'The record boy takes it back!'- Joshua Cheptegei praises Jacob Kiplimo after stunning half marathon world record

Joshua Cheptegei praises Jacob Kiplimo after stunning half marathon world record Image source: Imago

'The record boy takes it back!'- Joshua Cheptegei praises Jacob Kiplimo after stunning half marathon world record

Abigael Wafula 09:41 - 17.02.2025

Joshua Cheptegei celebrates Jacob Kiplimo’s record-breaking half marathon victory, hailing his compatriot’s stunning return to the top.

Joshua Cheptegei has lauded his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo following his impressive performance at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks on Sunday.

Kiplimo was in a class of his own as he reclaimed the half marathon world record, clocking a stunning 56:42 to cross the finish line first.

The record was snatched from the Ugandan last year, at the Valencia Half Marathon where Yomif Kejelcha clocked a time of 57:30 to win the race.

Yomif Kejelcha had broken Kiplimo’s previous world record of 57:31 which was set at the 2021 Lisbon Half Marathon, by one second.

Lauding his efforts, Cheptegei claimed that it was great seeing Kiplimo unleash the stunning run and take up his record, setting up the stage for thrilling performances throughout the season.

“The record boy takes it back again!! Bravo Jacob 👏👏👏What a great moment to be alive in this era 😂😂🙌,” Cheptegei wrote.

Jacob Kiplimo is gearing up for his marathon debut at the London Marathon where he will face off against a strong field and his half-marathon world record is proof that he is ready for the challenge.

In London, Kiplimo lines up against reigning Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, defending champion Alexander Mutiso, Valencia Marathon champion Sabastian Sawe and four-time champion Eliud Kipchoge among other marathon stars.

He hopes to have a great transition to the 42km distance and follow in the footsteps of the likes of Sabastian Sawe who won his first marathon in 2024.

His compatriot, Joshua Cheptegei, made his full marathon debut at the 2023 Valencia Marathon where he faded to a 37th-place finish. He has yet to compete in another full marathon and will be in action at the Tokyo Marathon this year.

Kiplimo hopes to enjoy the rest of the 2025 season, especially after the mixed results he posted last season, including finishing a distant eighth-place finish in the 10,000m at the Paris Olympic Games.