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.

Across Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO), countries face various healthcare challenges, including the prevalence of chronic diseases, uneven healthcare access, rising cost of living, lack of healthcare professionals, and ageing populations.

At Samsung Electronics, we are committed to using technology to drive innovation and create meaningful solutions where they are needed the most. We understand that true progress requires fostering a culture of problem-solving where individuals, especially young innovators, are empowered to develop solutions that make a difference.

Samsung’s Corporate Citizenship initiatives such as the Solve for Tomorrow program is a powerful platform for aspiring innovators to focus their creativity and technological ingenuity on developing innovations that not only benefit their community, but also address societal issues, such as those in healthcare.

This World Health Day, we celebrate our young innovators who are building solutions that aim to address the most pressing healthcare challenges of today.

Young minds, breakthrough solutions

Gabriel refined Pill-Bot through experimentation and testing

Across the SEAO region, students from as young as 12 years old are devising solutions to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness. Gabriel Anthony, a 12-year-old from Whitby Collegiate in New Zealand was awarded first prize in the Year 7 to 10 category at the Solve for Tomorrow New Zealand 2024 competition with his invention, Pill-Bot, an artificial intelligence (AI) medication identifier designed for the visually impaired, inspired by his grandmother’s experience of taking the wrong medication. His innovative approach involves training an AI bot to recognise different types of pills and verbally announcing their names to enable patients, especially those with visual impairment, to identify their medication before consumption.

SilentGuide processes spoken words directed at an individual and transcribes them into subtitles

In Singapore, Team redbluegold made up of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) students Aiden Lim and Karan Gopu Pillai claimed victory in Singapore’s Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition with SilentGuide—a pair of smart glasses that transcribes spoken words into subtitles, helping people with hearing impairment participate more meaningfully in conversations. Inspired by a classmate with a hearing impairment who had struggled to maintain a two-way conversation in a noisy classroom, the team set out to create a solution that functions without an internet connection, and is comfortable to wear, user-friendly and affordable.

Cough Aid can be used anywhere and at any time, easing access to preliminary screening and boosting the chances of individuals receiving timely treatment

Meanwhile in Thailand, Team Kao Kee’s Cough Aid innovation emerged as one of the finalists in the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition in Thailand. This web application relies on AI technology to analyse cough sounds and preliminary diagnose respiratory diseases, potentially enabling pre-emptive treatment and better health outcomes. In a region where respiratory conditions remain prevalent, such early-warning systems could prove transformative.

Recognising these talented young minds as a glimpse into the future of industries such as healthcare, participants in the Solve for Tomorrow programme receive mentorship from industry experts, alongside access to innovative technology and resources to help transform their concepts into reality.

Transforming healthcare through technology

Everyday wellness at a glance with Samsung Health^[1]

At Samsung, we believe that technology has the power to enhance everyday life. Galaxy users can benefit from the Energy Score^[2] in the Samsung Heath app^[3], which provides holistic insights through multiple health indicators including sleep, heart health, and physical activity. When paired with the Galaxy Ring, users can enjoy comprehensive health tracking throughout the day and night, enhancing the accuracy and ease of sleep tracking.

The Galaxy Watch series offers more advanced capabilities suited for users interested in a broader spectrum of health insights—from Electrocardiogram (ECG)^[4] to Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)^[5]. Connect these to a Galaxy smartphone, such as the latest Galaxy S25 Series, allows users to receive actionable insights to improve their well-being.

Building a healthier future together

The intersection of youthful innovation and established technology can offer unexpected breakthroughs that address the healthcare challenges of today; solutions that improve accessibility, enhance prevention, and enable early intervention are becoming increasingly vital.

Samsung remains committed to advancing healthcare innovation through a dual approach that includes empowering young problem-solvers through programs like Solve for Tomorrow, while continuing to develop innovations that support users’ wellness goals.

This World Health Day, we celebrate not just the innovations of today, but the possibilities of these innovations—and the brilliant minds behind them—to create a healthier tomorrow for all.

^[1] Devices and screen images are simulated for illustrative purposes. UX/UI may vary depending on software version, model, region and other factors. Samsung Health tracking features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek medical advice from a medical professional.

^[2] To check the Energy score, the health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch4 series and later models, excluding Galaxy Fit3) or Samsung Galaxy Ring must be synchronised with the Samsung Health app. Needs at least the previous day’s activity data and sleep, and heart rate data during sleep. 

Energy score and Wellness tips are available on Android phones (Android 11 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.27 or above).

^[3] Requires Samsung Health app version 6.24 or later. Galaxy Watch7 must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 11.

^[4] The ECG feature is only available in select markets. The ECG app is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The ECG app is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than atrial fibrillation or users under 22 years old. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.

^[5] Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Do not measure your body composition if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices. Do not measure your body composition if you are pregnant. Measurement results may not be accurate if you are under 20 years old.