Sifan Hassan wins Copenhagen Half-Marathon, sets new European record

In her first serious race over 13.1 miles, Sifan Hassan broke the European record, clocking a superb 65:15 at the Copenhagen Half Marathon!@cphhalf @SifanHassan @OregonPJT

REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/1YIzHwVtNM https://t.co/QzVtU693ut

— Fast Running (@FastRunning) September 16, 2018

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands has won the Copenhagen Half-Marathon in her half-marathon debut, setting a new European record with a time of 1:05:15. 

RELATED: European Championships: 5,000m runner stops early

It’s a phenomenal result for Hassan, who is coming off a second-place finish at Zurich Diamond League in the 5,000m on August 29, a gold medal in the same event at the European Championships on August 12, and a huge win in the 1,200m at London Diamond League in July.

New women’s European record for Sifan Hassan in Copenhagen half marathon this morning pic.twitter.com/O1AWhi20SI

— liz mccolgan (@Lizmccolgan) September 16, 2018

Ababel Yeshaneh Brihane of Ethiopia finished second, in 1:05:46, and Joan Chelimo Melly of Kenya was third, in 1:06:15.

Sifan Hassan's splits in the Copenhagen Half Marathon:

5km 15:06
10km 30:37 (15:31)
15km 46:09 (15:32)
20km 61:56 (15:47)

Finishing time: 65:15! pic.twitter.com/WjdD6fssFi

— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) September 16, 2018

The men’s race was very close, with the top three all finishing in sub-60: Daniel Kipchumba of Kenya is the winner in 59:06. Hard on Kipchumba’s heels was Abrahm Kiptum in 59:09, with Jemal Yimer Mekonnen of Ethiopia in third, with 59:14.

Somehow found ourselves near the start of the Copenhagen half marathon pic.twitter.com/q4tf6l06OS

— Nick Wellings (@Nick_Wellings) September 16, 2018

Americans Galen Rupp and Jordan Hasay had been planning on running Copenhagen, but last week Rupp, who has been battling some soreness in his  decided to save himself for Chicago, and Hasay followed suit.