On 8 March 2026, the Portuguese capital delivered a historic moment for world athletics. As part of the SuperHalfs series, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo stopped the clock at 57:20 to take ten seconds off the previous half marathon world record. His spectacular run at the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon stunned the running community and elevated Lisbon to a new status among the world’s fastest race destinations.
In this article, we explain how the race unfolded, who the key protagonists were, and what lessons you can apply to your own training.
Overview of the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon
The race was held on Sunday, 8 March, on one of Europe’s fastest and most scenic half marathon courses. Organisers kept the classic route: a start on the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge and a finish beside the Jerónimos Monastery. Between those points, runners swept along Avenida 24 de Julho, passed through Praça do Comércio and returned via Avenida da Índia, always following the Tagus River.
With almost no hills, cool Atlantic temperatures and a festive atmosphere, Lisbon once again provided ideal conditions for fast times and memorable performances.
In the men’s race, a tight lead pack formed early featuring Jacob Kiplimo, Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich. Kiplimo made his decisive move after kilometre 15 and no one could respond. He crossed the line in 57:20, slicing ten seconds off the previous world record. Kipkorir finished second in 58:08 with a personal best, while Kiprotich completed the podium in 58:59.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama defended her title in commanding fashion. She passed halfway on world-record pace before fading slightly in the closing stages. Even so, her 1:04:48 was enough to retain first place and register the second-fastest time in the history of the Lisbon course. Janeth Chepngetich followed in 1:06:50 and Regina Wambui in 1:07:10.
Jacob Kiplimo’s world record
To appreciate the scale of the achievement, it helps to remember that Yomif Kejelcha had held the world half marathon record at 57:30 since 2024. Kiplimo’s rise has been remarkable: he was already a world champion over the distance and an Olympic medallist on the track. In Lisbon, he combined endurance, efficiency and tactical courage to produce one of the great performances in road running history.
His 5 km splits were relentless, and he maintained a smooth stride even when facing headwinds along the Tagus. The record also underlines the continued progression of half marathon performances, driven by more specific training and advances in racing shoes.
For recreational runners, his race offers a simple but powerful lesson: strategy matters. Kiplimo ran with patience, conserved energy through the early phases and attacked decisively in the final third. That negative-split approach is valuable whether you are chasing a personal best or preparing for your first half marathon.
Why is the Lisbon course so fast?
- Elevated start: The race begins on the 25 de Abril Bridge, giving runners an initially fast section after the opening drop.
- Flat profile: Once off the bridge, the route follows the Tagus with very few undulations, making it easier to lock into a steady rhythm.
- Mild weather: March in Lisbon usually offers ideal racing temperatures for strong performances.
- Atmosphere and support: Spectators gather at key points like Praça do Comércio and the finish straight, providing a real lift when fatigue hits.
- Efficient logistics: Regular aid stations, pacers and a well-organised start help runners focus on their race.
Lessons for your next half marathon
Beyond the elite performances, the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon offers plenty of useful lessons for everyday runners:
- Structured training: Plan blocks with hard weeks and recovery weeks. Combine long runs, quality sessions and strength work. The SnapRace app can help you log sessions and adjust intensity.
- Simulate the course: If you are preparing for a flat race, practise sustained speed on long uninterrupted stretches.
- Practise negative splits: Start slightly below target pace and build into the race.
- Choose the right shoes: A race-day pair with a carbon plate or responsive foam can make a real difference if you are properly adapted to it.
- Prioritise recovery and nutrition: Sleep, recovery habits and smart fuelling are essential for a strong 21.1 km performance.
The women’s race and Tsigie Gebreselama’s rise
The women’s race once again highlighted the depth of African distance running. Tsigie Gebreselama raced boldly from the front and defended her title with authority. Her 1:04:48 keeps her among the world’s leading half marathoners and confirms that she remains one of the most exciting names in women’s road racing.
For amateur runners, her example is a reminder that ambition and consistency go hand in hand. Progress over the half marathon distance comes not only from talent, but also from disciplined preparation and the confidence to race with purpose.
Other half marathons that paved the way
Lisbon is part of the SuperHalfs circuit, a collection of some of Europe’s most attractive half marathons for runners seeking speed and a strong race-day experience. If you are interested in similar events, you can also explore our coverage of the Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 and Coruña 21 2026, two races that also delivered fast times and plenty of excitement.
Conclusion: a new frontier for runners
Jacob Kiplimo’s world record at the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon not only places him among the sport’s greats; it also sets a new frontier for runners everywhere. Watching an athlete cover 21.097 km at an average pace of around 2:43 per kilometre is a reminder of how far human performance can go.
Whether your goal is to break two hours or simply finish your first half marathon, the key is to enjoy the process, train with intent and use tools like SnapRace to monitor your progress. Lisbon has written a golden page in running history. Now it’s your turn to write your own.