KAMPALA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Ugandans celebrated top distance runner Jacob Kiplimo's success in breaking the men's half-marathon world record on Sunday.

Kiplimo set the new mark at the Lisbon Half Marathon in Portugal, clocking 57:20 in the World Athletics Elite Label road race.

The previous record was held by Yomif Kejelcha, who set it in 2024. Kiplimo improved the mark by 10 seconds. The Ugandan had also held an earlier world record of 57:31, which he achieved in Lisbon in 2021.

Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir finished second in 58:08.

"I am very happy that after hard work and determination, I have managed to break yet another world record," Kiplimo told Xinhua by phone from Lisbon.

Dr. Patrick Ogwel, General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS), Uganda's sports governing body, praised Kiplimo for the outstanding performance. "We thank Kiplimo for doing well and carrying the national flag high," added Dr. Ogwel.

Athletics fan Maria Natasha Matovu was also full of praise. "He has shown the world that he is a class apart because he also holds the world record of the Cross Country," added Matovu.

"He is the best half-marathon athlete in the world currently, and we are happy he is doing well for himself and the country. He has disapproved of all the sceptics and Uganda Athletics is very proud of him," said Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otuchet.

Uganda's State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang also commended Kiplimo for his achievement. "As government, we are very proud of Kiplimo and we shall continue to support him and all other athletes so that they continue to perform well at the world stage," added Ogwang.

Kiplimo, a three-time world cross-country champion and Olympic medalist, will now turn his focus to the upcoming London Marathon scheduled for next month.