The world of track and field has witnessed many historic moments. But few are as staggering as what unfolded at the Barcelona Half Marathon. The Catalan city got to see the first person to run the half marathon in 57 minutes. A feat that seems as memorable as it seems unreal has happened. And the man who brought it to fruition is none other than Uganda’s own Jacob Kiplimo. Surely this is a moment for the ages. This is the start of a new era for long-distance running.

But those who have followed the runner for some time now aren’t surprised. After all, he already gave hints of his magic when he effortlessly clocked 26:32 for 10 km in Madrid. With this performance, Kiplimo has now secured the position of world half-marathon record holder. In the process, the 2-time World Cross-Country champ also broke the previous record set by Ethipia’a Yomif Kejelcha.

With a scorching time of 56:42 by 48 seconds, on February 16, at the Barcelona Half Marathon, he broke the world record of Kejelcha’s previous world record. The Ethiopian had achieved the same feat with a time of 57:30 in Valencia back in October 2024. There must be something about Spanish cities and the world record. If his timings during his historic run are to be summed up, then Jakob covered 5K in 13:34, reached 10K at 26:46, hit 15K in 39:46, passed 20K at 53:09, and crossed the finish line in a record-breaking 56:38.

The runner-up position was secured by Geoffrey Kamworor (58:44), who finished ahead of Samuel Mailu (Kenya/59:40). World Athletics posted about his win with a blown-away expression. The caption reads, “What just happened? 🤯 Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo smashes the half marathon world record, flying to 56:42 at the Barcelona Half Marathon 🚀.” After making this big record, Kiplimo expressed his feelings.

As per Olympics.com, the newest record breaker expressed his feelings after the race: “I am very excited about what I did today. I started strong; I wanted to have a great race, but I didn’t expect to break the world record.” He further added, “I started very strong in the first two kilometers to get away from my rivals. As the kilometers passed and I saw that I was going at record pace, I told myself that I had to maintain that pace no matter what it took.” 

Jacob Kiplimo’s blistering start and relentless pace management have paid off. But it’s not the first time he showed his resilience. Uganda track and field sensation has also established a world record of 39:47 for 15 km. And it happened during the World Athletics event, which took place in ideal circumstances of 13ºC and no wind. Now that he has another record to his name, fans from all over the world are congratulating him and in disbelief.

Track and Field Fans are going gaga over the new record

Fans and the track and field community are celebrating this new half-marathon world record and have showered their love on Jacob Kiplimo. One fan wrote, “Unreal performance by Jacob Kiplimo! 56:42 is a mind-blowing pace—averaging under 2:41 per km. Uganda continues to make its mark in long-distance running. Now, the wait begins for official ratification!”

Fans are in absolute awe as Kiplimo obliterated the half-marathon world record in Barcelona. His sheer dominance on the track not only cements his place among the greats but also signals Uganda’s growing presence in global distance running. Another fandom even made a claim: “

Long-distance running is in safe hands. Uganda stands in a good position to battle with the Kenyans and Ethiopians in marathon races.”

With Kiplimo’s latest feat, Uganda strengthens its rivalry with traditional powerhouses like Kenya and Ethiopia. In this particular race, Kenyan Samuel Mailu secured the third position. One track fan commented, “I am amazed with the first 10,000 m distance timings; “26:46 through 10K is nuts!” which sums up the sheer insanity of his performance. A time, elite runners would dream of hitting in a standalone race.

“Despite the odds, these athletes and netballers have lonelily kept a positive message of Uganda out there for the entire world to see and appreciate,” one fan wrote. Kiplimo’s triumph isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a testament to Uganda’s resilience on the global stage. “My goodness, that’s insane 😱” captures the disbelief and excitement surrounding this historic moment.

With the first sub-57:30 ever, the first sub-57:00 ever, and the 39:47 world 15k record, another milestone has been added to Uganda’s star Jacob Kiplimo’s list. Every track lover has their eyes on Kiplimo and is looking forward to the upcoming races. Are you excited to see this fireman on track? Because we surely are.