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Jacob Kiplimo (born 14 November 2000) is a Ugandan long-distance runner who is the current world record holder in the half marathon. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Kiplimo won a bronze medal in the 10,000 m. Kiplimo also won gold medals in the 5000 m and 10,000 m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and he won a silver and gold medal at the 2019 and 2023 World Cross Country Championships, respectively. Kiplimo won the 2020 World Half Marathon.

Key Information

At age 15, he represented his country at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the youngest ever Olympian for Uganda. He was the 2017 World Cross Country junior champion. Kiplimo is also the Ugandan record holder for the 3000 metres.

Early life

[edit]

Kiplimo was born on 14 November 2000.[2] A member of the Sebei ethnic group, he grew up in Kween on Mount Elgon, living at a high altitude.[3] His family grew maize. As a young child, Kiplimo would watch his older brothers train for athletic events. He would also travel to school by running a distance of 5 km. Kiplimo won a selection trial for the World Mountain Running Championships in 2015 but was not allowed to compete due to his age. Kiplimo then moved to Italy and began competing in events. After winning a 2017 cross country event in Uganda, he moved back.[4]

At the age of fifteen, Kiplimo won the 10,000 metres bronze medal at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships behind fellow East Africans Rodgers Kwemoi and Aron Kifle. He ran 5000 metres in Rome that May at 13:24:40 minutes, which was a qualifying time for the Olympics. Kiplimo was then selected for 2016 Summer Olympics.[3] Before the 2016 Rio Olympics, he improved his 5000 m best to 13:19.54 minutes. As the youngest entrant to the competition, he ran in the Olympic heats only, recording a time of 13:30.40 minutes for 11th in his race.[5] He was the youngest ever competitor for Uganda at the Olympic Games.[6][7]

At 16, Kiplimo won gold in the men's U20 race at the 2017 World Cross Country Championships in Kampala, the country's first-ever gold medal at a World Cross, covering a 8 km course in 22:40 minutes.[8] He won the San Silvestre Vallecana 10 km road race in Madrid in a time of 26:41 on 31 December 2018. The course had an elevation drop, making it ineligible for world record status.[9]

Career

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2019

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At the Ugandan Cross Country Championships on 16 February in Tororo, Kiplimo defeated Joshua Cheptegei by placing first and second, respectively. In the men's senior race over 10 km, Kiplimo won by an 11-second lead over the 10,000 m world championship runner-up.[10]

At the World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, Denmark, Kiplimo finished second in the senior men's race four seconds after Joshua Cheptegei's winning time of 31:40. He won the gold medal in the teams ranking with Cheptegei from Uganda.[11]

Kiplimo did not run in the 10,000 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Doha because of an injury.[12][13]

On 31 December, Kiplimo ran the Saint Silvester Road Race (15 km) in São Paulo and was beaten by Kibiwott Kandie at the finish line. Kandie won in 42:59, a new course record, with Kiplimo finishing in 43:00.[14]

2020

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On 8 September, Kiplimo won the 5000 m run in Ostrava, Czech Republic in a time of 12:48.63 and improved his personal best of 13:13.64 set as a 16-year-old at the 2017 Prefontaine Classic. Selemon Barega was the runner up with a time 12:49.08, while his personal best of 12:43.02 was the fifth-fastest ever at the time.[15] On 17 September, Kiplimo won a Diamond League 3000 m run in Rome with a time of 7:26.64.[16] Kiplimo won the Half Marathon World Championship in a time of 58:49 on 17 October in Gdynia, Poland. His time was a Ugandan record and championship record.[17]

On 6 December, he competed in the Valencia Half Marathon against Kibiwott Kandie, Rhonex Kipruto, and Alexander Mutiso. They all broke the previous world record of 58:01, set by Geoffrey Kamworor in 2019. Kandie set the new world record time at 57:32. Kiplimo placed second in the race with a time of 57:37.[18]

2021

[edit]

On 21 March 2021, Kiplimo competed at the Campaccio cross country race in San Giorgio su Legnano, Italy. Despite falling during the ninth kilometer of the race, he won a 10 km in 29:07. Ethiopia's Nibret Melak finished second, and Kiplimo's younger brother Oscar Chelimo finished third.[19] On 19 May, Kiplimo returned to the track racing 10,000 m at the 60th Ostrava Golden Spike. He pulled away from Bahrain's Birhanu Balew to win the race. Kiplimo finished in a personal best time of 26:33.93, which made him the seventh-fastest 10,000 m performer of all time and the second-fastest Ugandan in history over the distance behind world record holder Joshua Cheptegei's 26:11.00.[20]

On 21 November 2021, Kiplimo set a half marathon world record at 57:31 in Lisbon.[21] His record was broken by Yomif Kejelcha, who ran a time of 57:30 at the 2024 Valencia Half Marathon.[22]

Jacob Kiplimo one mile before winning the 2025 Chicago Marathon.

