What Ugandan athlete's half marathon world record, set in 2025, faced controversy and potential disqualification in February 2026?

Ugandan long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo found himself at the center of a significant athletic controversy in February 2026 when his astonishing half marathon world record, set the previous year, was denied ratification. Kiplimo had delivered an exceptional performance at the Barcelona Half Marathon in 2025, clocking a time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds. This monumental run shattered the previous world record by 48 seconds and marked the first time an athlete had broken the 57-minute barrier in the event.

However, World Athletics ruled that Kiplimo's achievement would not be officially recognized due to a violation of competition rules. The core issue stemmed from his proximity to the lead pace car during the race. Broadcast footage revealed that Kiplimo ran consistently just 10 to 15 meters behind the vehicle for much of the course. Under Article 6.3.1 of World Athletics' Technical Rules, athletes are prohibited from receiving pacing assistance from any source not competing in the race, or from technical devices other than wearables. The governing body determined that the pace car provided an illegal drafting advantage, reducing wind resistance for the Ugandan athlete.

The decision meant that the half marathon world record reverted to Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha, who had set a time of 57 minutes and 30 seconds in Valencia in 2024. While the ruling sparked debate within the running community regarding the interpretation of technical rules, Kiplimo quickly demonstrated his undeniable talent. In a remarkable turn of events, he went on to set a new, ratified half marathon world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon in March 2026.