Jacob Kiplimo leaves for London ahead of Sunday’s marathon showdown

Kiplimo Marathon performances

London Marathon: 2:03:37hr (Silver

Chicago Marathon: 2:23hr (Gold)

Uganda’s long distance star Jacob Kiplimo departs for London on Tuesday with a singular focus: victory at the London Marathon set for Sunday, April 26.

This will mark Kiplimo’s return to a course that holds both promise and unfinished business.

On his marathon debut in London in 2025, the 25-year-old delivered a remarkable performance, finishing second in 2:03:37hr, just behind Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who won in 2:02:27hr. Now, armed with experience and confidence, Kiplimo is determined for glory.

After an intensive training in Kapchorwa, his coach Peter Chelangat expressed optimism about his athlete’s condition.

“All is well. He leaves the country on Tuesday. We have had good training sessions. He is fit and healthy. We are praying for the best results,” Chelangat said.

A special return to London

London remains a significant milestone in Kiplimo’s career, having hosted his transition from track and half marathon dominance to the full marathon distance. Despite falling just short last year, the Ugandan ace has since matured into a stronger and strategic marathon runner.

His recent form emphasizes that growth. Kiplimo won his first full marathon gold at the Chicago Marathon last year, clocking 2:02:23hr to announce himself among the world’s elite marathoners.

In March this year, he further cemented his dominance by reclaiming the world half marathon title in Lisbon, posting an impressive 57:20. That performance reaffirmed his status as one of the most complete distance runners on the global stage. At the same time, the Lisbon Half Marathon formed a key part of his build-up to the London Marathon.

Family support on the course

Kiplimo will not be alone in London. His younger brother, Oscar Chelimo, is set to feature as a pacemaker adding both tactical and emotional support. The duo previously teamed up successfully in Lisbon, and their partnership could again prove crucial on race day.

A course built for speed

The London Marathon is widely regarded as one of the fastest and flattest courses in the world, making it ideal for record-breaking performances. For a versatile athlete like Kiplimo, the terrain is unlikely to pose any challenge. Instead, it presents an opportunity to chase a personal best and possibly more.

A field packed with champions

However, the road to victory will not be straightforward. Kiplimo faces a formidable lineup that includes Uganda’s own Joshua Cheptegei, the three-time 10,000m world champion, as well as defending champion Sebastian Sawe.

Also in contention is Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon champion, who brings valuable experience with six marathons under his belt. Kipruto finished second at the Chicago Marathon in 2025 an event won by Kiplimo setting the stage for another intriguing rivalry. Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, a silver medalist at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, adds further depth to an already competitive field.

Kiplimo heads into London as a serious contender. However, in a race stacked with elite talent, execution on the day will be everything.

If he wins the London Marathon, Kiplimo will make history as the first Ugandan to claim the title.