Kiplimo returns to action in Lisbon with World Record in sight

Uganda’s long-distance star Jacob Kiplimo will return to competitive road racing this Sunday with one clear mission: to reclaim the men’s half-marathon crown and silence doubts surrounding his disputed world record performance.

Kiplimo will line up for the 21-kilometre race at the Lisbon Half Marathon in Portugal, one of Europe’s fastest and most prestigious road races.

The Ugandan star is still healing from the disappointment of seeing his 56:42 run in Barcelona in March 2025  fail to be ratified by World Athletics, after officials ruled that a pace-setting car may have assisted his performance.

Despite the ruling, Kiplimo insists his run was a true reflection of his ability rather than an artificial boost. “He wants to prove that what he ran in Barcelona was not by accident or external help, but pure strength and preparation,” said Uganda wild life (UWA) athletics coach Rafael Kasajja.

Kasajja believes the controversy has only fueled Kiplimo’s motivation. “Kiplimo has all it takes not only to win this race but to threaten the world record again. The non-ratification did not sit well with him. He is hungry and angry at the same time, and that is dangerous for his rivals. This will be one of the best 21km races to watch this year,” Kasajja noted.

Uganda Athletics vice president for administration Lawrence Kavuma echoed similar confidence, describing the setback as a national disappointment but also a turning point. “As a federation and as a country, we were hurt when the record was not ratified. However, Kiplimo is still young and has been trained for moments like this. He carries enormous power and potential. He is at his peak and the stage is set for him to reclaim what slipped away on technicalities,” Kavuma said.

After Lisbon, Kiplimo will shift his focus to the marathon, heading to the United Kingdom for the London Marathon on April 26. The race will be his second appearance in London, the city where he made his marathon debut.

Veteran athletics coach Nalis Bigigo believes the two-race schedule is ideal. “For Kiplimo, the half marathon will serve as preparation for the full marathon. Running 21km is something he has mastered. When you look at his first two marathons, finishing first and second is not ordinary for a debutant. That tells you how special he is,” Bigigo explained.

Currently, the men’s half-marathon world record belongs to Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who clocked 57:30 at the Valencia Half Marathon in 2024. On Sunday in Lisbon, Kiplimo will not only be chasing victory, but also a chance to restore his name to the top of the world rankings.