2023

[edit]

On 18 February, Kiplimo won the gold medal in the 10-kilometer race at the World Cross Country Championships held in Bathurst, Australia with a time of 29:17. Ethiopian Berihu Aregawi finished second in 29:26 followed by Joshua Cheptegei (29:37), world record holder for the 5000 m and 10,000 m, who had been defending his title from Aarhus 2019.[23]

2025

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On 16 February, Kiplimo regained the world record in the half marathon, finishing the Barcelona Half Marathon in 56 minutes and 42 seconds.[24]

On 27 April, Kiplimo made his marathon debut at the 2025 London Marathon, finishing in second behind Sebastian Sawe with a time of 2:03:37, a Ugandan national record.

On 12 October, Kiplimo won the 2025 Chicago Marathon, finishing in 2:02:23 and marking his first marathon win. [25]

Achievements

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All information from World Athletics profile.[2]

Personal bests

[edit]
Road

International competitions

[edit]
Representing  Uganda
Year Competition Venue Position Event Result
2016 World U20 Championships Bydgoszcz, Poland 3rd 10,000 m 27:26.68 PB
Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 26th (h) 5000 m 13:30.40
2017 World Cross Country Championships Kampala, Uganda 1st Junior race 22:40
4th Junior team 59 pts
World Championships London, United Kingdom 22nd (h) 5000 m 13:30.92
2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Coast, Australia 4th 10,000 m 27:30.25
World U20 Championships Tampere, Finland 6th 5,000 m 13:23.35
2nd 10,000 m 27:40.36
2019 World Cross Country Championships Aarhus, Denmark 2nd Senior race 31:44
1st Team 20 pts
2020 World Half Marathon Championships Gdynia, Poland 1st Half marathon 58:49 CR
2021 Olympic Games Tokyo, Japan 5th 5,000 m 13:02.40
3rd 10,000 m 27:43.88
2022 World Championships Eugene, OR, United States 3rd 10,000 m 27:27.97
Commonwealth Games Birmingham, United Kingdom 1st 5000 m 13:08.08 SB
1st 10,000 m 27:09.19 SB GR
2023 World Cross Country Championships Bathurst, Australia 1st Senior race 29:17
3rd Team 37 pts
2024 Olympic Games Paris, France 8th 10,000 m 26:46.39
Road races
2015 We Run Rome Rome, Italy 3rd 10 km 28:49
2016 Cuneo ASICS Run Cuneo, Italy 1st 10 km 28:26
2018 Giro al Sas Trento, Italy 1st 10 km 28:17
San Silvestre Vallecana Madrid, Spain 1st 10 km 26:41
2019 Great Manchester Run Manchester, United Kingdom 1st 10 km 27:31
MTN Kampala Half Marathon Kampala, Uganda 1st Half marathon 1:01:53
Saint Silvester Road Race São Paulo, Brazil 2nd 15 km 43:00
2020 Valencia Half Marathon Valencia, Spain 2nd Half marathon 57:37
2021 Lisbon Half Marathon Lisbon, Portugal 1st Half marathon 57:31
2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates 1st Half marathon 57:56
Great North Run Newcastle, United Kingdom 1st Half marathon 59:33
2023 New York City Half Marathon New York, NY, United States 1st Half marathon 1:01:31
2025 Barcelona Half Marathon Barcelona, Spain 1st Half marathon 56:42
2025 London Marathon London, England 2nd Marathon 2:03:37
2025 21K Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina 1st Half marathon 58:29

