Jacob Kiplimo Targets World Record Redemption in Lisbon

The Maratona Clube de Portugal (MCP) has officially confirmed that Ugandan superstar Jacob Kiplimo will headline the elite field for the upcoming EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on March 8.

As a former world record holder and the current course record holder, Jacob Kiplimo’s return to the Portuguese capital signals a high-stakes attempt to reclaim his dominance over the 13.1-mile distance.

Jacob Kiplimo is no stranger to the fast, flat streets of Lisbon. In November 2021, he delivered a masterclass in solo running, crossing the finish line in 57:31.

That performance slashed one second off the previous world record and stood as the global benchmark for over three years.

While that record was eventually lowered in late 2024, Jacob Kiplimo’s return to the scene of his greatest triumph suggests he has unfinished business with the clock.

The narrative surrounding Jacob Kiplimo took a frustrating turn last year at the Barcelona Half Marathon. In a display of raw power, Jacob Kiplimo stopped the clock at a staggering 56:42, a time nearly a full minute faster than his official world record.

However, despite the incredible feat, the mark was never ratified by World Athletics. Technical discrepancies regarding the course measurement and start-finish elevation drop meant the time could not enter the official record books.

While the running world recognises it as one of the fastest half marathons ever run by a human, it remains a ghost record, adding an extra layer of motivation for Kiplimo to post an undeniable, official sub-57-minute time this March.

Meanwhile, Jacob Kiplimo arrives in Lisbon in peak physical condition. He is fresh off a dominant performance at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships, where he successfully defended his title. His ability to transition from the gruelling, tactical nature of cross-country mud to the rhythmic speed of the road is what sets him apart.

Following a stellar 2:03:37 debut in London, he travelled to the Chicago Marathon in October, where he lowered his personal best to a blistering 2:02:23.

With this newfound marathon strength paired with his natural track speed, the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon course record of 57:31 looks increasingly vulnerable.