Jacob Kiplimo running towards greatness

In winning the Chicago Marathon in a time of two hours, two minutes and twenty-three seconds, (2:02:23) on Sunday, October 12, Ugandan long distance runner Jacob Kiplimo recorded his eighth gold medal in a career that started back in 2016, when he was just 15 years of age.

Against that, Kiplimo, who will be celebrating 25 years next month is not only showcasing what an illustrious career he is enjoying. But he is surely pushing the boundaries for a platform among the greatest of all time (GOAT).

It is a title that has over the years been attained by his close friend, Joshua Cheptegei, following his success at the Olympics and World Athletics Championships. Yet, with Kiplimo’s exploits in recent years, he appears to be inching closer to being regarded in the same breath as his colleague.

Athletics coach, Benjamin Njia, who has handled both Cheptegei and Kiplimo is quite upbeat, and does not see any problem with the two athletes sharing the same space. But more critically, he is delighted to see the major strides Kiplimo is making.

“He is a top runner, something he proved by winning one of the seven major marathons,” Njia said.

Njia hastily added that it was the kind of news that was well received by the people in Kapchorwa, and more importantly, the young athletes.

“It is inspiring to see how well Kiplimo is performing. More youthful runners will be tickled into action in order to replicate what Kiplimo has done,” Njia said.

The fact that Kiplimo is the fastest ever Ugandan marathoner (seventh in the world), a record he first set in his maiden marathon in London, earlier in April, where he finished second, is proof of his rising powers. Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum set the fastest time 2:00:35 in a marathon back in 2023 in Chicago.

Kiptum’s world record is the kind Kiplimo will be targeting going forward, although the competition therein is quite stiff. Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele won the Tokyo marathon in March in a time of 2:03:23.

In April, Kenya’s John Korir won the Boston marathon in 2:04:45. In the same month, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe won the London marathon in 2:02:27, with Kiplimo coming second. The same Sawe, won the Berlin marathon in September, recording a time of 2:02:16, an eleven seconds improvement from his previous marathon.

In August, Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros won the Sydney marathon in 2:06:06. Kiplimo is certainly in good, but tough company.

According to Njia, Kiplimo is likely to concentrate on the marathon, even though he has also been competitive in both the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres races. Njia noted that Kiplimo feels more suited for the marathon because of his lasting power, consistent speed, and running technique. Meanwhile, this weekend, Cheptegei will be competing in the Amsterdam marathon.