Circuit wins

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jacob Kiplimo

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jacob Kiplimo (born 14 November 2000) is a Ugandan long-distance runner renowned for his versatility across track, cross-country, and road events, including the , , , and marathon. He holds the world record in the with a time of 56:42, set at the 2025 Barcelona Half Marathon, and the Ugandan national record in the marathon with 2:02:23 from his victory at the 2025 . Kiplimo's career highlights include four World Cross Country Championships titles—gold in the under-20 race in 2017 and senior golds in 2023, 2024, and 2026 (his third consecutive senior title, making him the fourth man in history to achieve three straight titles, joining Kenenisa Bekele, Paul Tergat, and John Ngugi)—as well as double gold medals in the 5000m and 10,000m at the . He also secured bronze medals in the 10,000m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the in Eugene. Kiplimo burst onto the international scene as Uganda's youngest Olympian at age 15, competing in the 5000m at the 2016 Rio Olympics. His rapid rise continued with a in the under-20 World Cross Country Championships in 2017, followed by a silver in the senior race in 2019. By 2020, he became the first Ugandan to win an individual medal at the World Championships, taking in , . On the track, his personal best of 26:33.93 in the 10,000m (2021) and 12:40.96 in the 5000m (2024) underscore his elite speed, while road achievements include a world best of 40:42 in the 15km at the 2024 NN Zevenheuvelenloop. In 2025, Kiplimo transitioned successfully to the full marathon, finishing second in his debut at the London Marathon before dominating the event for his first victory in the distance. Representing internationally since his youth, he has earned top rankings, including No. 1 in men's road running and No. 2 in marathons per in 2025. His accomplishments have solidified 's legacy in distance running, building on predecessors like .

Early years

Family and upbringing

Jacob Kiplimo was born on November 14, 2000, in Taragon, Benet Sub-county, Kween District, eastern Uganda, as a member of the Sebei ethnic group. He grew up in a rural village on the slopes of Mount Elgon, where his family lived in humble conditions as maize farmers. The high-altitude environment of Kween District, at approximately 1,900 meters above sea level, provided a natural acclimatization that later proved advantageous for endurance activities. As the youngest of five brothers, Kiplimo was influenced by his four older siblings, all of whom were runners, fostering an early environment of familial competition and motivation. His daily life involved walking about five kilometers to and from , which helped build his foundational stamina amid the demanding rural routine.

Entry into athletics

Jacob Kiplimo began his involvement in running during in the Sebei sub-region of eastern , where he ran approximately 5 kilometers daily to and from school, building early endurance on the high-altitude terrain around 1,900 meters. Motivated by his four older brothers, who were also athletes, and the strong community tradition of distance running in Sebei, Kiplimo developed an initial interest in the sport as a child. At around age 14, Kiplimo joined local athletics groups in the Kapchorwa area, known for its rugged, hilly landscapes that provided ideal training for cross-country and mountain running. These terrains, mimicking competitive courses, helped hone his skills in endurance events. In 2015, he demonstrated early promise by winning a national selection trial for the in Kapchorwa, competing effectively in distances akin to 3,000m and 5,000m efforts on undulating paths, though he was ultimately deemed too young for international participation. By age 15, Kiplimo earned selection to Uganda's junior team, qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 5,000m event after clocking 13:24.40, a time that met the Olympic standard. This made him the youngest Ugandan Olympian in history, finishing 11th in his heat with a time of 13:30.40 and failing to advance to the final. His high-altitude upbringing in Sebei contributed to his natural stamina for such distances. Kiplimo's prodigious talent culminated in 2017 when, at age 16, he won the under-20 men's race at the World Cross Country Championships in , , securing Uganda's first-ever at the event with a dominant performance over 8 kilometers. This victory marked his breakthrough on the global junior stage and solidified his reputation as a rising star in cross-country running.

Professional career

2016–2018: Junior emergence

At the age of 15, Jacob Kiplimo made history as Uganda's youngest Olympian by competing in the men's at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the first round heat, he finished 11th with a time of 13:30.40, failing to advance to the final but gaining crucial international exposure that highlighted his potential despite his inexperience. This debut came shortly after earning a in the at the 2016 World U20 Championships, marking the beginning of his rapid ascent in junior athletics. Kiplimo's breakthrough came in 2017 when he won the junior men's race at the World Cross Country Championships in , , covering 8 km in 22:40 to secure Uganda's first-ever in the event. The victory, celebrated by a home crowd, showcased his dominance on cross-country terrain and built on the running heritage of Uganda's Sebei region, where families like his often prioritize endurance training from a young age. During this period, Kiplimo began integrating into structured training through Ugandan national team camps, guided by local mentors and the influence of his older brothers, who were also competitive runners. In 2018, Kiplimo continued his junior success with a silver medal in the at the World U20 Championships in , , clocking 27:40.36 behind Kenya's . He also claimed multiple victories in international road and cross-country races, including the IAAF Cross Country Permit event in February (11 km in 34:00), the Giro al Sas 5 km road race in October, and the prestigious San Silvestre Vallecana 10 km in December, where he set a then-world-leading time of 26:41. Transitioning toward senior competition, he debuted in the series with a sixth-place finish in the at the meeting in (13:19.66). However, his quick progression brought challenges, including balancing rigorous training with secondary school studies in and managing minor injuries from increased mileage and intensity.

