history once again. His 57:20 not only secured victory but also smashed the official world record recognized by World Athletics, further cementing his place among the greatest half-marathon runners the sport has ever seen.
The achievement carried extra significance for the Ugandan star. Just a year earlier, he had run a stunning 56:42 in Barcelona—the fastest half marathon ever recorded—but the mark was never ratified, leaving a lingering debate in the sport. In Lisbon, however, Kiplimo removed any doubt with a definitive, record-breaking run.
Fittingly, the Portuguese course has become part of his remarkable legacy. It was here in 2021 that he first stunned the athletics world with a 57:31 world record, and now he has returned to push the limits even further. Three extraordinary races across the years now define Kiplimo’s half-marathon dominance—each performance reinforcing his reputation as one of the sport’s most relentless competitors.
Behind the record-breaking champion, the race produced a series of impressive performances from some of the world’s best road runners, highlighting the depth and intensity of the elite field.
Top 10 Finishers – 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon
1. Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) — 57:20 WR
2. Nicholas Kipkorir (Kenya) — 58:08
3. Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich (Kenya) — 58:59
4. Benard Langat (Kenya) — 59:31
5. Mohamed Ismail (Djibouti) — 59:45
6. Oscar Chelimo (Uganda) — 1:00:12
7. Stanley Waithaka Mburu (Kenya) — 1:00:17
8. Esau Kipkorir Kemboi (Kenya) — 1:00:19
9. Egide Ntakarutimana (Burundi) — 1:00:34
10. Célestin Ndikumana (Burundi) — 1:00:34
As the celebrations fade and the records settle into the history books, one thing remains clear—Jacob Kiplimo is redefining what is possible in distance running. With courage, rhythm, and a relentless will to chase greatness, he continues to stretch the limits of human endurance. And with the legendary London Marathon looming on the horizon, the world now watches with anticipation, wondering just how much further this extraordinary runner can carry the sport into a new era of speed and brilliance.