Jacob Kiplimo smashes world record at the 2025 Barcelona Half Marathon

Under 57 minutes: the impossible becomes reality

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Jacob Kiplimo produced one of the most impressive performances in the history of athletics and road running. In formidable shape after running 26:32 for 10K in Madrid last December with apparent ease, he was determined to put together a big performance in Barcelona. From the opening moments, he left no room for suspense. After the third kilometre, he moved to the front and imposed a searing pace of 2:43/km that dropped every other runner. He passed 10K in 26:50, well inside world-record pace of 27:12. At that point, with his light, flowing stride, he appeared to be gliding around the fast course in the Catalan capital. Buoyed by an enthusiastic crowd and ideal conditions, 11 degrees, overcast skies and no wind, the Ugandan maintained his blistering rhythm all the way to the finish, crossing the line in 56 minutes and 42 seconds, an average pace of 2:41/km. Having already held the record from 2021 to 2024, Kiplimo reclaimed it at the age of 24, taking 48 seconds off the mark set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia last October (57:30). Kenyans Geoffrey Kamworor (58:44) and Samwel Mailu (59:40) completed the podium.

Joyciline Jepkosgei completes the double

The women’s race also produced a commanding display. Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei, the defending champion and clear favourite, dominated the field. She quickly broke clear after passing 5K in 15:12, extending her lead over the chasing pack and taking advantage of a slightly downhill section around kilometres 7 and 8 to reach 10K in 30:12. Running among a group of male competitors, she maintained a strong pace to complete the distance in 1:04:11, improving her personal best and the course record by 18 seconds. Behind her, compatriot Gladys Chepkurui took second in 1:06:24, while Ethiopia’s Alemtsehay Zerihun completed the podium in 1:08:19. “This is my third time racing here. I finished second once and have won twice, so I’m very pleased. Improving my personal best on this course wasn’t easy, and I’m delighted. I hope to come back next year,” Jepkosgei told reporters at the finish. She also praised Kiplimo’s incredible performance.

Final preparations for Nicolas Navarro

On the French side, Nicolas Navarro, deep into an intense build-up for the Barcelona Marathon on March 10, covered the 21.097 km in 1:04:13. Slightly slower than his marathon pace, the Frenchman put in a strong effort during a demanding week in which he logged 235 km. Also worth noting were the impressive performances of Victor Boudin (1:02:53), Antonin Marquant (1:02:58), Pierre Galbourdin (1:03:38), Anthony Frontera (1:04:03), Cyril Vincent-Viry (1:04:46) and Alexis Turpin (1:05:14).

Morhad Amdouni, meanwhile, had been expected to race but ultimately decided not to start. Having pushed hard in training in recent weeks ahead of his next marathon, the French marathon record-holder chose not to take any risks after being troubled by muscular fatigue.

In the women’s race, Mélanie Allier became the 11th-fastest French woman in history over the half marathon. Her time of 1:10:49 was good enough for 10th place. Augustine Emeraux-Lombard also produced a fine performance in 1:14:29. Floriane Hot confirmed her excellent form by setting a personal best over the distance. She crossed the line in 1:15:50, marking another step forward in her progress.

The Barcelona Half Marathon, a record-breaking race

Alongside the elite runners, nearly 30,000 enthusiasts also took to Barcelona’s streets. A host of personal bests, smiles through the effort and a warm atmosphere turned this half marathon into a true celebration of running.

The Barcelona Half Marathon confirms its status as a benchmark half marathon for record-breaking performances and exceptional racing. Jacob Kiplimo has entered the history books, and runners around the world are already looking ahead to his next target: the London Marathon on April 27.