2019: Senior breakthrough

In 2019, Jacob Kiplimo transitioned to the senior ranks with immediate impact, securing Uganda's first senior medal at the World Cross Country Championships in , , where he claimed silver in the men's 10 km race with a time of 31:44, finishing just behind compatriot . This achievement, following his junior world title in 2017, highlighted his rapid maturation and positioned him as a key figure in Uganda's emerging distance running dominance. Kiplimo's versatility shone in his road racing debut later that year, as he dominated the 10 km with a commanding victory in 27:31, finishing more than 50 seconds ahead of the runner-up and signaling his potential across surfaces. On the track, he made his senior debut with a Ugandan national record in the 2-mile event at the , clocking 8:10.16 for fourth place, while also winning the 10,000 m at the Ugandan National Championships to qualify for international selection. These performances attracted significant media attention, with Kiplimo profiled as Uganda's next generation of distance running talent alongside Cheptegei, often described as the "next big hope" for the nation's athletics legacy. Later in the year, he joined the , gaining access to professional coaching, international training camps in , , and enhanced support for his career development.

2020: World records established

The 2020 season for Jacob Kiplimo was marked by significant disruptions due to the , which limited traditional track competitions and shifted focus to opportunities. Building on his at the 2019 World Cross Country Championships, Kiplimo adapted to isolated training camps in with the , emphasizing altitude work in the highlands and enhanced recovery protocols to maintain fitness amid travel restrictions. These adaptations allowed him to prioritize road events, where he demonstrated emerging dominance for Ugandan athletes transitioning from cross country to longer distances. On the track, opportunities were scarce, but Kiplimo capitalized on the limited schedule by winning the men's 5000m at the Gold meeting in , , on September 8, clocking 12:48.63 to set a Ugandan national record. This performance, achieved by outkicking Ethiopia's in the final straight, underscored his versatility despite the pandemic's constraints on international meets. Kiplimo's road racing breakthrough came at the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia, Poland, on October 17, where he soloed to victory in 58:49, establishing a championship record and another Ugandan national mark. Running without pacers after the leading pack splintered, he held off Kenya's Kibiwott Kandie by five seconds, becoming the first Ugandan to win a senior world title in road events. Later, on December 6 at the Valencia Half Marathon, Kiplimo finished second in 57:37, shattering his own national record by over a minute and signaling Uganda's growing prowess in elite road racing. These results highlighted a strategic shift for Ugandan runners toward road dominance, inspired by Kiplimo's success in non-championship years.

2021: Olympic success

Entering the Olympic year with momentum from his 2020 world half marathon championship victory, Kiplimo showcased elite track form by running 26:33.93 for at the on 19 May, a performance that ranked seventh all-time at the distance. At the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the postponement, Kiplimo earned in the men's final on 30 July with a time of 27:43.88. The event unfolded as a slow, tactical contest influenced by high and , with the field bunching until the final lap when Ethiopian broke away for gold in 27:43.22, compatriot took silver in 27:43.63, and Kiplimo fended off challengers including for third. This bronze marked Kiplimo's first and his first completion of an Olympic distance event final, building on his 2016 Rio debut where he finished 11th in the heats with 13:30.40. In the aftermath, Kiplimo transitioned successfully to , setting the of 57:31 at the on 21 November without reported injuries interrupting his schedule. His Olympic performance elevated his profile, leading to recognition as Uganda's top athlete for May 2021 in the Real Stars Awards and broader sponsorship opportunities in the sport.

2022: World Championships medal

Building on the momentum from his bronze medal in the 10,000 metres at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Jacob Kiplimo entered the 2022 season with heightened expectations as one of Uganda's leading distance runners. The year proved pivotal for solidifying his track prowess, highlighted by a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. In the men's 10,000 metres final on July 15, Kiplimo clocked 27:27.97 for third place, finishing just 0.54 seconds behind compatriot Joshua Cheptegei's gold-medal time of 27:27.43 and 0.07 seconds off Kenya's Stanley Mburu in silver. The race featured a dramatic sprint finish among the top three East African athletes, underscoring Kiplimo's tactical maturity in high-stakes competition. Kiplimo's road season complemented his track achievements, where he maintained dominance in half-marathon events. On February 19, he won the in the , setting a course record of 57:56 amid ideal conditions that allowed for a strong pace from the outset. Later, on September 11, he secured victory at the Great North Run in , , finishing in 59:17 to outpace a competitive field including Olympic medalists. These performances reinforced his status as a top road racer, blending endurance with speed developed through targeted preparation. On the track circuit, Kiplimo earned multiple podium finishes in the series, showcasing consistency over 5,000 metres and distances. A notable result came on at the BAUHAUS-galan in , , where he took second in the 3,000 metres with a time of 7:29.14, narrowly edged out by Dominic Lobalu of the Athletics Refugee Team in a upset. These outings provided valuable racing experience against global elites, helping him refine his closing speed for major championships. To enhance his performance, Kiplimo spent extended periods training in under Dutch coach Addy Ruiter, focusing on sea-level sessions to build velocity and recovery. Based at a camp approximately 300 metres above in , this approach contrasted with his high-altitude base in , allowing for specialized speed work that improved his anaerobic capacity without the strain of elevation. Throughout the season, Kiplimo navigated the pressures of elevated expectations following his Olympic showing and junior successes, including pushing limits in a competitive East African field dominated by teammates and rivals like Cheptegei. Despite the scrutiny, he demonstrated resilience, using the Worlds bronze as a stepping stone to further medal contention in subsequent years.

