Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha sets new world half-marathon record in Valencia

Kejelcha's achievement shaved one second off the previous record, set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon three years ago, despite challenging wet conditions in the Spanish city.

Kejelcha, already known for his indoor mile world record set in Boston in 2019, expressed his satisfaction with the victory, stating, “This race wasn't easy. Today I told myself to do it in 57 minutes, and I saw from the clock on the lead car that it was possible, despite the rain. I wanted to break the world record and I'm really happy I did it.”

The 27-year-old Ethiopian also detailed the difficulties he faced during the race. "At 15km, I was confident and I thought I could get the record. But by 18km and 19km, I started to get nervous because the pace changed, so it was a big challenge. The rain and tight turns also made it difficult," he said. Kejelcha added, "The half-marathon world record was my dream and I beat it. I'm very happy."

Kenyans Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi finished in second and third, clocking 58 minutes 17 seconds and 58 minutes 21 seconds, respectively. Mateiko's time marked a personal best, while Lasoi completed his fifth half-marathon of the season.

The two-time world indoor 3000-metre champion competed in the 10,000-metre final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he finished sixth.

His run in Valencia marked his sixth appearance over the distance.