Fresh off his world-record-breaking half marathon performance, Jacob Kiplimo is setting his sights on another historic feat—this time at the 2025 London Marathon.
The Ugandan long-distance sensation has officially begun his training in Kapchorwa, preparing for his highly anticipated debut over the 42.2km distance on April 27.
Kiplimo, speaking at a welcome home press conference organized by the Uganda Athletics Federation, made his ambitions clear.
“I have already started my marathon training in Kapchorwa, and I am fully focused on making history. Uganda deserves another marathon champion, and I am ready to deliver,” he declared.
His aspirations come as Uganda builds one of its strongest marathon contingents yet, with fellow long-distance star Joshua Cheptegei also preparing for his transition to the event. With both Kiplimo and Cheptegei in the mix, Uganda is eyeing a new era of dominance on the global marathon stage.
Kiplimo’s confidence is backed by his recent record-breaking run at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona, where he obliterated the half marathon world record, clocking an astonishing 56:42—nearly a minute faster than the previous mark set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha.
“It was not in my mind that I was going to win, but because of dedication and proper training, I was able to break the record,” Kiplimo reflected.
However, the London Marathon will present an entirely new challenge, with one of the most stacked elite fields in the event’s history.
Kiplimo will go head-to-head with four-time London champion Eliud Kipchoge, Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele, and Valencia Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao, among others.
The race will also feature world half marathon champion Sabastian Sawe, who stunned with a 2:02:05 marathon debut in Valencia, as well as Berlin Marathon champion Milkesa Mengesha.
Kipchoge, the second-fastest marathoner in history (2:01:09), will be making his first London appearance since 2020 and remains the man to beat.
Despite his lack of marathon experience, Kiplimo’s blistering half marathon speed and tactical brilliance make him a formidable contender.
If he successfully transitions to the full distance, he could shake up the marathon landscape in a way few debutants ever have.
With months of preparation ahead, Kiplimo is focused on fine-tuning his endurance and race strategy.