2023: Continued international medals

In 2023, Jacob Kiplimo continued his streak of international medals by successfully defending Uganda's dominance at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships held in Bathurst, Australia, on February 18. Competing over a challenging 10km course, Kiplimo claimed the senior men's gold medal in 29:17, edging out Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi by six seconds for silver while his compatriot and training partner Joshua Cheptegei secured bronze in third place. This victory marked Kiplimo's second world cross-country title in three years, following his junior gold in 2017, and highlighted the intensifying rivalry among Ugandan, Ethiopian, and Kenyan distance runners, with Kenya's Emmanuel Kibiwott finishing fourth. Following his cross-country triumph, Kiplimo shifted focus to , securing a commanding victory at the NYC on March 19 in . He crossed the finish line in 1:01:31, outpacing Cheptegei who finished second in 1:02:09, in a race that served as valuable preparation for the upcoming track season amid cool and windy conditions. This win not only reinforced Kiplimo's versatility across surfaces but also deepened the competitive dynamic with Cheptegei, as the duo frequently pushed each other in head-to-head battles against emerging Kenyan challengers like Sebastian Sawe. Kiplimo's track campaign began promisingly at the Diamond League meeting on June 15, where he recorded a personal best and world-leading time of 12:41.73 for second place in the 5000m, losing in a dramatic to Ethiopia's by a mere 0.0001 seconds. This performance, which equaled the meeting record, underscored Kiplimo's growing prowess on and his ability to compete at the highest level against top East African rivals, including Kenyan athletes vying for supremacy in middle- and long-distance events. However, Kiplimo's season was disrupted by a injury in August, forcing him to withdraw from the in , where he had been entered for both the 5000m and 10,000m events alongside Cheptegei. This marked a setback following his bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene. Returning to competition in the fall, Kiplimo capped his year with a dominant performance at the NN Zevenheuvelenloop on in , , winning the 15km road race in 41:05 to equal the world best previously set by Cheptegei in 2020. With the injury behind him, Kiplimo prioritized recovery and light training in the ensuing months to prepare for a strong defense of his cross-country title in 2024, avoiding additional high-stakes races to preserve his health.

2024: Cross country dominance

Kiplimo opened his 2024 cross country season with a commanding performance at the Ugandan National Cross Country Championships in Tororo on February 10, where he won the senior men's 10 km race in 29 minutes and 3 seconds, outpacing the field by a significant margin. This victory served as a key qualifier for international competitions and demonstrated his continued form following his junior world title in 2017. Building on this momentum, Kiplimo traveled to Hammamet, Tunisia, for the African Cross Country Championships on February 25, where he claimed the senior men's individual gold, crossing the 10 km course first ahead of Kenyan challengers, though Uganda finished second in the team classification behind Kenya. At the in , , on March 30, Kiplimo defended his senior men's title with a dominant display over the 10 km course, finishing in 28:09 to secure his second consecutive . He surged ahead in the final lap, pulling away from Ethiopia's (28:12) and 's (28:18) to win by three seconds, joining an elite group of repeat champions including and . His performance also propelled Uganda to the silver medal in the team event with 31 points, behind Kenya's (19 points) and ahead of Ethiopia's bronze (40 points). Following his Belgrade triumph, Kiplimo began integrating longer road sessions into his training regimen to prepare for an anticipated transition to marathon distances, emphasizing endurance-building workouts under the guidance of his coach Addy Ruiter. In November, he extended this focus by winning the NN Zevenheuvelenloop 15km road race in , , on November 17, setting a world best of 40:42 and lowering his own course record by 23 seconds. This strategic shift highlighted his versatility beyond off-road terrain while maintaining focus on cross country roots. Throughout the year, Kiplimo balanced his professional commitments with in Uganda's Sebei region, where he has long inspired aspiring youth runners through local visits and motivational talks, reinforcing the area's reputation as a hub for distance running talent. His achievements were further spotlighted in ' end-of-year review, which featured coverage of Uganda's cross country dynasty and Kiplimo's role in its continued success.

