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.

Samsung Newsroom asked him to detail his data-driven training regime which embodies this year’s World Health Day slogan, “Together for health. Stand with science.”

With exclusive access to his Samsung Health metrics, we take an inside look into his gruelling training programme which has seen him cover over 100km in just one week. Discover how insights led him to adjust his training for optimal recovery and how even a “rest day” can include a 3km run.

Screenshots from Jacob Kiplimo’s Samsung Health app show his varied training routine, including light jogs and long-distance runs

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

There’s no secret. It’s just about discipline. You have to work hard, be extremely focused, and manage your energy — knowing when to rest and when to push harder. 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.

Q. 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 his personal assistant here. Even though he’s not with me, he can get real-time analysis and reports on my running form through the Running Analysis feature in Samsung Health. We track my heart rate and pay close attention to my pace for each kilometre. During the harder sessions, 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. I always try to improve my running economy, so these insights are incredibly helpful.

Q. 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, but athletes must not be obsessed with training. What many people don’t realise is that rest is equally as important as physical training. To compete at your best, you need to be able to maximise 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 3km instead of 40km. 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. Technology can help a lot with this.

Jacob Kiplimo’s Samsung Health data from March 13–19 reveals how he ramps up his training routine throughout the week  

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

The decision to run 3km instead of 40km that I just mentioned was a true story. After experiencing some lingering soreness during a recent 24km run, I decided to turn what was intended to be a 40km run into a light 3km jog to ensure I could recover and have the stamina to get through 40km 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.

Q. 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 Coach feature provides customised programmes 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. New runners are fortunate to have this fantastic technology which can guide them every step of the way. It’s also great for more experienced runners looking to take on a full marathon as it provides structured training programmes.

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

Science helps me throughout my training. 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.

Samsung Electronics Singapore unveiled The Easy Mode Club, which will allow 126 Singaporeans to try the new Galaxy S26 Ultra in a fuss-free programme over 26 days.

The Easy Mode Club provides those curious about Galaxy the opportunity to try out Samsung’s newest AI phone, packed with advanced hardware and intuitive AI features that help users get through life’s demands on easy mode. This includes enhanced camera and Galaxy AI features that help users confidently create without the need for technical skills, secured by established layers of protection for Galaxy devices, from dedicated security hardware to ecosystem defenses.

Participants of The Easy Mode Club will be issued the Galaxy S26 Ultra to try over 26 days, with opportunities to participate in community events hosted by Samsung’s local #TeamGalaxy members. Sessions will include:

• Productivity hacks with Galaxy AI and partnering AI tools
• Capturing the best photos with ease, thanks to advanced camera tools
• Gaming effortlessly with Galaxy

“The Easy Mode Club is our way of reducing the friction for consumers who have been curious about Galaxy,” said Lynn Chong, Head of Marketing of Samsung Electronics Singapore. “We’ve come across many who are interested to find out what’s new in the market, but are hesitant to make the switch due to habit or familiarity. The Easy Mode Club presents an easy way for them to try something new, and out of their comfort zone, which we hope will help them uncover what we can offer to bring everyday productivity and creativity to the next level, effortlessly.”

How to participate

Interested participants can apply via www.samsung.com/sg/offer/easy-mode-club/. Selected participants will be notified by 9 March 2026 if they are selected for the programme.

Post-26 days, participant can decide to keep the device at an exclusive price, or to return it – no questions asked^[1].

Participants will also be required to provide three testimonials over the course of 26 days, as well as an official product review for samsung.com/sg.

Learn more about The Easy Mode Club here: www.samsung.com/sg/offer/easy-mode-club/.

_{^[1] Terms and conditions apply. Device returned to Samsung must fulfil set criteria listed.}

The #PlayGalaxy Cup is a first-of-its-kind gaming tournament in collaboration with global gaming platform Twitch and game publisher Tencent’s battle royale video game PUBG Mobile to showcase the next-level gaming performance of the Galaxy S24 Series.

Members of #TeamGalaxy Connect — Samsung’s global community of influencers and content creators — went head-to-head at the event and experienced the full power of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Relive the excitement in San Jose and take a closer look at the action-packed competition below.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, in Collaboration With #TeamGalaxy Members, Opened a New Chapter in Mobile Gaming

The #PlayGalaxy Cup brought together the top 40 qualifying gamers from various regions around the world at this year’s Galaxy Unpacked. #TeamGalaxy influencers from 16 countries around the world formed ten teams of four to compete in the inaugural #PlayGalaxy Cup.

#TeamGalaxy gaming influencers and Twitch partner streamers^[1] from Australia, Brazil, Japan and the United Kingdom put the gaming power of the new Galaxy S24 series to the test.

Throughout the event, gamers and audience members were immersed in the action-packed video game. The tournament provided a unique opportunity for both experienced mobile and PC gamers to embrace the latest technology to enjoy mobile gaming in a new way.

Twitch Livestreaming Made the #PlayGalaxy Cup a Worldwide Event for Gaming Fans

Streamed live on Samsung Mobile’s official Twitch account, the event garnered 2.3 million views and a peak of over 70,000 active viewers.

Participants simultaneously livestreamed on their personal channels — allowing followers worldwide to engage, cheer and witness the impressive gaming experience of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Gamers, Influencers and Fans Enjoy the #PlayGalaxy Cup, Coming Soon to Gaming Conventions Worldwide

More than 300 fans onsite watched the matches via a large screen, experiencing the intense gameplay, heart-wrenching losses and triumphant finishes alongside the gamers.

In the breaks between rounds, attendees participated in various online and offline events — including the “Emote Dance Challenge,” where participants followed the moves of PUBG Mobile characters, as well as fan voting and an awards ceremony on Samsung Mobile’s Twitch channel.

The “SuperYongGOD9” team was crowned as the winner of the tournament, consisting of #TeamGalaxy members @rurusama9 and @supercatkei from Singapore, #TeamGalaxy member @arieffyong from Malaysia and Twitch streamer @GaGOD from the U.K.

Samsung will bring the #PlayGalaxy Cup to next Unpacked event later this year and share the power of the Galaxy S24 Ultra at other gaming conventions including Gamescom in August and TwitchCon in September.

^[1] @Berticuss from Australia, @Patriota from Brazil, @Oniyadayo from Japan and @GaGOD from the U.K.