[World Health Day 2026] How Jacob Kiplimo’s Galaxy Watch Turns Data Into World-Record Performance

When Jacob Kiplimo storms past the finish line, he's not just running on talent - he's running on data. The Ugandan long-distance star and Team Galaxy athlete trains with Galaxy Watch8, which turns complex biometric data into valuable insights that shape his winning strategy.

This powerful combination of technology and talent has already reaped rewards. After securing a dominant win at the 2025 Chicago Marathon and shattering the half-marathon world record this March in Lisbon, the 25-year-old is now targeting success at the 2026 London Marathon.

To mark World Health Day (WHD) 2026 on April 7, Samsung Newsroom asked him to detail his data-driven training regime which embodies this year's WHD slogan, "Together for health. Stand with science."

Jacob Kiplimo training for the London Marathon with his Galaxy Watch8

Congratulations on your recent world record at the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon. What's the secret to your success?

The secret is something that's within all of us. You have to work hard, be extremely regimented, and know when to rest. But honestly, the most important part is that you have to really want what you're working toward. I wouldn't have broken the world record if I didn't follow that formula.

You finished second at the 2025 London Marathon and are now preparing to go one step further at this year's event. What role has your Galaxy Watch8 played in your training?

My coach doesn't live in Uganda, so my Galaxy Watch8 has basically become my personal assistant. I use the Running Analysis feature in Samsung Health to get real-time analysis and reports on my running form. I track my heart rate and pay close attention to my pace for each kilometer. I also monitor the asymmetry readings to see if I'm overcompensating on one side so I can avoid strain. Contact time is another key aspect I keep an eye on, making small adjustments to my form to ensure every stride is as efficient as possible. These insights are incredibly helpful, especially in the final weeks leading up to a race.

Looking at your recent Samsung Health data, we can see some clear patterns in your training routine. Tell us about your regime.

Consistency is key. What many people don't realize is that rest is equally as important as physical training. To compete at your best, you need to be able to maximize your energy, and the only way to do that is through consistent rest. But 'rest' doesn't always mean no training. A rest day can mean running 7 km instead of 40 km. You have to be consistent in what you're doing, but you also need to listen to your body and know when to slow down.

Can you give us an example of how a specific insight from the Samsung Health app led you to adapt your training program?

The decision to run 7 km instead of 40 km that I just mentioned was a true story. After experiencing some lingering soreness during a recent 20 km run, I decided to turn what was intended to be a 40 km run into a light 7 km jog to ensure I could recover and have the stamina to get through 40 km another day. The Samsung Health app was very helpful for me here. It kept me informed so I could allow my body to fully recover and prevent a potential injury or burnout.

Recovery is just as important as training. How do you use your Galaxy Watch8 to help you recover?

Sleep is the most important part of recovery. I use the sleep tracking feature on my watch every night to monitor my sleep. I can see how much deep sleep and REM sleep I am getting, and it gives me a Sleep Score in the morning. If I have a bad night's sleep, I know I need to take it easier in training the next day. I also use the Bedtime Guidance¹ feature to ensure I'm going to sleep at the best time for me and wake up feeling refreshed. This data helps me make sure I am fully recovered and ready for my next run.

We've seen how a professional runner like yourself uses data to reach their goals. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their running journey, and how can the Running Coach feature get them on the right track?

For beginners, it is very important to ease into things and be patient. You will build up stamina over time; it's about knowing when to push yourself and when to stop. Not everyone has a personal coach with them to tailor a training plan. But the Running Coach² feature provides customized programs to help even beginners train for a marathon. It tells you exactly what you should be doing during a run, motivates you, and helps you improve. It's also great for more experienced runners looking to take on a full marathon as it provides structured training programs.

On World Health Day, the message is "Together for health, stand with science." How does this relate to your own philosophy?

Science informs every decision I make as an athlete. I don't know where I would be without the ability to track data on my Galaxy Watch8. I use that science to shape my daily routine. Science and technology help me to perform at my best, and I believe it can do the same for anyone.

From a young runner in Uganda to a world-record holder, Jacob Kiplimo proves what happens when relentless dedication meets smart technology. Whether you are an elite athlete striving for the podium or someone taking your first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, Galaxy Watch8 provides actionable insights to help you build healthier habits and reach your goals.