Every year, on the third weekend of November, the Dutch city of Nijmegen becomes the epicenter of long-distance running with the Zevenheuvelenloop, the emblematic “Race of the Seven Hills”.

This event not only brings together the best runners in the world, but is also the stage where the best marks in history have been set in the 15 kilometers, a distance that challenges athletes and fans alike by being between the 10K and the half marathon.

In 2024, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo was responsible for writing a new page in the history of the event. With a time of 40:42, he beat the record of 41:05 shared by his compatriot Joshua Cheptegei since 2023 by almost half a minute. This record, which is technically considered the “best time ever” as it is not an official distance in the World Championships or Olympic Games, consolidates the Zevenheuvelenloop as the cradle of records in this event.

The two-time world cross-country champion now records a winning mark (40:42) which is the fastest time ever recorded in an individual 15km race, although Kiplimo clocked a partial 40:27 on the way to his then world-record half marathon time of 57:31 in Lisbon in 2021.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Mizan Alem made a fine debut on the road and took the title in 46:51.

The 2021 World U20 5,000m under-20 champion held back a bit in the early stages, allowing Dutchwoman Diane van Es to build a nine-second lead at 2km. But Alem gradually made up ground and caught the Dutch runner at around 3.5 km.

From there, Alem was uncatchable. She covered the 5 km in 15:54 and the 10 km in 31:27 before crossing the finish line in 46:51, winning by exactly one minute over Van Es.

Only Letesenbet Gidey (44:20) and Tirunesh Dibaba (46:29) posted faster times in this race.

Kiplimo’s performance: a model of consistency

With split times of 13:44 (5K), 27:15 (10K) and an explosive last stretch of 13:27, Kiplimo dominated the course with technique and strategy, essential characteristics in this type of distance. Although it is not the first time he has recorded a lower time in the 15K, this achievement reinforces his position as one of the great distance runners of all time.

Kiplimo, who won on the same course last year in 41:05, went out with intent. By the time the Ugandan reached 2km (5:26), he already had a clear lead over the rest. That lead continued to grow as the race progressed, with Kiplimo reaching 5km in 13:44.

The world and Olympic medalist went even faster over the next 5km, reaching the 10km in 27:15, 34 seconds ahead of his pace from last year and two minutes ahead of the chasing pack.

Kiplimo maintained his relentless pace in the later stages and crossed the finish line in 40:42. The men’s race in the eight most recent editions of the Zevenheuvelenloop has been won by Ugandans.

Dutchman Mike Foppen broke out of the chasing pack and took second place in 43:19, two seconds ahead of Britain’s Marc Scott.

Keys to run the 15K like Kiplimo

Kiplimo’s success highlights the importance of a good training plan, as well as good nutrition and hydration to face challenging distances like the 15K. The Zevenheuvelenloop and its record-breaking history remind us that every runner, whether professional or amateur, can reach new goals with dedication, strategy and passion for running.

Here are some key points for runners who want to improve their performance:

Work endurance and speed: Alternate long workouts with fast intervals.
Include hills: The Zevenheuvelenloop is known for its hills, and training on varied terrain can make a difference.
Pace control: Maintaining a steady pace is crucial to perform at your best and avoid burnout.
Mental preparation: Visualizing the race and overcoming difficult moments are essential skills.
Personalized plans: Design a program tailored to your personal level and goals.

Photo: World Athletics

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