Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha Sets New Half Marathon World Record
In a remarkable display of endurance and speed, Ethiopian athlete Yomif Kejelcha has shattered the half marathon world record by finishing the race in a time of 57 minutes and 30 seconds during the Valencia Half Marathon on October 27, 2024. This achievement comes just two weeks after Ruth Chepngetich's impressive performance in the women's marathon in the same city. Kejelcha's record-breaking time surpasses the previous record of 57:31 set by Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda in 2021, marking a significant milestone in long-distance running.
Kejelcha faced challenging conditions during the race, including rain and a lack of pacemakers after just three kilometers. Despite these obstacles, he managed to maintain a competitive pace, running the first kilometer in an impressive 2 minutes and 44 seconds. By the halfway point, he was slightly behind the record pace, but a decisive sprint at kilometer 15 allowed him to pull ahead of his competitors. He crossed the finish line alone, just one second ahead of the previous record, with Kenyan Daniel Mateiko finishing almost a minute later at 58:17.
Reflecting on his achievement, Kejelcha expressed immense joy and relief, stating, "The half marathon record was my dream and I have achieved it. I have lowered my personal record in Valencia and now I have achieved the world record." He acknowledged the difficulties posed by the rainy conditions but remained focused on his goal, even as doubts crept in during the latter stages of the race.
Agnes Ngetich Shines in Women's Race
In the women's category, Agnes Ngetich also delivered a stellar performance, finishing with the second-fastest time in history for a debut half marathon, although she did not secure a world record. Ngetich's determination and speed were evident, and she expressed pride in her achievement, stating, "It was not a mistake to run the first 10K very fast; it was done with care to try to win in Valencia."
Marc Roig, coach of the elite category, praised the event's organization and the athletes' performances despite the challenging weather, highlighting that breaking a world record is a rare occurrence. He noted the historical significance of Valencia as a venue for record-breaking performances, emphasizing the overall success of the event.
Kejelcha's victory adds to his impressive athletic resume, which includes a Diamond League win and multiple indoor world championships. At just 27 years old, he continues to be a formidable competitor in long-distance events, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
