Ethiopia's Kejelcha breaks half marathon world record

Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha broke the men's half marathon world record on Sunday, finishing in 57 minutes and 30 seconds at the Medio Maraton de Valencia in Spain to shave one second off the previous mark.

That was set by Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon in 2021.

The 27-year-old Kejelcha, running only his sixth half marathon, settled in behind the pacemakers from the start before making his move around the three-kilometre mark.

Kejelcha, who holds the world indoor mile record, broke away from Kenyans Daniel Mateiko and Isaiah Kipkoech to win the race in record time. Kenyans Daniel Mateiko (58:17) and Isaia Kipkoech (58:21) finished second and third respectively. 

Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich stormed to victory in the women's race with the second fastest time, narrowly missing the world record.  The current world record of 1:02:52 is held by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey.

Jebet, who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, ran alongside two pacemakers, before crossing the line in 1:03:04 ahead of Ethiopia’s Fotyan Tesfay, who clocked 1:03:27 while another Kenyan Lilian Kasait, who was also debuting in the distance, finished third in 1:03:32.

Sheila Chelangat (1:06:08), Jesca Chelangat (1:06:13) and Viola Chepngeno (1:06:55) were sixth, seventh and eighth respectively.

In an interview with Nation Sport, Jebet said  the result is a good step in her career and gives her motivation to continue working hard.

“This was my debut in the distance and I wanted to do well by winning before thinking about the record. The weather conditions were not favourable today but I had to accept it and give my best…. the record was at the back of my mind,” said Jebet.

She is using the races as part of buildup for the new season and wants to represent Kenya at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan in September next year.

On January 14 this year, Jebet broke the world record in 10km in Valencia becoming the first woman to run sub 29 after she clocked 28:46.

Meanwhile, Kenyans registered mixed results at the Frankfurt Marathon in Germany after Benard Biwott bagged victory clocking 2:05:54 ahead of Ethiopians Gossa Ambelu Challa (2:07:35) and Lencho Tesfaye Anbesa (2:08:02) who were in second and third positions respectively.

In the women’s category, Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai came in second after timing 2:18:58 in a race won by Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa Gejia who clocked a course record of 2:17:25 with another Ethiopian Shuko Genemo Wote timing 2:22:37.

Catherine Cherotich (2:22:42), Agnes Keino (2:22:53), Linet Masai 2:23:52), Judith Kiyeng (2:24:41) and Betty Chepkwony (2:25:13) were in fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth and ninth positions respectively.