New half marathon world record

He improved his own previous world record of 57:31 run in Lisbon in 2021, and takes back the title from Yomif Kejelcha (ETH), who ran 57:30 in Valencia in October 2024.

For her part, Joyciline Jepkosgei lowered the women’s course record, 01:04:11, setting a new one 18 seconds faster.

Barcelona enjoyed the best running and festive atmosphere on Sunday with the most crowded half marathon in Spain and the second largest in Europe, the 35th eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks.

From Thursday until Sunday evening, athletes, companions and the citizens of Barcelona enjoyed a true sporting festival in the Catalan capital. On Thursday 13 February, Friday 14 February and Saturday 15 February  there was a great atmosphere at the Expo Sports (Runner’s Fair), which has seen almost 60,000 visitors this 2025.

More than 38,000 runners, with  the highest participation rate in the history  of the race for the second consecutive year, took the  start on Passeig de Picasso  at 08:30, with a temperature of 11ºC and 85% humidity on a day of clouds and clear skies and no wind, perfect for running.

The race, organised by  Barcelona City Council and RPM Sports, also had a  record number of runners with more than 12,000 women, 40% of the total participants  and also 40% of  international runners, from up to 95 different nationalities. Likewise, the city of Barcelona has been involved in this event, cheering on the participants at up to 22 animation points (Hot Spots) along the more than 21 kilometres of the circuit and enjoying a spectacular start, which was enlivened by the  Piratas RumbVersions group .

Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo started out as the favourite and showed why. He led the race alone, leaving his pacesetter and rivals behind before the 5km mark (13:34), with a 15-second lead. He passed 10th in 26:46, almost a minute faster than the elite men’s pack, led by Kenyan and second-placed  Geoffrey Kamworor, who in the 10K did 27:40 alongside the third man, also Kenyan Samwel Mailu. Already at the 15km mark, Kiplimo was almost two minutes (01:58) faster than his pursuers to cross the finish line in 56:42, establishing a new world record, lowering the current record by 48 seconds. Kenyan Kamworor finished second, finishing in 58:44 and his compatriot Mailu completed the men’s podium (59:40).

Jacob Kiplimo said: “I didn’t expect to set a new world record, but it was the perfect race. I rode alone for the whole race and I felt really good.”

Second placed Geoffrey Kamworor said: “It was an amazing day, with my teammate Jacob breaking the world record. I am very happy with my second place.”

Samwel Mailu said: “I wanted to be on the podium and I did it. I prepared myself to achieve it. It is my fastest time this year and it suits me perfectly because in March I want to return to Barcelona for the Zurich Marató Barcelona.”