Ugandan distance runner Jacob Kiplimo made an electrifying marathon debut on Sunday, storming to a second-place finish at the 2025 London Marathon with a time of 2:03:37 — setting a new national record and a personal best.
Already celebrated for his exploits over the half marathon, the 23-year-old from Uganda’s Sebei region proved he could go the full distance, running with poise, patience and grit across the streets of London.
In a race stacked with some of the world’s top athletes, Kiplimo only bowed to Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who claimed victory in 2:02:27. Another Kenyan, Alex Mutiso, completed the podium, finishing third in 2:04:20.
Uganda’s athletics federation hailed Kiplimo’s performance, calling it a “phenomenal marathon debut” and a proud moment for Ugandan sport.
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The women’s race also delivered drama, as Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa smashed the women-only world record with a dominant win in 2:15:50 — a performance that left Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:18:43) and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands (2:18:59) trailing behind.
But for Uganda, all eyes were firmly on Kiplimo. His powerful run not only confirmed his place among the world’s elite but also opened a thrilling new chapter in his career — and for Ugandan distance running.
