Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo broke the half marathon world record this Sunday, winning the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon in 57:20 minutes. With this result, Kiplimo shaved 10 seconds off the previous record (Yomif Kejelcha, 57:30).
Already the course record holder for the Lisbon race—57:31, which stood as the world record until December 2024—the Ugandan raised the bar even higher in a race where he made his intentions clear early on. He was accompanied by Nicholas Kipkorir until the 15-kilometer mark, but from then on, he launched a solo attack for an undisputed victory.
Kipkorir finished second in 58:08, a new personal best, with Gilbert Kiprotich rounding out the podium in 58:59. Also of note was Oscar Chelimo, Jacob Kiplimo’s brother, who finished sixth in 1:00:12 in his debut.
Tsigie Gebreselama Repeats Victory
In the women’s race, Tsigie Gebreselama successfully defended her status as champion and course record holder, winning again with a time of 1:04:48.
The Ethiopian started the race in pursuit of the world record but faded significantly in the second half. Nevertheless, despite being shy of the course record (1:04:21), she set the second-fastest time ever recorded on the Lisbon course.
Men’s Top 3:
Jacob Kiplimo (UGA), 57:20
Nicholas Kipkorir (KEN), 58:08
Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich (KEN), 58:59
Women’s Top 3:
Tsigie Gebreselama (ETH), 1:04:48
Janeth Chepngetich (KEN), 1:06:50
Regina Wambui (KEN), 1:07:10
Samuel Barata and Mariana Machado Win National Titles
In the battle for the Portuguese National Half Marathon title, Samuel Barata and Mariana Machado outpaced all domestic competition with high-level performances among the international elite.
Last year’s champion, Samuel Barata, finished 12th overall in 1:00:36—a mark that represents his career second-best, behind only his national record (59:40). Rui Pinto (1:03:10) and debutant Duarte Gomes (1:03:22) completed the national podium.
The women’s race also saw a debutant on the podium, this time as the winner. Already the national 10km champion, Mariana Machado added the half marathon title to her accolades, winning in 1:10:10.
In her debut, the Sporting Clube de Braga athlete became the 10th fastest Portuguese woman ever at this distance, with a time that allowed her to beat Susana Santos (1:11:34) and Mónica Magalhães Silva (1:14:00).