London is buzzing with anticipation as Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, the world half-marathon record holder, prepares to make his much-awaited full-marathon debut this Sunday at the prestigious London Marathon.
In a place where Stephen Kiprotich won his 2012 London Olympics Marathon, Kiplimo will look to replicate that on the London Marathon stage.
The 24-year-old stunned the athletics world earlier this year by running a jaw-dropping 56 minutes and 42 seconds over 13.1 miles in Barcelona, shattering the half-marathon world record by an astonishing 48 seconds.
Now, all eyes are on the young Ugandan to see if he can deliver another historic performance over the full 26.2-mile distance.
“I think it’s going to be the most fascinating debut ever,” said event director Hugh Brasher, fueling speculation that Kiplimo could one day even break the mythical two-hour barrier in an official race.
For now, the immediate focus is whether he can challenge Kelvin Kiptum’s marathon world record of 2:00.35.
Kiplimo’s journey from a humble upbringing in Kween, Uganda, training alongside his half-brothers at 1,500 meters above sea level to global fame has been nothing short of remarkable.
Spotted as a prodigy at just 15 years old, he made his Olympic debut in Rio in 2016, before going on to win world cross-country titles and Olympic and World Championship medals on the track. Yet, it is on the road where his true potential appears boundless.
Facing one of the strongest fields London has ever assembled, including marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, and defending champion Alexander Mutiso, Kiplimo knows Sunday will be his ultimate test.
The leading pack is expected to pass halfway in 61 minutes, setting the stage for a thrilling finish if conditions hold.
“I am ready to compete,” said Kiplimo, noting a significant jump in his weekly training mileage to prepare for the demands of the marathon.
Though cautious when asked about chasing a sub-two-hour marathon in the future, his ambition remains clear: “If this one goes well, maybe I will be the guy to make it.”
Despite inevitable whispers of suspicion given the sport’s doping history, Kiplimo was direct in asserting his integrity.
“Yes, of course,” he said when asked if fans could trust him. “We keep following the programme.”
