World Athletics refuses to Ratify Jacob Kiplimo’s world record

World Athletics will not ratified Jacob Kiplimo’s world record time of 56:42 to rule violations, reinstating the previous benchmark.

WA will now recognize the record of 57:30 set two years ago by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha

WA has decided not to ratify the faster time, as the ratification committee determined that Kiplimo’s staggering 56:42 performance, which shattered the previous record by 48 seconds, was achieved with assistance that violated regulations.

The primary infraction was drafting behind the lead vehicle, which was positioned just a few meters ahead of him, reducing air resistance and providing an unfair advantage.

Rule 6.3 of the World Athletics’ regulations, in effect since late 2020, addresses assistance to athletes. It prohibits “pacing by persons not participating in the same race, by lapped or about to be lapped athletes, or by any kind of technical device,” as well as the use of “any mechanical aid.”

World Athletics also found that Kiplimo violated other rules, including the one that forbids receiving coaching advice during the race. The decision means that while Kiplimo’s time will remain on the all-time performance list, as it is not erased like in doping cases, the official world record to be beaten will once again be Kejelcha’s.