Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha captures world half-marathon record in Valencia
On the women's side, Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich ran the second-fastest half-marathon in history, crossing the line in 63:04
Photo by:
Kevin Morris
It was an electrifying Sunday morning at the Maratón Valencia, with Ethiopian distance star Yomif Kejelcha capturing the men’s half-marathon world record, crossing the finish line in 57:30; and on the women’s side, Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich ran the second-fastest half-marathon in history, clocking 63:04.
World record alert at the @MedioMaratonVLC 🚨
Report 🔗 https://t.co/EjSpUgXrHn pic.twitter.com/F4AI1B9SYZ
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) October 27, 2024
Kejelcha’s record-breaking run
In his sixth half-marathon, Kejelcha pushed the limits to take one second off Jacob Kiplimo‘s previous record set in Lisbon in 2021. Despite light rain and cool conditions, he maintained an aggressive pace, leading a pack of top runners through the first 5K in 13:38. By the 10K mark, Kejelcha clocked 27:12, and although the pace dipped slightly afterward, he picked it up to charge to the finish line alone. His final time not only secured a world record but also marked an 11-second personal best.
Since winning the 3,000m title at the World U18 and U20 Championships a decade ago, Kejelcha has taken home two World Indoor titles and shown potential to extend his dominance to even longer distances. With this performance, the 27-year-old has become the first to hold both the world indoor mile (3:47.01, set in Boston in 2021) and half-marathon records.
Kenyan runners Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi took second and third in the men’s race, with Mateiko achieving a personal best of 58:17 and Lasoi clocking 58:21.
Top men
Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 57:30
Daniel Mateiko (KEN) 58:17
Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi (KEN) 58:21
Gemechu Dida (ETH) 58:39
Vincent Langat (KEN) 58:41
Selemon Barega (ETH) 58:57
Birhanu Balew (BRN) 59:41
Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) 59:42
10km world record holder Agnes Ngetich has won the Valencia Half Marathon on debut, crossing the line in 1:03:04 to assert herself as the second fastest in history.
Fotyten Tesfay closed hard to finish second in 1:03:21, nine seconds ahead of Ngetich’s countrywoman and fellow… pic.twitter.com/fqDIgK3AIa— Onus Athletics (@onusathletics) October 27, 2024
Ngetich’s half-marathon debut
Ngetich’s debut half-marathon was nothing short of historic. She set off fast and clocked 29:18 at the 10K mark, a time bettered by only a few in history. She crossed the finish line in 63:04—11 seconds shy of the world record. Her effort places her second on the all-time list, behind only the record set by Letesenbet Gidey in Valencia, in 2021.
Happy with her performance, Ngetich said that running fast early was a conscious decision to set her place in the race. “My goal was to push hard from the start, even with the rain,” she said to media post-race. “This race is special to me, and Valencia now holds a place in my heart.”
In the women’s race, Ethiopian Fotyen Tesfay and Kenya’s Lilian Rengeruk joined Ngetich on the podium with times of 1:03:21 and 1:03:32, respectively, moving them to the top ranks in women’s half-marathon history. Ngetich’s compatriot, Ejgayehu Taye, finished fourth in 1:04:14, earning her a spot in the top 10 all-time list on her half marathon debut.
Top women
Agnes Ngetich (KEN) 1:03:04
Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) 1:03:21
Lilian Kasait (KEN) 1:03:32
Ejgayehu Taye (ETH) 1:04:14
Tsigie Gebreselama (ETH) 1:05:18
Sheila Chelangat (KEN) 1:06:08
Jesca Chelangat (KEN) 1:06:13
Viola Chepngeno (KEN) 1:06:55
