Later this year, when the 10th edition of the iconic Copenhagen Half Marathon kicks off, it will be with one of the world’s biggest stars of the half marathon distance. World record holder, Jacob Kiplimo, has announced his arrival.

And he’s not just any half marathon runner.

Despite being only 23 years old, Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda has already established himself as one of the world’s leading long-distance runners, crowned with the world record for the half marathon of just 57 minutes and 31 seconds set in Lisbon in 2021. This year he is also showing excellent form, winning the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade back in March.

Kiplimo’s presence at this year’s event underlines that the flat route in Copenhagen is one of the fastest half marathon routes in the world. The race snakes through a capital city filled with spectators and massive entertainment, providing a backdrop of public celebration that attracts many foreign participants.

“We are proud that Jacob Kiplimo will be competing in Copenhagen. His participation is clear proof that Copenhagen Half Marathon is established as one of the most prestigious and fastest half marathons in the world and can attract both the absolute world elite and record numbers of participants from both Denmark and abroad,” says Dorte Vibjerg, CEO of the organizers, Sparta Atletik & Running.

The Copenhagen buzz

This year, the Copenhagen Half Marathon sold out in record time after only 39 days. This shows that the race’s popularity and attraction from both the elite and the general public is great. On September 15, participants and spectators can look forward to a day filled with excitement, speed and fantastic experiences, whether they are running or cheering on Jacob Kiplimo and the rest of the field through Copenhagen and Frederiksberg.

The rest of the elite field for men and women will follow later.

Facts about Jacob Kiplimo

• Kiplimo set the world record in Lisbon in 2021 in a time of 57:31
• Kiplimo was born in Uganda on November 14, 2000 (23 years old)
• Kiplimo won the World Cross World Championships in Belgrade, 10 kilometer this year on March 30
• Other merits include:
  • Bronze at the 2020 Olympic Games in the 10000m track and field
  • Winner of the 5000m and 10 kilometer at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
  • Ugandan record holder in the 3000m