Why World Athletics annulled Jacob Kiplimo’s Half-Marathon world record
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 05.02.26. | 15:45
Despite the controversy, fans of distance running can still look forward to a compelling rivalry
World Athletics has declined to ratify the men’s half-marathon world record set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo at last year’s Barcelona Half Marathon, citing a breach of competition rules.
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Kiplimo had stormed to victory in a stunning time of 56:42, slicing 48 seconds off the previous world record and becoming the first athlete in history to break the 57-minute barrier over the distance. However, despite the historic performance, the mark will not stand.
According to Runner’s World Spain, the run failed to comply with World Athletics Technical Rule 6.3.1, which prohibits athletes from receiving pacing assistance from anyone not competing in the same race, or from any technical device other than a wearable.
Broadcast footage from the race showed Kiplimo running much of the course approximately 10 to 15 meters behind the lead pace car.
World Athletics ruled that the proximity amounted to illegal assistance, even though the regulations do not explicitly define a minimum allowable distance between athletes and pace vehicles.
This lack of a clearly defined distance has been described as a loophole that may have been exploited by race organisers in Barcelona and Kiplimo’s camp.
Nonetheless, World Athletics concluded that the advantage gained from the pace car’s positioning violated the spirit and intent of the rules.
Further reports, including those cited by Canadian Running Magazine, also allege that Kiplimo may have breached another regulation by receiving coaching advice during the race, which is strictly prohibited under World Athletics competition rules.
As a result of the decision, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha will continue to be recognised as the men’s half-marathon world record holder. Kejelcha set the current official record of 57:30 at the 2024 Valencia Half Marathon.
Despite the controversy, fans of distance running can still look forward to a compelling rivalry.
Both Kiplimo and Kejelcha are scheduled to face off at the 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between two of the world’s finest road runners.