2025: Marathon transition and records

In early 2025, Jacob Kiplimo marked his transition to longer road distances by shattering his own at the eDreams Mitja Marató , clocking 56:42 to become the first man to break the 57-minute barrier and slashing 48 seconds off the previous mark of 57:30. This performance built on his prior established in 2020, underscoring his continued dominance in the event while signaling readiness for full marathons. In August, Kiplimo won the 21K de half marathon on August 24, finishing in a course record time of 58:29 to maintain his road racing form ahead of his marathon debut. Kiplimo made his marathon debut in April at the TCS , where he finished second in 2:02:37, establishing the fastest time ever by a Ugandan despite challenging conditions and strong from Kenyan runners. To prepare for this shift, he withdrew from the in to prioritize marathon-specific training, including extended long runs of up to 40 kilometers conducted during a camp in , , alongside elite East African s. By October, Kiplimo claimed his first marathon victory at the , his second outing at the distance, finishing in 2:02:23—a time that set a new Ugandan national record and ranked seventh on the all-time global list. This win highlighted his rapid adaptation to the 42.195-kilometer distance, as he surged ahead after the halfway point to finish 91 seconds clear of the field. Looking ahead, Kiplimo has expressed interest in competing in the or Marathons in 2026, aiming to further build his legacy on the circuit.

Achievements

Personal bests

Jacob Kiplimo's personal bests reflect his evolution from a junior standout to a dominant senior athlete across track, , and cross country disciplines. His times demonstrate exceptional progression, particularly in longer distances where training at high altitude in has enhanced his aerobic capacity, while a strategic shift toward in recent years has optimized his endurance for record-breaking performances.
EventTimeDateLocationNotes
3000 m7:26.6417 Sep 2020, ItalyNR
5000 m12:40.9630 May 2024Oslo, Norway
10,000 m26:33.9319 May 2021,
10 km (road)26:4814 Jan 2024,
Half marathon56:4216 Feb 2025, WR (pending ratification), NR
Marathon2:02:2312 Oct 2025, USANR
Cross country (senior 10 km)28:0930 Mar 2024, World Championships winning time
Kiplimo's junior times, such as a 13:18.13 in the 5000 m from 2017, improved markedly upon entering the senior ranks, with altitude contributing to faster recoveries and road-specific enabling sub-27-minute 10 km efforts by 2024. All listed personal bests are ratified by as of November 2025.

Major international medals

Jacob Kiplimo has secured numerous medals at the highest levels of international athletics, particularly in cross country and the on track, along with standout performances in championships. These accolades underscore his versatility and dominance in distance events, contributing to Uganda's growing reputation in global . The following table summarizes his major international medals from Olympics, , World Cross Country Championships, and World Half Marathon Championships:
EventYearLocationDistanceMedalTime
World Cross Country Championships (U20 Men's)20178 kmGold22:40
World Cross Country Championships (Senior Men's)201910 kmSilver31:44
World Half Marathon Championships (Men's)2020Gold58:49
Olympic Games (Men's 10,000 m)202110,000 mBronze27:43.88
World Athletics Championships (Men's 10,000 m)2022Eugene, USA10,000 mBronze27:27.97
World Cross Country Championships (Senior Men's)2023Bathurst, 10 kmGold29:17
World Cross Country Championships (Senior Men's)202410 kmGold28:09
World Cross Country Championships (Senior Men's)2026Tallahassee, USA10 kmGold28:18
Kiplimo's 2017 U20 World Cross Country victory made him the youngest winner in the event's history at just 16 years old, breaking a long-standing record for precocity in the discipline. He followed this with a silver in the senior race two years later before claiming three consecutive senior titles in 2023, 2024, and 2026, demonstrating sustained excellence over challenging terrains. His 2026 victory in Tallahassee with a time of 28:18 made him the fourth man in history to achieve three straight senior titles, joining John Ngugi, Paul Tergat, and Kenenisa Bekele. Uganda also secured a bronze medal in the men's senior team category at the 2026 Championships. On the track, his bronzes in the 10,000 metres at the 2021 Olympics and 2022 World Championships highlight his competitive edge in major championship finals. His 2020 World Half Marathon gold further cemented his road running prowess with a championship record performance.

