Jacob Kiplimo debuted in the London Marathon finishing second with a national record of 2:03:37. He was outpaced by Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who won at 2:02:27. Ethiopian Tigist Assefa broke the women-only world record with her time of 2:15:50, winning the women’s title.
Jacob Kiplimo made a remarkable mark in his marathon debut at the 2025 London Marathon, finishing second with an impressive time of 2:03:37. This time not only set a new Ugandan national record but was also a personal best for the 23-year-old athlete from the Sebei sub-region. Kiplimo, known for his half-marathon prowess, displayed exceptional endurance and tactical skill throughout the 42-kilometer race.
In a highly competitive elite field, Kiplimo’s performance was commendable, though he was ultimately surpassed by Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who clinched the men’s title with an outstanding time of 2:02:27. The podium was rounded out by another Kenyan, Alex Mutiso, who finished third in 2:04:20. The landscape of the race was indeed intense, showcasing the best of long-distance running.
The Uganda Athletics Federation has celebrated Kiplimo’s achievement as a “phenomenal marathon debut,” emphasizing its importance for the future of Ugandan athletics. Kiplimo’s impressive result surely cements his status as a strong contender among the world’s elite distance runners.
Switching gears, the women’s race featured Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, who made headlines by breaking the women-only world record with a time of 2:15:50 in her first London Marathon appearance. Her impressive feat allowed her to outpace Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:18:43) and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands (2:18:59), putting her firmly in the spotlight.
On Sunday, however, the biggest focus for Ugandan fans was undoubtedly Kiplimo. His new national record of 2:03:37 suggests an electrifying future for him in marathon racing, further asserting Uganda’s growing reputation on the long-distance scene.
In summary, Jacob Kiplimo’s stellar debut at the London Marathon not only set a new national record for Uganda but also showcased his potential as a future star in long-distance running. Alongside a memorable women’s race where Tigist Assefa broke records, Kiplimo’s performance signals exciting times ahead for Ugandan athletics.
Original Source: softpower.ug
