World Half-Marathon: Jacob Kiplimo makes sensational comeback

Jacob Kiplimo celebrates his triumph during the 10000m of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

ATHLETICS World Half-Marathon: Jacob Kiplimo makes sensational comeback

Moses King 15:47 - 14.09.2023

Uganda's long-distance star, Jacob Kiplimo, is set to defend his World Half Marathon World Record, as confirmed by Pulse Sports Uganda.

Kiplimo has been selected to lead Uganda's team in the 2023 World Road Running Championships, which will take place in Riga, Latvia on October 1.

Uganda will be represented by fifteen athletes competing in various distances, with both men's and women's teams aiming for glory in this inaugural World Athletics Road event.

Despite missing the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest due to a hamstring injury sustained during training in Kapchorwa, Eastern Uganda, Kiplimo remains determined to make history.

World Half-Marathon: Jacob Kiplimo makes sensational comeback
Jacob Kiplimo is back for Team Uganda duties in Latvia|Courtesy

He currently holds the men's half-marathon world record with a time of 57:31, set on November 21, 2021, during the Lisbon Half Marathon. 

Kiplimo will be joined by fellow Ugandan athletes Hosea Kiplangat, Abel Chebet, Ali Chebures, and Andrew Rotich Kwemoi in the half marathon. 

Winnie Nanyondo cuts a frustrated figure after missing out on the podium positions at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon | photo Credit: Courtesy

In the 5km distance, Uganda's representatives are Dismas Yeko, Leonard Chemutai, and Kenneth Kiprop, while Abua Mayanja will compete in the men's mile and Winnie Nanyondo in the women's mile.

Leonard Chemutai celebrates his victory at the 2023 Trail World Championships
Leonard Chemutai celebrates his victory at the 2023 Trail World Championships | Photo Credit: Courtesy

Annet Chemengich Chelangat and Belinda Chemutai are the women athletes representing Uganda in the half marathon.

According to Watch Athletics, five record-breaking athletes from the six championship events will be participating in the debut World Athletics Road Running Championships.

This competition in Latvia's capital will feature a total of 347 participants, with 152 women and 195 men from 57 teams.

It will be the first time that global accolades for the road mile, 5km, and half marathon will be contested simultaneously at a single champion.

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