Kejelcha sets new men’s half marathon world record

VALENCIA,Spain: Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha etched his name into history on Sunday, breaking the men’s half marathon world record with a remarkable time of 57 minutes and 30 seconds at the Medio Maraton de Valencia in Spain. Kejelcha’s performance shaved a crucial one second off the previous record of 57:31, set by Kenya’s Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon in 2021.

Kejelcha, 27, entered the race with confidence, pacing strategically from the start. He stayed close to the pacemakers initially before making his decisive move around the three-kilometre mark. This was only his sixth attempt at the half marathon distance, adding to the significance of his achievement.

The Ethiopian standout, known for his world indoor mile record, outpaced Kenyan competitors Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Kipkoech to secure his historic victory. This latest milestone reinforces Kejelcha’s status as a force in distance running, adding yet another record to his illustrious career.(Reuters)