Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo has won the World Half Marathon title in a championship record 58:49.
The 19-year-old becomes the first Ugandan athlete to achieve the feat.
Kiplimo’s victory on Sunday added the gloss to an already stellar year for Uganda’s athletics, thanks in a huge part to Joshua Cheptegei, the world record holder of the 5,000 meters race.
Cheptegei also took part in the Half Marthon and finished fourth.
Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie clocked a time of 58:54 to walk away with the silver medal while Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegnwhile crossed the finish line in a time of 59:08 to win bronze.
Following Jacob’s win and Cheptegei’s performance, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni took to Twitter to thank the duo for representing their country as they did.
Congratulations to you Jacob Kiplimo on winning Gold for Uganda at the World Half Marathon championship. I also congratulate @joshuacheptege1 and the rest of the team; the Ugandan Flag has been raised so high. pic.twitter.com/RilVasDLmy
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) October 17, 2020
