KAMPALA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni has applauded Jacob Kiplimo for breaking the world half marathon record.

Kiplimo smashed the world half marathon record with a blistering time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds in eDreams Mitja Marato Barcelona by Brooks on Sunday, shaving 48 seconds off the previous record.

"Hearty congratulations to Jacob Kiplimo, who broke the world half marathon record in Barcelona with a time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds," wrote the Uganda president on Sunday in his post on the social media platform X.

The 24-year-old, two-time cross-country world champion also used the race to prepare ahead of his debut in the 2025 London Marathon.

Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) told Xinhua on Monday that they expected a good performance from Kiplimo.

"We are very happy that Kiplimo has broken the World Half Marathon record. He has been working really hard, and it is no surprise that he performed well," added Otuchet.

World 10,000m champion and Olympic gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei also congratulated Kiplimo for the achievement. "Bravo Jacob. What a great moment to be alive in this era," said Cheptegei.

Speaking to Xinhua, Kiplimo who bagged a 10,000m bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 said that he was determined to perform well. "It was a fine race, and the temperature was ideal and with no wind," he added.

Kiplimo said although he is very excited about the win, he will go back to the drawing board as he prepares ahead of the London Marathon. Enditem

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