How Jacob Kiplimo's Galaxy Watch Transformed Data into World-Record Performance

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Jacob Kiplimo's incredible success stems from a combination of his natural talent, rigorous practice, and smart technology like Galaxy Watch. This young Ugandan athlete was the dominant winner of the 2025 Chicago Marathon and shattered the world half-marathon record in March at the Lisbon event. Now he's setting his sights on conquering the London Marathon 2026.

As World Health Day 2026 approaches on April 7th, we asked Jacob to share in detail the data-driven training program he's been following, mirroring this year's WHD slogan: 'Together for health. Stand with science.'

Thanks to exclusive access to his Samsung Health metrics, we saw firsthand how he put in a grueling regime of more than 100 km in just one week. Find out how valuable insights from his training helped him optimize recovery, and even turn a perceived 'rest day' into a 3 km run.

A look at the screenshots from Jacob's Samsung Health app shows just how varied his training routine is, with everything from light jogging to long-distance running.

No secrets here. It's simply about discipline. You have to put in the hard work, stay fully focused, manage your energy, know when to take it easy and when to push through. The bottom line: if you truly want something, you have to be willing to put in the effort. I wouldn't have broken world records without these principles.

My coach isn't in Uganda, so basically Galaxy Watch8 has become his personal assistant here. Even though he's not physically with me, he's still able to receive real-time analysis and reports on my running technique through Samsung Health's Running Analysis feature. We track my heart rate and carefully monitor my pace for each kilometer. During more intense sessions, I also check data about asymmetry to see if I'm overloading any one side, thus preventing potential injuries. Contact time is another aspect that I pay close attention to, making tiny adjustments to my technique to minimize wasted effort. I'm always striving to improve my running efficiency, and insights like these really help me achieve that.

Consistency is key, but athletes shouldn't become too fixated on training. Many people don't realize that rest is just as important as physical exercise. To reach maximum performance, you need to optimize your energy levels, and the only way to do that is through consistent rest. However, “rest day' doesn't necessarily mean no training at all. Even a 'rest' day could mean going for a 3 km run, not 40 km. You need to be consistent in what you do, but also learn to listen to your body and know when to slow down. Technology such as Samsung Health can be very helpful in this regard.

Jacob Kiplimo has been using his Samsung Health data from March 13th-19th to gradually increase the intensity of his training routine during the week.

The decision to opt for a 3 km run instead of a 40 km run, which I mentioned earlier, is a true story. After feeling a lingering ache after running 24 km recently, I decided to swap my original plan for a gentle 3 km jog to give my body time to recover while still retaining enough energy for the 40 km the next day. Samsung Health was instrumental in helping me make this decision. The app provided me with all the information I needed to aid in optimal recovery while preventing potential injuries or overheating.

For beginners, it's essential to start gradually and be patient. Endurance will develop over time; the key is knowing when to push yourself and when to hold back. Not everyone has a personal coach to tailor their training plan. However, the Running Coach feature on Samsung Health offers personalized programs to help even inexperienced runners build up to marathons. This tool offers clear instructions on what to do when running, provides motivation, and helps improve performance. New runners are lucky to have cutting-edge technology like this guiding them every step of the way. The feature is also highly beneficial for more experienced runners aiming to conquer full marathons, as it provides a structured training plan.

Science has been by my side throughout my training. Without the ability to track data on my Galaxy Watch8, I wouldn't know where I'd be. I'm relying on the power of science to shape my daily routine. Science and technology have helped me reach peak performance, and I believe the same can apply to anyone.

Jacob Kiplimo is training for London Marathon using his Galaxy Watch8.

From a young athlete in Uganda to a record-breaking athlete, Jacob Kiplimo proves what happens when relentless dedication meets smart technology. Whether you're an elite athlete vying for the podium or just starting your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, Galaxy Watch8 offers valuable insights to help build healthy habits and reach your goals.