Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo stunned the athletics world with an electrifying performance at the Barcelona Half Marathon, setting a new world record of 56 minutes and 42 seconds. His remarkable feat shaved 48 seconds off the previous record held by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who had clocked 57:30 in Valencia in October. Kiplimo’s achievement marks the biggest single improvement in the men’s half marathon record history, and he has become the first athlete to break the 57-minute barrier in the event.
The World Athletics website highlighted the ideal race-day conditions, with temperatures at a comfortable 13 degrees Celsius (55 Fahrenheit) and no wind. The 24-year-old long-distance runner described the race as flawless, attributing his success to the perfect weather, the excellent circuit, and his strong form. Initially following the pacemaker’s steady 2:45-per-kilometer pace, Kiplimo soon realized he had the energy to push harder from the third kilometer onward. His decision to accelerate proved decisive as he surged ahead to smash the previous best.
Kiplimo, a two-time world cross-country champion, had already shown his prowess on the road by setting a world-best time of 40:07 for 15km en route to his record-breaking performance. Following the race, he confirmed that his next appearance will be at the London Marathon in April, where he will make his much-anticipated marathon debut.
The race saw intense competition, with Kenyan Geoffrey Kamworor finishing second with a time of 58:44, while his compatriot Samwel Mailu secured third place in 59:40. Despite their strong performances, Kiplimo’s astonishing pace left them trailing behind as he rewrote the history books.
Jepkosgei Dominates Women’s Race with Personal Best
In the women’s division, Joyciline Jepkosgei defended her Barcelona Half Marathon title in style, setting a course record with a lifetime best of 1:04:13. The former world record-holder improved her previous best by 16 seconds, moving to seventh place on the all-time list. Her performance cemented her dominance in the event, making it two consecutive victories in Barcelona.
Jepkosgei expressed her satisfaction with her result, emphasizing the significance of achieving a personal best and securing back-to-back wins in the Spanish city. She acknowledged the difficulty of improving her time but was delighted with her strong form. She also praised Kiplimo’s extraordinary achievement, describing it as a historic moment in long-distance running.
The podium in the women’s race featured Kenyan Gladys Chepkurui, who finished in 1:06:25, securing second place. Ethiopian Alemtsehay Zerihun claimed third in 1:08:19. Despite their valiant efforts, Jepkosgei’s performance was the standout of the day, reinforcing her status as one of the sport’s elite distance runners.
The Impact of Kiplimo’s Record
Kiplimo’s record-breaking run has taken the athletics community by surprise, solidifying his place among the sport’s greats. His ability to maintain an aggressive pace while displaying remarkable endurance has raised expectations for his marathon debut in London. With his exceptional talent and race strategy, he is now seen as a major contender for future long-distance titles.
As the athletics world continues to marvel at Kiplimo’s stunning achievement, all eyes will be on his transition to the full marathon distance. With his combination of speed and endurance, many believe he could eventually challenge records in the 42.2km event as well.
For Jepkosgei, her victory reinforces her strength in the women’s field, and she remains a formidable competitor in road racing. Her back-to-back wins in Barcelona highlight her consistency and ambition to remain among the world’s best. With the Barcelona Half Marathon showcasing such incredible performances, the 2024 road racing season promises to be one filled with record-breaking moments and thrilling competitions
