Uganda’s long-distance runner, Jacob Kiplimo won the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
The 21-year old beat a strong field of runners to cross the line with a time of 57:56 minutes.
Kiplimo who started the race well and completed in style also set his personal best in the start of the 2022 season.
He defeated top athletes including Kenya’s 2018 Commonwealth bronze medalist Rodgers Kwemoi, Kenneth Kiprop and Ethiopia’s Tura Abdiwak among others.
Kwemoi finished second in a time of 58 minutes and 30 seconds while his compatriot Renju Kannur finished third in 58:36.
“ I felt very comfortable and strong during the race and I am happy to start the season with a win in a Half Marathon,” said the 2020 Half Marathon World Champion.
The 21-year old Kiplimo who won bronze over the 10,000m distance and finished 5th at the 5,000m race at the Tokyo Olympics said he is preparing ahead of the many races this year including the Commonwealth Games.
Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) said it was a good start to the season for Kiplimo.
“Most of our athletes have started well in 2022 and I believe with hard work our athletes will continue to perform well at the International,” added Otuchet.