Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo has set a new men’s half marathon world record at the eDreams Mitja Marató in Barcelona.
Kiplimo completed the 21-kilometer race in an extraordinary time of 56:42, surpassing the previous record of 57:30, held by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha since October 2024.
At just 24 years old, the two-time world cross country champion beat Kejelcha’s record by 49 seconds, marking the largest single improvement in the men’s world half marathon record.

Competing in perfect conditions — 13ºC with no wind — Kiplimo not only broke the 57-minute barrier but also set a world best time of 39:47 for 15 kilometers during his race.
The new record will undergo the standard ratification process by World Athletics.