By Citius Mag Staff
October 27, 2024
Yomif Kejelcha sets a new world record in the men’s half marathon at the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, clocking 57:30. The 27-year-old Ethiopian surpasses the previous record of 57:31 set by Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon in 2021.
Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich won the women’s half marathon in 1:03:03, which is the second-fastest in history and the fastest of the year.
Here’s what you need to know:
– Key splits: Kejelcha passed 5K in 13:38, 10K in 27:12, 15K in 40:56 and 20K in 54:32. Kejelcha took control of the race early, maintaining an average pace of 4:23/mile and distancing himself from the pack after 15K.
– Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko finished second in 58:17. Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi was third in 58:21.
– Nine men broke 60 minutes in the race. Morgan Pearson, a U.S. Olympian in the triathlon, was the top American in 1:01:08 – 12 seconds ahead of Hillary Bor.
– Ngetich, who was making her debut at the distance, led through 10km in 29:18 but slowed slightly in the second half.
– The women's half marathon world record is 1:02:52 set by Ethiopia's Letsenbet Gidey at the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon.
– Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay (1:03:21) and Lilian Kasait (1:03:32) rounded out the podium and moved to No. 3 and No. 4 on the all-time women’s half marathon list.
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Citius Mag Staff