Jacob Kiplimo Sets New National Record in London Marathon Debut

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)