Ugandan athlete Jacob Kiplimo made history by smashing the world record in the half marathon event, setting a remarkable time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds in Barcelona. This achievement marked a significant leap in the sport, with Kiplimo surpassing the previous record set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha by an impressive 48 seconds.

World Athletics noted that Kiplimo’s performance represented the most substantial improvement in the men’s half marathon record to date. Reflecting on his exceptional run, Kiplimo expressed his satisfaction with the race conditions, citing the ideal temperature, lack of wind, and excellent circuit that contributed to his success. The athlete described the race as flawless, mentioning that he felt energized and decided to increase his pace from the third kilometer onwards, ultimately surpassing the extraordinary milestone of completing the race in under 57 minutes.

Looking ahead, Kiplimo revealed his plans to participate in the upcoming London Marathon scheduled for April, which would mark his debut in the full marathon distance. Despite being only 24 years old, Kiplimo has already made a name for himself in the athletic world, having secured a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and clinched the title of two-time cross country world champion.

In a parallel feat of athleticism, Japan’s Toshikazu Yamanishi also etched his name in the record books by breaking the men’s 20-kilometer race walk world record. Yamanishi achieved this milestone in Kobe, Japan, clocking an impressive time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 10 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by his compatriot Yusuke Suzuki in 2015.

The remarkable achievements of Kiplimo and Yamanishi underscore the relentless pursuit of excellence and the indomitable spirit of athletes pushing the boundaries of human performance in the world of marathon running and race walking. These record-breaking feats not only showcase the dedication and talent of these individuals but also inspire future generations of athletes to strive for greatness in their respective disciplines.