Road circuit victories

Jacob Kiplimo has established himself as a dominant force in elite road racing, securing numerous victories across 10 km, , and marathon distances while competing for the . His wins often feature commanding solo finishes, with several setting world records that underscore his exceptional speed and endurance on the roads. By November 2025, Kiplimo had amassed over 15 elite road race triumphs, many achieved through decisive margins that highlight his ability to pull away from top international fields.

10 km Victories

Kiplimo's 10 km road wins include standout performances in international and national competitions, where he has frequently broken records and dominated fields.
YearRaceTimeNotable Details
2024Valencia Ibercaja 10K (Spain)26:48Fifth-fastest time ever; won by 9 seconds over .
Various (2019–2025)Ugandan National Championships (multiple editions)N/AMultiple titles in road 10 km events, solidifying domestic dominance.

Half Marathon Victories

Kiplimo's half marathon successes are marked by world-record efforts and consistent wins in prestigious non-championship races, often under the NN Running Team banner, with solo breaks in the latter stages.
YearRaceTimeNotable Details
2019Great North Run (UK)59:14Debut elite win; solo finish ahead of field including Kenyan stars.
2021Lisbon Half Marathon (Portugal)57:31World record; won by 27 seconds over Amare Simeneh.
2022Great North Run (UK)58:03Second victory; pulled away solo from Selemon Barega and Kenenisa Bekele by over a minute.
2023New York City Half Marathon (USA)1:01:53Course record; dominant win representing .
2025Barcelona Half Marathon (Spain)56:42World record; first man under 57 minutes, 48 seconds ahead of previous mark.
2025Buenos Aires Half Marathon (Argentina)58:29Comfortable solo win by nearly 90 seconds.

Marathon Victories

Kiplimo transitioned to the marathon in 2025, immediately claiming a major victory with a performance that ranks among history's fastest.
YearRaceTimeNotable Details
2025 (USA)2:02:23First marathon victory (second career marathon); Ugandan national record, seventh-fastest ever, 91 seconds ahead of Amos Kipruto.

