Jacob Kiplimo debuted impressively at the 2025 London Marathon, finishing second with a national record time of 2:03:37. His strong performance contrasted with Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, who set a women-only world record. Kiplimo’s future in marathon racing looks promising, marking a significant moment for Ugandan athletics.
In a stunning debut at the London Marathon 2025, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo made headlines by finishing second with a remarkable time of 2:03:37, setting a new national record and establishing a personal best. Known for his prowess in half-marathons, Kiplimo’s full marathon transition was marked by extraordinary endurance and strategy, impressive for a 23-year-old competitor.
Kiplimo ran in a highly competitive elite field, only narrowly missing first place to Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who clinched the title with a time of 2:02:27. The race also saw Alex Mutiso from Kenya securing third place, completing the marathon in 2:04:20. These results highlight the fierce competition present in this noted World Athletics Platinum Label event.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed great pride in Kiplimo’s achievement, calling it a “phenomenal marathon debut” that signifies a bright future for Ugandan athletics. His impressive time not only cements his status among the world’s distance running elite but also raises expectations for his upcoming endeavors.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa captivated fans by shattering the women-only world record, finishing in 2:15:50, marking her first title at the London Marathon. She outpaced Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands, who clocked times of 2:18:43 and 2:18:59, respectively.
Regardless of the excitement around Assefa, the day belonged notably to Kiplimo. His debut performance not only underscores his potential but also serves as a promising indication of what lies ahead in the marathon landscape.
Jacob Kiplimo’s remarkable marathon debut has certainly put Uganda on the marathon map, setting a national record and securing second place in a fiercely competitive field. His performance is regarded as pivotal for the future of Ugandan athletics. Meanwhile, Ethiopian star Tigist Assefa made a historic impression by breaking the women-only world record, claiming her place in London Marathon history. Together, these athletes exemplify the high level of competition present in today’s long-distance running scene.
Original Source: softpower.ug
