Jacob Kiplimo over the moon after impressive marathon debut in London
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 29.04.25. | 15:44
He claimed silver at the 2025 London Marathon on Sunday, 27 April in a time of 2:03:37
Double Commonwealth Games gold medalist Jacob Kiplimo’s marathon debut was nothing short of extraordinary.
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Just months after smashing the half-marathon world record in Barcelona, the 24-year-old Ugandan stunned the distance-running world again, this time over twice the length.
He claimed silver at the 2025 London Marathon on Sunday, 27 April in a time of 2:03:37.
With that time, Kiplimo not only earned a podium finish but also rewrote Uganda’s national record, slicing more than a minute off the previous mark (2:04:38) held by Stephen Kissa since 2022.
The Bukwo-born star executed a tactical masterclass.
For much of the race, he ran conservatively, watching as seasoned marathoners, including Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, and eventual winner Sabastian Sawe jostled for early dominance.
At the halfway point, Kiplimo was still behind the leading pack, crossing 21 km in 1:01:31 in eighth place.
But as others faded in the punishing final stretch, Kiplimo surged.
He powered past Kipchoge, Tola, and Benson Kipruto, finding himself in a showdown with Sawe and Timothy Kiplagat Munyao.
Though Sawe eventually pulled away for the win, Kiplimo outlasted Munyao to secure second place.
“To many, it was unthinkable. To me, it was the perfect race. I finished my first race on the distance with a second place in a marathon major… I’m happy for that, for the race and for the preparation I did,” Kiplimo wrote on his social media handles.
The youngster was further elated that he had rightfully earned his marathoner title.
“Till you run 42.195 km, you can’t say you’re a marathoner. I did it, so now I can use this word talking about me,” he wrote.
Kiplimo also took time to thank his team and longtime sponsor, who have supported him since the age of 16.
“Thanks to my whole team, management, coaches, teammates, physios, and of course Nike that is always beside me… Thanks, London Marathon, you have been a lovely first time,” he concluded.