References

  1. https://worldathletics.org/athletes/uganda/jacob-kiplimo-14735365
  2. https://www.reuters.com/sports/athletics/ugandas-kiplimo-smashes-half-marathon-world-record-2025-02-16/
  3. https://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/46572033/jacob-kiplimo-hawi-feysa-win-men-women-chicago-marathon
  4. https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/34339431/kiplimo-extends-cwg-dominance-10km-gold
  5. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-cross-country-championships/tallahassee26/news/report/world-cross-tallahassee-26-senior-men
  6. https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/tokyo-2020/results/athletics/men-s-10000m
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUn66FTWtI8
  8. https://www.ineos159challenge.com/team/pacemakers/jacob-kiplimo
  9. https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/runs-races/ugandas-jacob-kiplimo-wins-world-xc-in-masterclass-performance/
  10. https://www.mykhel.com/jacob-kiplimo-olympics-p1515454/
  11. https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/runs-races/ugandas-jacob-kiplimo-sets-new-15k-world-best-time/
  12. https://kawowo.com/2016/08/10/15-year-old-kiplimo-at-rio-to-change-his-family-s-lives/
  13. https://www.pulsesports.ug/athletics/story/jacob-kiplimo-talks-childhood-inspiration-success-story-setbacks-biggest-rival-olympics-and-the-upcoming-world-cross-country-championships-2024032617223359931
  14. https://worldathletics.org/news/feature/jacob-kiplimo-uganda-distance-runner
  15. https://www.essentiallysports.com/olympics-track-and-field-news-who-is-jacob-kiplimo-meet-the-twenty-twenty-five-chicago-marathon-winners-net-worth-nationality-ethnicity-career-more/
  16. https://allafrica.com/stories/201608100481.html
  17. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/jacob-kiplimo-prove-doubters-wrong-chicago-marathon
  18. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/youngest-olympian-harbours-big-dreams-for-poor-parents-1661810
  19. https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/jacob-kiplimo
  20. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/olympic-games/the-xxxi-olympic-games-7093747/results/men/5000-metres/heats/result
  21. https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kiplimo-uganda-u20-world-cross-country-champi
  22. https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer/2016/athletes/_/athlete/60322/jacob-kiplimo
  23. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-cross-country-championships/iaaf-world-cross-country-championships-uga-2017-7093753/news/report/kiplimo-uganda-u20-world-cross-country-champi
  24. https://eagle.co.ug/2016/07/21/15-year-old-jacob-kiplimo-could-cause-a-surprise-at-rio-2016-olympics/
  25. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-07/11/c_137315357.htm
  26. https://pmldaily.com/sports/2018/02/kiplimo-brings-home-prestigious-iaaf-cross-country-permit.html
  27. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/giro-al-sas-cardiff-half-kosice-marathon-2018?competitionGroup=world-athletics-label-road-races&articleUrlSlug=giro-al-sas-cardiff-half-kosice-marathon-2018
  28. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/san-silvestre-vallecana-madrid-2018-kiplimo
  29. https://www.watchathletics.com/page/2000/results-great-manchester-run-2019
  30. https://preclassic.com/news/oslo-diamond-league-crowd-sees-a-photo-finish-an-upset-and-victories-by-two-norwegian-stars
  31. https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kiplimo-crouser-and-taylor-impress-in-ostrava
  32. https://worldathletics.org/news/report/world-half-gdynia-2020-kiplimo-win
  33. https://worldathletics.org/news/news/2020-review-road-and-cross-country
  34. https://olympics.com/en/news/tokyo-2020-athletics-day-1-cheptegei-and-kiplimo-race-in-men-s-10-000m-final
  35. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/jacob-kiplimo-world-half-marathon-record-lisbon
  36. https://kawowo.com/2021/06/01/real-stars-awards-2021-kambale-aden-opio-and-kiplimo-crowned-as-mays-cream/
  37. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-championships/world-athletics-championships-oregon-2022-7137279/results/men/10000-metres/final/result
  38. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/track-field-world-athletics-championships-oregon22-results-day-three
  39. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/other-sports/news/world-athletics-championships-2022-results-winners/rrykhnwytjgze9fcyc8dmt1l
  40. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/kiplimo-gebrzihair-course-records-ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon
  41. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/2022-great-north-run-mens-womens-elite-title-winners-results
  42. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/athletics-diamond-league-2022-stockholm-results-live-updates
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTmzIAc-L3I
  44. https://www.runblogrun.com/2022/09/jacob-kiplimo-the-ugandan-seizing-the-moment-and-challenging-the-elite-of-distance-running.html
  45. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-cross-country-championships/44th-world-athletics-cross-country-championsh-7138983/news/report/report-2023-senior-men-kiplimo
  46. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/seoul-rome-marathon-new-york-half-walelegn-obiri-kiplimo
  47. https://citiusmag.com/articles/jacob-kiplimo-to-miss-world-championships-hamstring-injury
  48. https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kiplimo-15km-nijmegen-2023-zevenheuvelenloop
  49. https://sports.mtn.co.ug/2024/02/11/chebet-kiplimo-win-national-cross-country-championships/
  50. https://www.caaweb.org/en/index.php/blog/top-info/cross-country-world-championships-africa-on-top
  51. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-cross-country-championships/45th-world-athletics-cross-country-championsh-7190594/news/report/belgrade-24-senior-men-report
  52. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/world-athletics-cross-country-champs-2024-beatrice-chebet-jacob-kiplimo-retain-titles
  53. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-cross-country-championships/45th-world-athletics-cross-country-championships-7190594/results/men/senior-race/final/team
  54. https://worldathletics.org/news/series/2024-review-cross-country
  55. https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kiplimo-course-record-world-15km-best-zevenheuvelenloop-nijmegen
  56. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/jacob-kiplimo-uganda-world-half-marathon-record-barcelona
  57. https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a69001676/jacob-kiplimo-wins-2025-chicago-marathon/
  58. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/jacob-kiplimo-buenos-aires-half-marathon-2025
  59. https://www.nbssport.co.ug/2025/09/02/cheptegei-kiplimo-withdraw-from-2025-tokyo-world-championships/
  60. https://www.instagram.com/p/DHQq-m8tMql/
  61. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/feysa-kiplimo-chicago-marathon-2025
  62. https://therunningchannel.com/fastest-marathon-world-record/
  63. https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/content-hub/the-handshake-the-sealed-kiplimos-london-future
  64. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-cross-country-championships/tallahassee26/results/men/senior-race/final/team
  65. https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/tokyo-2020/results/athletics/men-s-10000m
  66. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/uganda-jacob-kiplimo-wins-world-half-marathon-title-gdynia
  67. https://worldathletics.org/competition/calendar-results/results/7207329
  68. https://worldathletics.org/news/report/jacob-kiplimo-world-half-marathon-record-lisbon
  69. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/sep/11/jacob-kiplimo-hellen-obiri-great-north-run
  70. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6140018/2025/02/16/half-marathon-world-record-jacob-kiplimo/
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