Ugandan long distance legend Jacob Kiplimo is set to make a highly anticipated return to the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, with the Maratona Clube de Portugal (MCP) confirming the Ugandan superstar as the headline act for this year’s race on March 8.
As the course record holder and former world record holder, Kiplimo’s presence elevates an event already regarded as one of the fastest and most prestigious half marathons on the global calendar.
Kiplimo’s connection with Lisbon is significant. In November 2021, he stormed to a remarkable 57:31 on the iconic Lisbon course, a performance that not only shattered the race record but also stood as the world record until December 2024.
That run cemented both his status as one of the greatest half marathoners in history and Lisbon’s reputation as a venue capable of producing extraordinary times.
Now widely considered the strongest long-distance runner in the world, Kiplimo returns in formidable form. Last year, he delivered a blistering 56:42 at the Barcelona Half Marathon, reaffirming his dominance over the 21.1km distance.
He then transitioned seamlessly to the marathon, debuting with an exceptional 2:03:37 at the TCS London Marathon. Far from a one-off success, he improved further in October, winning the Chicago Marathon in a stunning 2:02:23 — a performance that firmly established him among the sport’s leading marathoners.
His momentum has continued into 2026. Earlier this season, Kiplimo emphatically reclaimed the World Cross Country title, underlining both his strength and versatility across surfaces and distances. That victory sends a clear message: he arrives in Lisbon not merely as a former champion revisiting familiar roads, but as an athlete at the very peak of his powers.
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, organised by the Maratona Clube de Portugal, has long been a magnet for world-class performances. First held in 1991, the race quickly earned international acclaim thanks to its flat, fast course and electric atmosphere.
One of its defining features is the dramatic start on the 25 de Abril Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the Tagus River and usually closed to pedestrians. On race day, thousands of runners gather on the upper deck before sweeping down toward the historic streets of Lisbon in a unique and unforgettable setting.
The course itself is renowned for its speed. With long, flat stretches along the riverfront and minimal elevation change, Lisbon has produced multiple world-leading times over the years. It has previously hosted world records and remains a regular stop for athletes targeting personal bests or global marks. The combination of elite competition, favourable March weather conditions, and enthusiastic crowds creates an ideal environment for fast racing.
Beyond the elite field, the event draws tens of thousands of recreational runners from across the globe, transforming the Portuguese capital into a festival of distance running. The race is part of a broader weekend programme that includes shorter distance events, further enhancing its appeal to runners of all levels. Its international profile continues to grow, with extensive media coverage and strong participation from Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
For MCP, Kiplimo’s return is both symbolic and strategic. Having previously delivered a world record performance on Lisbon soil, he embodies the race’s identity as a stage for greatness. His presence also raises the prospect of another historic run. While the world record has since changed hands, the course remains as quick as ever, and Kiplimo has demonstrated that he is capable of producing times that challenge any global standard.
As March 8 approaches, anticipation is building. Will Kiplimo attack his own course record? Could Lisbon witness another landmark performance? Whatever unfolds, his return ensures that this year’s EDP Lisbon Half Marathon will once again sit at the centre of the international athletics spotlight — a fitting stage for one of the sport’s brightest stars.