Lisbon Half Marathon Sets Third World Record: Why Portugal Dominates Global Running

Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo has reclaimed the world record for the half-marathon, clocking 57 minutes and 20 seconds at the 35th edition of the Lisbon Half Marathon in Portugal today—a performance that solidifies the Portuguese capital's reputation as the world's premier stage for long-distance record breaking.

Why This Matters

• Third world record in Lisbon: The Portuguese capital has now hosted three official half-marathon world records, more than any other city worldwide since standardized records began in 2004.

• €150,000 prize: Kiplimo earned one of the largest single-race bonuses in road running for breaking the record on Portugal soil.

• Elite vs. mass race: While 30,000+ participants ran from the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge in Almada, elite athletes raced a separate, World Athletics-certified flat course starting from Cruz Quebrada.

• Portuguese performance: Samuel Barata was the top Portugal finisher at 12th place (1:00:36), while Mariana Machado placed 9th in the women's race (1:10:10) on her debut at the distance.

A Decade-Long Rivalry Settled on Portuguese Pavement

The 25-year-old Ugandan had held the world record before—57:31, set on this same Lisbon course in November 2021—only to see Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha shave a second off that mark (57:30) in Valencia in October 2024. Today's race, organized by the Maratona Clube de Portugal, settled the score decisively: Kiplimo improved on his old record by 11 seconds and Kejelcha's mark by 10.

Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir finished second in 58:08, with compatriot Gilbert Kiprotich third in 58:59. All three athletes ran under 59 minutes, underscoring the depth of the field assembled for Portugal's flagship road race.

The victory carries a deeper footnote. In February 2025, Kiplimo ran 56:42 at the Barcelona Half Marathon—a time that would have obliterated the world record by 48 seconds. But World Athletics refused to ratify the mark, citing Rule 6.3.1: Kiplimo had run 10 to 20 meters behind the pace vehicle for a significant portion of the race, benefiting from slipstream and illegal pacing assistance. The controversy left the record book unsettled until today.

Why Lisbon Has Become the Gold Standard for Half-Marathon Records

The Lisbon Half Marathon has carved out a unique niche in global athletics. Since 2010, when the elite race was moved from the downhill course on the Ponte 25 de Abril to a sea-level, completely flat route along the north bank of the Tejo River, the race has met all World Athletics Gold Label Road Race criteria. The total elevation gain is now just 30 to 40 meters across 21.0975 km—ideal for fast times.

But course design alone doesn't explain Lisbon's dominance. The Maratona Clube de Portugal has progressively increased prize money for world records: from €50,000 in 2008 to €150,000 in 2026. This financial incentive, combined with Portugal's mild March weather and the prestige of racing in a European capital with a passionate running culture, has drawn the sport's biggest names year after year.

Before Kiplimo's two records, Eritrea's Zersenay Tadese set the benchmark here in March 2010 with 58:23—then the first officially ratified half-marathon world record. Legends including Haile Gebrselassie and Mo Farah have also raced this course, cementing its place in athletics history.

The Curious Case of Portugal's Unratified Records

Lisbon's relationship with half-marathon records is more complex than today's headlines suggest. Portuguese runner António Pinto was the first man to break 1:00:00 for the distance on this course, running 59:43 in March 1998. Kenya's Paul Tergat later improved that to 59:06 in March 2000, also in Lisbon.

Neither mark was ever internationally recognized. The reason: the original course—starting on the Ponte 25 de Abril and descending 69 meters to the finish at Praça do Império—exceeded the one meter per kilometer downhill limit set by global governing bodies. The regulations disqualify "downhill races" to ensure fair comparison across venues.

When World Athletics (then IAAF) began officially recognizing half-marathon records in 2004, those Portuguese marks were relegated to footnote status. The mass-participation race still begins on the bridge, preserving the scenic tradition, but elite athletes have run a separate, regulation-compliant course since 2008.

On the women's side, Kenya's Susan Chepkemei set a world record of 1:05:44 in Lisbon on April 1, 2001—later surpassed by Paula Radcliffe. The current women's world record belongs to Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey at 1:02:52, set in October 2021.

Impact on Expats & Portugal's Running Community

For the estimated 30,000 registered participants—including thousands of foreign residents and tourists who flock to Portugal each March—the Lisbon Half Marathon is a logistical marvel. The mass race starts dramatically on the Ponte 25 de Abril, offering sweeping views of the city and the Tejo estuary, before winding through Belém, past the Jerónimos Monastery, and finishing at Praça do Império.

Transportation disruptions are significant: Almada and central Lisbon experience road closures from early morning until midday. The Ponte 25 de Abril lower deck is entirely closed to vehicle traffic for several hours. Residents and visitors should expect delays on public transit, particularly on the Fertagus commuter rail line and bus routes crossing the river.

Yet the event's economic impact is substantial. Hotels in Lisbon and surrounding municipalities report near-full occupancy the weekend of the race, and local businesses in Belém and along the riverfront see a surge in activity. For Portugal's growing expat and digital nomad population, the race is also a social anchor—running clubs across the country use the Lisbon Half as a training goal and gathering point.

Women's Race: Gebreselama Defends Title, Machado Shines

Ethiopia's Tsigie Gebreselama, who set the course record last year with 1:04:21, returned to defend her title but finished slightly slower at 1:04:48. Kenya's Janeth Chepngetich (1:06:50) and Regina Wambui (1:07:10) rounded out the podium.

Mariana Machado was the top Portuguese woman, finishing 9th overall in 1:10:10 on her debut at the distance—a promising result that suggests depth in Portugal's domestic women's distance running scene, an area historically overshadowed by the men's program.

Looking Ahead: Can Lisbon Host Another Record in 2027?

With three official world records since 2010, the Lisbon Half Marathon has proven itself as more than a one-off venue. Its combination of a certified-flat course, strategic scheduling in mild spring weather, and substantial financial backing gives it an edge over rivals in Valencia, Berlin, and Copenhagen.

Kiplimo's performance today—achieved without pacemaker controversy—validates the Portuguese capital's claim as the fastest half-marathon course on the planet. For runners living in Portugal, that distinction brings pride. For the global athletics community, it means Lisbon will remain a March fixture on the calendar for years to come.

Historical World Records Set in Portugal (Half-Marathon)

Men:

• António Pinto (Portugal) – 59:43 – March 15, 1998, Lisbon (not ratified)

• Paul Tergat (Kenya) – 59:06 – March 26, 2000, Lisbon (not ratified)

• Zersenay Tadese (Eritrea) – 58:23 – March 21, 2010, Lisbon (ratified)

• Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – 57:31 – November 21, 2021, Lisbon (ratified)

• Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – 57:20 – March 8, 2026, Lisbon (ratified)

Women:

• Daniele Justin (Belgium) – 1:17:48 – November 12, 1978, Nazaré (not ratified by World Athletics)

• Susan Chepkemei (Kenya) – 1:05:44 – April 1, 2001, Lisbon (ratified, later broken)