London, United Kingdom — Uganda’s long-distance sensation Jacob Kiplimo delivered a breathtaking marathon debut at the London Marathon 2025, finishing second with a time of 2:03:37 — a new Ugandan national record and a personal best.
Kiplimo, already a star over the half-marathon distance, seamlessly transitioned to the full 42-kilometre event, showcasing endurance, strategy, and resilience.
Running in a highly competitive elite field, the 23-year-old from Uganda’s Sebei sub-region was only beaten by Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who took the men’s title in 2:02:27. The top three in London’s prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label race saw Alex Mutiso of Kenya finishing third with a time of 2:04:20.
The Uganda Athletics Federation praised Kiplimo’s performance, calling it a “phenomenal marathon debut” and highlighting the significance of his achievement for Ugandan athletics.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa stole the spotlight by smashing the women-only world record, clocking 2:15:50 to win her first London Marathon title.
She beat Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:18:43) and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands (2:18:59) in a historic performance.
But for Uganda, Sunday’s headlines belonged to Kiplimo. His 2:03:37 not only reaffirmed his position among the world’s elite distance runners but also hinted at an exciting future in marathon racing.
Men’s Elite Results:
1. Sabastian Sawe (KEN) – 2:02:27
2. Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) – 2:03:37
3. Alexander Mutiso (KEN) – 2:04:20
4. Abdi Nageeye (NED) – 2:04:20
5. Tamirat Tola (ETH) – 2:04:42
6. Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) – 2:05:25
7. Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) – 2:06:05
8. Amanal Petros (GER) – 2:06:30
9. Mahamed Mahamed (GBR) – 2:08:52
10. Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) – 2:09:01
11. Alex Yee (GBR) – 2:11:08 (Olympic triathlon champion)