Ethiopian athlete Yomif Kejelcha set a new world record at the Medio Maratón de Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, clocking 57:30 in the men’s race. This marked Kejelcha’s sixth attempt over the half-marathon distance, breaking the previous record by one second.
Kejelcha controlled the pace early on, accompanied by elite runners Selemon Barega and several Kenyans, and led the pack through the 5km and 10km checkpoints in a relentless push to beat the clock.
As the race neared its end, Kejelcha picked up his pace, breaking away from Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi to ultimately cross the line in a record-breaking 57:30. “Today, I set out for 57 minutes and made it,” Kejelcha said. “Despite the rain and some challenging turns, I kept my focus, and I’m thrilled with the result.”
In the women’s race, Agnes Ngetich of Kenya achieved the second-fastest time in half marathon history, finishing in 1:03:03. Pacing alongside Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye, Ngetich crossed the 10km mark at a blistering 29:18, just behind the world record pace.
Despite a slowing pace in the final kilometers, she finished well ahead of the competition and moved into second place on the all-time list for the women’s half marathon. “Valencia will always be special for me,” she said, reflecting on her historic race and setting her sights on future record attempts.
This year’s race in Valencia showcased the potential for record-breaking performances in challenging conditions and solidified its reputation as a premier stage for world-class athletic achievements.
RESULT
Men
1 Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 57:30
2 Daniel Mateiko (KEN) 58:17
3 Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi (KEN) 58:21
4 Gemechu Dida (ETH) 58:39
5 Vincent Langat (KEN) 58:41
6 Selemon Barega (ETH) 58:57
7 Birhanu Balew (BRN) 59:41
8 Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) 59:42
Women
1 Agnes Ngetich (KEN) 1:03:04
2 Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) 1:03:21
3 Lilian Kasait (KEN) 1:03:32
4 Ejgayehu Taye (ETH) 1:04:14
5 Tsigie Gebreselama (ETH) 1:05:18
6 Sheila Chelangat (KEN) 1:06:08
7 Jesca Chelangat (KEN) 1:06:13
8 Viola Chepngeno (KEN) 1:06:55
[…] Kejelcha set a new world record of 57:30 at the Valencia Half Marathon, beating Jacob Kiplimo’s record set at Lisbon last year. Agnes Ngetich nearly set the World […]