Ugandan distance runner Jacob Kiplimo has etched his name in the history books by setting a new world record in the men’s half-marathon, becoming the first athlete ever to complete the race in under 57 minutes. Kiplimo, 24, clocked an astonishing time of 56 minutes and 41 seconds during a road race in Barcelona, surpassing the previous record of 57:30 set by Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha last year in Valencia, Spain.

Following his record-breaking run, Kiplimo expressed both surprise and gratitude. "I’m so grateful. I’m very excited about what I did today. I didn’t expect to break the record because I just came here... All I do is try to run a good race, but I am happy I have broken the world record," he said.

World Athletics said the 48-second jump was the greatest single improvement on the men’s world half marathon record in history, noting that the ideal race conditions—13 degrees Celsius and no wind—contributed to the historic performance.

Kiplimo’s latest triumph adds to an already impressive track record. The Ugandan won a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and secured gold in the men’s half-marathon at the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships in 2020.