Yomif Kejelcha Sets New World Record at Valencia Half Marathon

Yomif Kejelcha the Ethiopian runner has set a new world record while winning the Valencia Half Marathon, completing the race in 57 minutes and 30 seconds despite wet conditions. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record held by Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, who had set a time of 57 minutes and 31 seconds in Lisbon three years ago.

Kejelcha, who also holds the indoor mile world record established in Boston in 2019 showcased his talent in only his sixth half marathon. From the start, the 27-year-old settled comfortably behind the pacemakers and made his decisive move around the three-kilometer mark. He eventually broke away from his closest competitors, Kenyans Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Kipkoech to secure victory.

Kejelcha’s outstanding performance highlights his status as a top-tier distance runner adding to his accolades as a two-time world indoor 3000m champion. However, his year has seen challenges as he finished sixth in the 10,000m final at the Paris Olympics earlier this year. In the women’s race, Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich claimed victory with a time of 63 minutes and 4 seconds elevating her to second place in the world all-time rankings for the half marathon.

Her performance adds to Kenya’s strong tradition in long-distance running, further emphasizing the country’s prominence in the sport. Yomif Kejelcha’s world record and Agnes Ngetich’s remarkable performance in Valencia reinforce the competitive nature of long-distance running and the potential for future records as athletes continue to push the limits of human endurance.