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Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a historic performance, setting a new national marathon record while finishing third at the London Marathon on Sunday in the United Kingdom.
25-year-old Kiplimo clocked 2:00:28 to become the fastest Ugandan over the 42-kilometre distance, underlining his rapid rise in marathon racing. His performance secured Uganda a podium finish at one of the world’s most prestigious road races and confirmed his transition from track and half-marathon competition to the full marathon.
The men’s race was won by Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who stormed to victory in a world-leading time of 1:59:30, breaking Kelvin Kiptum’s WR of 2:00:35 set in 2023. Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished second in 1:59:41, as the pair produced one of the fastest marathon contests in history.
OMG.🇰🇪 Sabastian Sawe becomes the first man ever to break 2 hours in a marathon (legal conditions) in 1:59:30 at the London Marathon!Yomif Kejelcha 🇪🇹 runs 1:59:41 in his DEBUT. Jacob Kiplimo 🇺🇬 takes third in 2:00:28All under the previous WR. pic.twitter.com/gckgmac5Hd— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) April 26, 2026
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 described the result as 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,” he said.
He added that the performance had boosted his confidence for future races.
“I believe with better preparation 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 in 2:06:39. Cheptegei, who is also building his marathon career after excelling on the track, 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, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa won in 2:15:41, edging Kenyan athlete Joyciline Jepkosgei, who clocked 2:18:44. Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands completed the podium finishes at 2:19:00.
Beatrice Ayikoru, 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,” she 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.
Related
, https://observer.ug/sports/kiplimo-sets-national-record-finishes-3rd-at-london-marathon/
