Kiplimo Sets New National Marathon Record with Third Place Finish in London

Jacob Kiplimo delivered a historic performance, setting a new Ugandan national marathon record while finishing third at the London Marathon on Sunday in the United Kingdom. Kiplimo clocked 2:00:28 to become the fastest Ugandan ever over the 42-kilometre distance, underlining his rapid rise in marathon racing. His performance earned Uganda a podium finish at one of the world’s most prestigious road races and confirmed his successful transition from track and half-marathon competition to the full marathon.

The men’s race was won by Sebastian Sawe of Kenya, who stormed to victory in a world-leading time of 1:59:30. Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished second in 1:59:41, as the pair produced one of the fastest marathon contests in history. Kiplimo stayed with the leading pack for much of the race and remained in contention up to the 39-kilometre mark before Sawe and Kejelcha broke away. The Ugandan maintained composure in the closing stages to secure third place and rewrite the national record books.

Speaking after the race, Kiplimo said the result was a major milestone in his marathon journey. “This race means a lot to me because I wanted a personal best, and I have managed to run strongly on a big stage. When we crossed halfway, I realised the pace was extremely fast, and I decided to run my own race wisely,” Kiplimo said. He added that the performance had given him confidence for future races. “I believe with better preparations and continued focus, I can still improve my time. This is only the beginning for me in marathon running, and I am excited for what lies ahead,” he added. 

Uganda’s other star runner, Joshua Cheptegei, finished 12th after crossing the line in 2:06:39. Cheptegei, who is also building his marathon career after dominating track events, said competing in major city marathons was helping him gain valuable experience. “Well done to my brother Kiplimo for making Uganda proud with a new national record. It means a lot for our country because we are now competing strongly in the biggest marathon races in the world,” Cheptegei said. 

“For me, the journey continues, and every major marathon teaches me more about tactics, endurance, and patience,” he added. In the women’s race, Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia won in 2:15:41, defeating Hellen Obiri, who finished second in 2:15:53. Joyciline Jepkosgei completed the podium in third place with a time of 2:15:55. Fans in Uganda praised the athletes for once again lifting the country’s flag on the international stage. Athletics enthusiast Jet Cheptoek said Kiplimo’s performance showed he belongs among the world’s best marathoners. 

“You could see the leaders knew Kiplimo was dangerous because they only attacked very late in the race. For him to stay with them until the final kilometres proves Uganda now has genuine marathon strength,” Cheptoek said. “This is a proud moment for athletics fans back home,” he added. Another supporter, Sam Cherop, said Uganda’s distance running success was no longer limited to track events. “We have always celebrated our athletes on the track, but now the marathon is also becoming our territory. Kiplimo and Cheptegei are showing that Uganda can compete across all long-distance races,” Cherop noted.

Beatrice Ayikoru, the General Secretary of Uganda Athletics, hailed the athletes for inspiring the next generation. “This performance is testimony to the hard work, discipline, and commitment of our runners. A national record at the London Marathon is not a small achievement,” Ayikoru said. She added that the federation remains committed to supporting elite runners and nurturing young talent. “When our athletes excel on global stages like London, it motivates many young Ugandans to believe they too can succeed in athletics,” she said.