Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a sensational performance at the NN Zevenheuvelenloop in Nijmegen, smashing his own 15km course record by 23 seconds with a time of 40:42. His achievement now ranks as the fastest standalone 15km time ever recorded, surpassing his previous record of 41:05 from last year’s race.

The Olympic and world medallist dominated from the outset, establishing an early lead by the 2km mark (5:26). Kiplimo passed through 5km in 13:44 and reached 10km in a blistering 27:15—34 seconds ahead of his record-setting pace from 2022. By the finish line, he was more than two minutes ahead of his nearest competitor, securing Uganda’s eighth consecutive men’s victory at this event.

Mike Foppen of the Netherlands finished second in 43:19, edging Britain’s Marc Scott, who took third in 43:21.

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Ethiopia’s Mizan Alem Excels in Women’s Race

Ethiopia’s Mizan Alem made a triumphant debut in road racing, winning the women’s title in 46:51. The 2021 world U20 5000m champion trailed Diane van Es of the Netherlands by nine seconds at the 2km mark but gradually closed the gap by 3.5km.

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Alem took control from there, reaching 5km in 15:54 and maintaining her lead through 10km in 31:27. She crossed the finish line a minute ahead of Van Es, clocking the third-fastest time in the race’s history, behind Letesenbet Gidey and Tirunesh Dibaba.

The NN Zevenheuvelenloop continues to be a showcase for world-class distance running, delivering record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments.

Results

Men
1 Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 40:42
2 Mike Foppen (NED) 43:19
3 Marc Scott (GBR) 43:21
4 Rui Aoki (JPN) 43:23
5 Matthew Kiplimo (KEN) 43:24

Women
1 Mizan Alem (ETH) 46:51
2 Diane van Es (NED) 47:51
3 Enyish Mengie (ETH) 49:21
4 Fionnuala McCormack (IRL) 49:22
5 Haruka Ogawa (JPN) 49:39