Reigning World Cross Country champion Jacob Kiplimo has been confirmed as the star attraction for the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, setting the stage for a blistering contest on March 8.

Kiplimo’s return to Lisbon is more than a race; it is a victory lap for an athlete who has systematically dismantled global distance running records and now seeks to reassert his dominance on the road. The Ugandan superstar, who holds the course record of 57:31, enters the race in imperious form, having recently secured a historic third consecutive World Cross Country title in Tallahassee.

A Resume of Dominance

Kiplimo’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. His 57:31 performance in Lisbon previously stood as a world record, a testament to his affinity for the fast, flat Portuguese course. Since then, he has expanded his range, claiming victory at the Chicago Marathon with a stunning time of 2:02:23 in late 2025.

His recent triumph in Tallahassee, where he crushed the field to win by an 18-second margin, signals that his speed and endurance are at their peak. "The key to my success is consistency," Kiplimo noted after his cross-country win, a philosophy he will undoubtedly bring to the streets of Lisbon.

• The Elite Field: While Kiplimo is the undisputed headliner, the race is expected to attract a deep field of East African talent, eager to challenge the king on his favorite course.
• Record Watch: With Kiplimo in this kind of form, spectators and pundits alike will be watching the clock. The conditions in Lisbon are notorious for producing fast times, and a sub-57-minute run is not out of the question.

The Road Ahead

For Kiplimo, the Lisbon Half Marathon serves as a critical checkpoint in his 2026 season. Balancing road racing with his cross-country duties, he is crafting a legacy that rivals the greats like Paul Tergat and Kenenisa Bekele.

As the gun goes off on March 8, all eyes will be on the Ugandan. In a sport often defined by narrow margins, Kiplimo has a habit of making the extraordinary look routine. Lisbon awaits its champion, and he looks ready to deliver another masterclass.