Jacob kiplimo battles Kenya’s finest in thrilling Copenhagen half marathon
Despite the short recovery time, Kiplimo held his own in a race that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final moments.
Uganda’s long-distance star, Jacob Kiplimo, proved his resilience and skill in the highly competitive Copenhagen Half Marathon, finishing second in a thrilling race that showcased his unwavering talent.
The reigning world record holder for the half marathon completed the race in an impressive 58 minutes and 6 seconds, just behind Kenya’s World Champion Sebastian Sawe, who crossed the line first with a time of 58 minutes flat.
Kiplimo’s return to competition, coming just weeks after his grueling performance at the Paris Olympics where he placed 6th in the 10,000 meters, was nothing short of spectacular.
Despite the short recovery time, Kiplimo held his own in a race that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final moments.
Sawe edged out Kiplimo in the final sprint, while another Kenyan, Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi, took third place with a personal best of 58 minutes and 10 seconds.
A Showdown of East African Dominance
The closing stages of the race were a masterclass in long-distance running, with Kiplimo and the two Kenyans battling stride for stride.
It was anyone’s race as the trio entered the final kilometers, but Sawe’s late burst of speed proved decisive, leaving Kiplimo in second place. Despite missing out on the top spot, Kiplimo’s performance reaffirmed his place among the world’s elite long-distance runners.
“It was a tough race,” Kiplimo said after the event. “I knew I had to dig deep, especially with the level of competition. The Paris Olympics took a lot out of me, but I’m happy with how I performed today.”
Eyes on the Future
Kiplimo’s coach, Peter Chelangat, was full of praise for his athlete’s effort, seeing the race as a valuable stepping stone for future competitions.
“This race was crucial in evaluating where we stand after the Olympics,” Chelangat noted. “We know exactly where we need to improve, and this result gives us great momentum going into the next race.”
For Kiplimo, the Copenhagen Half Marathon wasn’t just a race—it was a reminder to the world that even on the heels of Olympic disappointment, he remains a force to be reckoned with.
With more major races on the horizon, the Ugandan sensation is far from done, and his duel with Kenya’s finest only adds to the excitement building around his next outing.
Kiplimo’s performance has sparked lively conversations among fans and fellow athletes, with many praising his determination and ability to compete at the highest level despite facing stiff competition.
“Jacob never disappoints. He’s a true ambassador for Ugandan athletics,” said Grace Nansubuga, a local sports reporter. “Coming off the Olympics and still managing to go toe-to-toe with the world’s best is a huge achievement. We’re proud of him!”
On social media, fans from across East Africa weighed in, with many celebrating the close contest between Kiplimo and the Kenyan runners. “That race was like a final lap at the Olympics—everyone pushing to the limit!” wrote James Ouma, a sports fan.
“Kiplimo is a fighter, and we respect that. East Africa continues to dominate the long-distance scene because of talents like him and Sawe.”
Others saw the race as a learning opportunity for Kiplimo ahead of future competitions. “He may have come second, but this will only make him stronger,” commented David Kyomuhendo, a local fan in Uganda.
“Kiplimo’s determination to keep improving shows he’s not resting on past achievements. Watch out for him in the next big race—he’s only getting better!”
