Every once in a while, a performance comes along that completely redefines what we thought was possible. This past weekend in Barcelona, Jacob Kiplimo didn’t just break the half marathon world record. Unlike many other world records, he didn’t just break it, he obliterated it, leaving both runners and non-runners alike in awe.
For 13.1 miles, Kiplimo ran like a man possessed, or being chased, clocking 56:41. That’s a staggering 49 seconds faster than the previous record. To put that into perspective: imagine running your fastest mile. No, you most likely are still running way too slow. Now, maintain that blistering speed for nearly an hour without stopping. That’s the level of absurdity we’re dealing with.
A Historic Performance
Kiplimo, already a legend in distance running, had a point to prove. His previous world record of 57:31 stood firm until Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha edged it out by a single second in October 2024. That narrow defeat must have lit a fire under Kiplimo to obliterate the world record.
The conditions were ideal: cool temperatures, no wind, and a flat, fast course. But even with Mother Nature’s cooperation, what Kiplimo achieved was beyond extraordinary. He started with a 13:34 split for the first 5K (3.1 miles), which, for context, is faster than what some recreational runners clock in just a single mile.
By the 10K (6.2 miles) mark, he hit an astonishing 26:46. That’s faster than the vast majority of runners’ best 5K time, but he’s already done that twice. If you’ve ever felt accomplished breaking 60 minutes for a 10K, just imagine someone doing it in under 27 minutes and then continuing at that pace for an additional 10k.
The real jaw-dropper? At 15K, Kiplimo recorded 39:47, becoming the first person ever to break the 40-minute barrier for that distance. For reference, if you’re an everyday runner and you break 40 minutes in a 10K, you’re in excellent shape. Kiplimo essentially did that, then threw in an extra 5K just for fun.
Kiplimo’s splits for the 10k, and even the middle 10k from 5k-15k would put him on the top 5 list of all 10ks all time, for runners who are only running a 10k, even on the track. Yet, he still had more to run in this race.
Splits Breakdown
For those who appreciate the details, here’s a breakdown of Kiplimo’s remarkable splits:
| Distance | Split Time | Cumulative Time | Pace per Mile | Pace per Kilometer |
| 5K | 13:34 | 13:34 | 4:22 | 2:43 |
| 10K | 13:12 | 26:46 | 4:14 | 2:38 |
| 15K | 13:01 | 39:47 | 4:11 | 2:36 |
| 20K | 13:55 | 53:42 | 4:29 | 2:47 |
| Finish | 2:59 | 56:41 | 4:47 | 2:58 |
The Final Push
Even with a slight slowdown in the last stretch, Kiplimo’s 56:41 redefined half-marathon history. To put it in perspective:
- His 4:19 per mile pace is faster than 99% of the world’s runners best mile time.
- His 2:41 per kilometer splits are quicker than what some elite runners manage in a one-mile race.
- He finished two minutes ahead of former world record holder Geoffrey Kamworor, making elite competitors, who could have very well won the race in their own finish time, look like joggers.
Crossing the finish line, Kiplimo was a mix of exhaustion and elation. And honestly? Every spectator, whether a seasoned marathoner or someone who dreads the treadmill, couldn’t help but feel inspired.
The Sub-2-Hour Marathon Quest
Now, let’s talk about the elusive sub-2-hour marathon for a second. It’s a feat that has tantalized the running community for years. In 2019, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge made history by running a marathon in 1:59:40 during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna. However, this was under controlled conditions with rotating pacemakers and wasn’t recognized as an official world record. Yet, it did prove that it could be done.
For context, a sub-2-hour marathon requires maintaining a pace of 4:34 per mile. While Kipchoge’s achievement was monumental, the running world still awaits the first official sub-2-hour marathon under standard race conditions.
Could Kiplimo be the one to do it? Based on his half-marathon pace this past weekend, he’d “only” need to slow down by about 15 seconds per mile to hit that mark over a full marathon. That’s a huge ask, but at this point, he’s making the impossible look somewhat routine.
What’s Next for Kiplimo?
With his half-marathon dominance reaffirmed, Kiplimo is setting his sights on new horizons. He’s slated to make his marathon debut in London on April 27, 2025. Given his recent performance, anticipation is sky-high. Could he be the one to officially break the 2-hour marathon barrier? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain, the world will be watching.
A Glimpse at Half Marathon World Record Progression
To appreciate the magnitude of Kiplimo’s achievement, let’s take a look at the recent half marathon world record holders:
| Athlete | Date | Time | Event |
| Jacob Kiplimo | Feb 16, 2025 | 56:41 | Barcelona Half Marathon |
| Yomif Kejelcha | Oct 27, 2024 | 57:30 | Valencia Half Marathon |
| Jacob Kiplimo | Nov 21, 2021 | 57:31 | Lisbon Half Marathon |
| Geoffrey Kamworor | Sep 15, 2019 | 58:01 | Copenhagen Half Marathon |
| Abraham Kiptum | Oct 28, 2018 | 58:18 | Valencia Half Marathon |
