Ugandan star breaks national record in one of the fastest races ever recorded
Jacob Kiplimo delivered a landmark performance at the 2026 London Marathon on April 26, finishing third in 2:00:28. The time set a new Ugandan national record and marked one of the fastest marathon runs in history.
Kiplimo’s result came in a race that redefined the limits of the sport. His finishing time was faster than the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
A Race for the Record Books
The men’s race in London produced an unprecedented outcome. Sabastian Sawe won in 1:59:30, becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in an official marathon. Yomif Kejelcha followed in second place with 1:59:41, also under the historic mark.
Kiplimo’s third-place finish completed a podium where all three runners posted times that would have stood as world records in previous years.
Strength and Control on the Course
Kiplimo ran a measured race from start to finish. He reached the halfway mark in about 1:00:29 before accelerating in the second half, closing in 59:59. This negative split showed both endurance and control on a course known for its demands.
His ability to maintain pace and finish strongly placed him among the leading performers in one of the deepest marathon fields ever assembled.
Rapid Rise in the Marathon
At 25, Kiplimo has already built a strong reputation across distance running. He first gained global attention through cross-country and half-marathon events, where he set multiple records.
His transition to the marathon has been swift. On his debut at the 2025 London Marathon, he finished second in 2:03:37, setting a national record at the time. One year later, he returned to the same event and lowered that mark by more than three minutes.
A Defining Moment for Uganda
The 2:00:28 performance places Kiplimo at the top of Uganda’s marathon history. It also strengthens the country’s presence in long-distance running, alongside other elite athletes who have competed on the global stage.
Despite the intensity of the race, Kiplimo showed composure after the finish. He congratulated his competitors and emphasized that his goal had been to secure a podium place.
Kiplimo’s performance signals a new phase in marathon running, where the two-hour barrier is no longer out of reach in official competition. His progression suggests that he will remain a key contender in future major races.
With age on his side and consistent results across distances, he stands as one of the leading figures shaping the next era of the sport.
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