World Records — Half Marathon Men

The Half Marathon Men world record stands at 56:51, set by Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) in 2026. Explore its full progression through athletics history.

Record progression

Mark over the years. The higher the curve, the better the record.

The world record is the best ratified mark. Better marks exist that do not count as records: run with too much wind, or never ratified.

World record

56:51

Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia)

August 23, 2026 · Buenos Aires

Best wind-legal mark

56:42

Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda)

Wind-legal but not ratified as a world record.

2026Yomif KejelchaCurrentPending ratification

—Aug 23, 2026Buenos AiresOngoing56:51-29.00s

—Mar 8, 2026Lisbon6 months57:20-10.00s

—Oct 27, 2024Valencia16 months57:30-1.00s

—Nov 21, 2021Lisbon2.9 years57:31-1.00s

—Dec 6, 2020Valencia12 months57:32-29.00s

—Sep 15, 2019Copenhagen15 months58:01-22.00s

—Mar 21, 2010Lisbon9.5 years58:23-10.00s

—Mar 17, 2007The Hague3 years58:33-22.00s

—Jan 15, 2006Tempe14 months58:55-21.00s

—Sep 11, 2005Rotterdam4 months59:16-1.00s

—Apr 4, 1998Milan7.4 years59:17—

FAQ

Who holds the Half Marathon Men world record?

Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) holds the Half Marathon Men world record with 56:51, set on August 23, 2026 in Buenos Aires.

Who held the Half Marathon Men world record before Yomif Kejelcha?

Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) held it with 57:20, from March 8, 2026 until August 23, 2026 (0 years).

How many times has the Half Marathon Men world record been improved?

Elite Trackr's progression lists 10 improvements since 1998, when Paul Tergat set 59:17.