Jacob Kiplimo Breaks World Record at EDP Lisbon Half Marathon
Below is a press release from the Maratona Clube de Portugal on Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo’s amazing world record run at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon today, 8th March 2026.
Press release
March 8, 2026
Jacob Kiplimo Breaks World Record at EDP Lisbon Half Marathon
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).
